First Year Workshop Student Review

I enjoyed the insight very much. The sessions provided a wide variety of experiences, ranging from negotiations practices to informative Q & A sessions with partners, associates and trainees of selected divisions. The first day ended with a trip to the Shard Tower followed by a networking and drinks session at a nearby venue.

I felt very valued by the firm. What was evident from the very begininning was the emphasis on selecting and nurturing the best talent possible from a very early stage. The sessions undertaken during the First Year Workshop were indicative of that and so I felt valued in that sense.

During the work shadowing session on the second day, I felt that I was able to approach my trainee supervisor and ask her a multitude of questions ranging from the assignment with which I was tasked and her experience at Herbert Smith Freehills. I felt that I had a number of people to turn towards for questions and help.

The sessions included workshops on negotiations and alternative dispute resolutions as well as a talk concerning the firm's strategy and visions for the future. Thus, this helped me create a clear image of the firm as a whole, which also consolidated my desire to join a career at a top City law firm.

The insight was very well-structured, with a wide range of sessions showcasing a variety of information and skills desired by the law firm.

The general atmosphere was extremely friendly. I believe that many of the First Year students were able to comfortably talk and interact with the people at the firm regardless of their position. Furthermore, during my work shadowing session, I recognised the friendly and close relationships between the people, which helped in making Herbert Smith Freehills a very successful and cohesive firm as a result.

Whilst I was not able to experience of the training undertaken by the firm, I felt that the firm gave extensive coverage over the training and development of the trainees at a very early stage. There was a large focus on international and client secondments at the firm, which showcases the firm's desire to provide their people with a multitude of experiences which would help enhance their skills as a lawyer and advisor to clients.

Although we had the work shadowing opportunities during the afternoon of the second day, there was unfortunately a limited amount of work available for the student in the time constraint available. However, I was able to gain a good impression of working full0time at the firm through questioning my trainee supervisor as well as her colleagues.

The Workshop really did provide the students with an extensive insight into the company's culture, particularly with the focus on teamwork and good relationships both within the firm and with the clients.

At the time of the workshop, I had essentially decided to join a career at a top City law firm. The scheme, however, helped me to highlight Herbert Smith Freehills as an attractive firm to work for.

I was not paid or reimbursed, as I did not require any reimbursements.

Yes, there were many opportunities, both formal and informal, to network with the people at the firm.

The networking and social events opportunities were excellent and hugely impressive. The students on the trip to the Shard Tower were accompanied by some of the associates and partners from the firm, who later joined us for drinks at a nearby venue. Not only was it hugely impressive, but it showcased the willingness by Herbert Smith Freehills to attract the very best talents at a young age, as a large number of people were present to talk to us at the drinks session.

Yes. i found that the firm provides a number of social and sports opportunities outside work, ranging from pro bono work to sports teams.

I was extremely impressed by the firm in all of its aspects and so I would recommend this First-Year Workshop to anybody who is interested.