Future Trainee at HSF Review

I really enjoyed the placement. Everyone that I encountered was friendly, from Partners of Trainees - they were all willing to discuss point of law with me, which was particularly useful as I am a non law student. The atmosphere among the Vac Schemers was also very good, there was no sense of competition, and everyone was friendly and interested in getting to know one another. The scheme was very well organised, it was clear where and when we were meant to be at presentations, and I was given enough work not to be bored, but was not overloaded.

The tasks that I was given were tasks that needed to be done by either myself of the trainee, therefore, I did feel valued because I knew my work was useful, not just a means of taking up my time. I was treated like a future trainee rather than as a student which was good.

We had presentations once or twice a day about the different departments within HSF and about what would be expected of a trainee, so guidance about our application for a training contract was very good. Guidance about the Vacation Scheme was also good, this was mostly provided by our supervisor, or the trainee we were working with.

Given that it was only two weeks, I don't feel like I gained many further skills, but I had ample opportunity to practise skills I already had. Simple tasks, like sending an email to a supervisor and networking over lunch, occurred on a daily basis and it was great to have the opportunity to give these proper practise.

It was very well structured. We received a booklet on the first day with information about all our commitments over then weeks, such as presentations and evening activities, so it was easy to organise the work for our supervisors around this.

The atmosphere was good. As I said, the relationship between the students was not competitive and everyone was friendly. Likewise, lawyers and HR staff at HSF were also patience, friendly and encouraging.

They spent time explaining the basics so that we could complete the tasks they required, which was excellent. They also put on a negotiation workshop on the Friday afternoon, which was a good insight into the type of extra training the firm provides for Trainees.

Very well, the tasks we were given were real tasks, and I had ample time to talk to Trainees about their experience.

Again, it was good. Doing the Vacation Scheme over Christmas allowed us to attend some Christmas functions, which gave a good insight into how the firm understands the importance of enjoying your time at work. But it was also evident that hard work was a pre-requisite of having a job at such an excellent firm.

The Vacation Scheme was very useful, I decided to apply for a Training Contract.

I was paid £350 a week

Yes, a couple of christmas events, a drinks reception with partners, and several lunches with people from our departments.

They were enjoyable and useful to hear about life at the firm.

Yes, while we were there we received emails to office staff about yoga lessons in the office and other Pro Bono activities, which was insightful.

Definitely.