Vacation Scheme Student Review

I sat in two seats (one in disputes and the other transactional), each with a senior associate. I was involved in a range of tasks from taking minutes during client meetings to drafting advice notes for clients. The work was challenging but immensely rewarding. I also participated in the sessions organized by graduate recruitment. These events gave valuable wider insights into the firm, I particularly enjoyed the practice area fairs and pro-bono talks.

Yes, I learned how to draft documents such as legal opinions, letters to opposing counsel, and advice notes in a professional and concise manner. I also developed new skills such as learning how to redline documents. I also became more familiar with key transaction documents such as shareholders' agreements and warrant deeds.

During conversations with my supervisors and individuals from across the firm, I was able to learn about how HSF worked as a business and its ambitions for the future. By having coffee chats with a wide cross-section of individuals from the firm, I was able to form a comprehensive and detailed understanding of what it's like to work at HSF.

HSF stands out for its exceptionally inclusive and welcoming culture. All the individuals I spoke with during my time there went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and were ready to answer all the questions I had.

I enjoyed the insight immensely and would greatly recommend it to any aspiring lawyers.

Yes

Start your application early (ideally the summer before applications open). Review your draft thoroughly and ensure that it's structured and flows well. Make sure you try your hand at any practice tests available to you for the SJT and Watson Glaser components (your university careers service should be useful in this regard).