Vacation Scheme Student Review

The Scheme contained a series of events, ranging from socials - including with partners - to panels and seminars on a wide variety of topics. These were most concentrated in the first week, but also spread throughout. These events gave great insight into HSF's goals and values, and allowed me to get to know many members of the firm. Aside from these events, on a day-to-day basis, I was assigned work by each of my supervisors, and in some cases by my trainee buddies. I was able to ask for additional work if I felt I had additional capacity. The work I completed was extremely interesting and was all "real work" rather than tasks merely contrived for the sake of assessment. This gave me a very fine-grained look into an HSF trainee's day-to-day.

I have improved my legal research skills from almost none - as a non-law student - to having considerable confidence with using legal research tools and with interpreting UK and EU legislation. My soft skills have also dramatically improved, and I feel much more confident about working in this kind of environment and the interpersonal activities involved therein.

The social events and seminars gave a clear look into the firm's structure and potential career paths within it. There was also a wealth of practical information on the pathway to becoming and working as a HSF trainee.

The company culture was fantastically friendly and approachable. Even the firm's CEO was easy-going and fun to talk to. That said, the professionalism of the employees was also flawless. The atmosphere in each workday was one of relaxed collegiality and cooperation towards the firm's goals, without a feeling of competition between employees.

I enjoyed this experience immensely and will be absolutely over the moon if I receive a TC from HSF.

Yes

Stay as relaxed as possible for the assessment centre: the partners aren't trying to catch you out, but rather to coach good answers, so stay calm and take the constructive feedback they give as direction for the rest of your activity. Don't be afraid to ask for time to think: I did this at various points during the AC, and it came off as thoughtful and wise rather than unprepared. Finally, take extra care for your "why law?" and "why HSF?" answers: I was told that mine were lacking in specificity.