Insight Workshop Review

Not only was it incredibly well organised, but the staff were welcoming, friendly and set up a trip up the Shard in London on the first night, allowing all the individuals to get to know each other and ask any questions about the firm that they may not have at first felt comfortable asking. The corporate workshop on the second day really helped me in the way I think about the Law. The exercise involved us splitting into four groups, two of which were the buyers, and two of which were the sellers. We had some notes and had to argue to try and settle the deal. Whilst preparing, I learnt many valuable skills and points of law which I had not discovered before.

As soon as I walked in I felt like part of the firm. They had name badges ready for us all and a continental breakfast laid out. We were presented with a timetable for the two days, so we knew exactly what we were doing. At lunch time, we had the chance to speak to other trainees about their experience and ask for advice on any issues we had about training contracts, vacation schemes and working in the real world. Each person I spoke to was open and honest, giving me detailed explanations to my queries, making me feel important and valued.

We were firstly provided with timetables so we knew exactly what was happening over the two days, then during workshops, there was always a trainee or partner around to help with any questions and give us advice on our arguments and point of law. The partners and trainees guided us all on issues to do with working in a law firm and working in particular departments. The graduate recruitment team were fantastic!

It helped me to understand what each department within the company did, by introducing an exercise where groups of three moved around tables which had a partner and trainee sat on, who told us about the department, the work involved and the types of cases they work on. This helped me to decide what areas of law I would most like to work in. It also helped me decide whether a move to the City of London is for me, and how proud I would be to work in such a globally renowned company as HSF.

Excellent! Even though I was only there for a period of two days, I had the chance to ask all the questions I wished to, and take part in some thoroughly interesting opportunities.

There wasn't any points where I was sat there thinking I was bored or not enjoying myself, which made the atmosphere extremely positive and made me excited at the prospect of future employment with HSF.

They treated me extremely well, there was no expense spared to ensure that I thoroughly enjoyed myself and grasped an insight into what it was like to work for such a large firm.

I was able to shadow a trainee on the second day of the insight where I could look at their workload, the types of day to day tasks involved and ask what it was like to work at the firm. Within that department (Real Estate) the staff were all welcoming and friendly, so I knew if I had any queries they would have no problem in answering them.

I understood what the company stood for and their areas of expertise. It was nice to hear that many of the partners and senior associates had started out their career as a trainee for HSF. This must mean that the company is a valuable one to work for! The fact that many employees stayed later into the evening meant that they enjoyed working for the firm and were enthusiastic about the deals they needed to complete.

I was reimbursed for my travel costs and was also provided with accommodation on the first night in a beautiful London Hotel.

During lunch and on the first evening there was a chance to chat to employees about their work and also what it is like living in such a busy city as London.

On the first night, we were taken to the Shard and then out for food and drinks. Trainees and other members of staff came and this allowed us to talk to them and our fellow students.

I found out about a few activities such as dinners and activities abroad, but with such a fast paced environment the work seemed quite full on.

Such an incredible experience! It really gave me a fantastic insight into the world of work at this particular firm and the necessary requirements in order to become successful.