Student Review

The two-week Winter Vacation Scheme provided a thoroughly enjoyable insight into the inner workings of a global law firm.

The numerous extra-curricular events that Herbert Smith Freehills organise, as well as the trainee buddy that you are assigned, ensure you feel valued throughout the duration of the scheme,

Both my trainee buddy and the senior supervisor were always available were I to have any concerns or queries - be that work-related or about the firm itself.

The most important thing I learnt over the course of the scheme was what skills Herbert Smith Freehills valued in potential trainees, and the nature of work/lifestyle I can expect from a career as a coporate lawyer.

The scheme was well organised, combining a variety of different departmental presentations and extra-curricular events, such as a circus skills workshop and partner drinks reception.

Herbert Smith Freehills made every effort to ensure that the atmosphere amongst the vacation scheme students was relaxed and friendly and the same can be said regarding my interaction with associates of the firm in general.

Frrom the outset the firm emphasised the need to develop the sort of skills that would be useful for a career in law. The negotiation skills workshop just one example of this.

By splitting the scheme into two seats (in my case Corporate and Litigation), the firm provided a great insight into the "twin-engines" of the firm. On top of this, there were presentations on the various areas of the firm, to provide a feel for all the different sectors that you could work in should you join them as a trainee.

A personal highlight of my two weeks was the presentation by the (since retired) Senior Partner Jonathan Scott. His experiences, having watched the firm evolve over the course of his career, and his impression of the firm's culture were a valuable insight.

N/A.

I was paid.

Depending on your particular seat, there were a number of opportunities to meet other employees of the firm, as part of your involvement in "live" projects.

There were several organised drinks and receptions designed to help students integrate and meet people from all levels of the firm.

A introductory talk at the beginning explained in detail the extra-curricular opportunities for the firm's employees. The firm showed a high-level of commitment to the pro-bono projects available.

Yes, I would.