First Year Workshop Participant Review

Everything possible was done in order to help first year workshop participants enjoy their time and focus on the company, and the extent to which we had been invested in by people throughout the company was made clear by the large number of trainees, associates, and partners who gave up parts of their day to run workshops, answer our questions, and show us around.

All the first year workshop participants were provided with every possible convenience: our hotel was within easy walking distance of the office and meals and transport were provided. The itinerary for our two days had clearly been meticulously prepared so we had the opportunity to get to know each other, hear about both the daily life and big-picture goals of the firm, and then test it out ourselves. All of that made it evident that we were being truly invested in.

We were given a very good mix of support during the activities, including a general introduction with instructions and then smaller supervised group discussions of the workshops before we applied what we'd learned in teams. During the trainee-shadowing afternoon, we were given more of a chance to do some actual work, but always had someone we could ask for help.

As a law student hoping to become a solicitor, I felt that I benefited quite a bit from doing an alternative dispute resolution workshop and a corporate workshop--both gave me an insight into how to apply not just legal knowledge but also useful skills like sound arguments or quick analysis of the main issues. Hearing about the firm itself on a global scale and in terms of future goals gave me a clearer picture of what Herbert Smith Freehills is looking for in people and why, as well as which opportunities that I consider most important in a workplace.

The two-day workshop was smoothly structured, with a general introduction to the firm and to the rest of the group before more substantial activities followed. Every part of the day had its own thought-out structure as well, and the clear explanations and outlines of our day made it impossible to feel lost or confused.

Everyone we met was lovely, honest, and willing to answer questions of volunteer information that they thought might be useful. Additionally, the workshop group was spirited, social, and intelligent, making for a very positive two days.

A huge number of people were involved in giving us information about the workshops we participated in, and then were available to discuss strategy and answer any questions before finally supervising the outcome and giving feedback.

The opportunity to shadow a trainee, as well as to question people from various departments about their daily work and the timelines on their projects gave us as full an insight into life at the firm as is possible within two days.

Every person who spoke to us explained the culture of the firm overall, as well as the micro-cultures within each department and the drive that connects all the offices together. There was a distinct focus on what the firm's culture was, and how that effected things like client relations, internal systems, and long-term expansion goals.

Travel expenses are reimbursed within a reasonable amount, and there is no need to pay for food or lodging during the workshop.

Yes, including a trip to the Shard and dinner at a restaurant by London Bridge. The genuine interest and relaxed demeanour of everyone I spoke to helped me feel comfortable and allowed me to ask questions about the specific experiences of quite a few employees, who were happy to share and to offer advice.

Everyone had a lovely time at the Shard and at the restaurant, where we found plenty of opportunity to speak to people from Herbert Smith Freehills as well as to get to know each other.

Yes. In fact, they were included explicitly as one of the things the firm prides itself on, from group hobbies to law-related pro bono opportunities.

Definitely! It's a lovely opportunity to learn about the firm first-hand, and to experience the culture in order to decide if you would fit in. Just as importantly, spending time at Herbert Smith Freehills will make it clear that the firm is invested in and made wonderful by its people, allowing you to put a human face to a global firm.