Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed my three weeks at Herbert Smith Freehills. I was given plenty of challenging and interesting work from various members of the firm. Just as importantly, there was a very welcoming atmosphere throughout the vacation scheme, allowing me to make the most of my time at the firm and learn as much as possible.

It was fantastic to be given challenging tasks that clearly related to the work of the firm. I felt genuinely useful throughout the three weeks. Additionally, a range of seminars and social events showed the firm's interest in informing us about legal practice and getting to know us better.

During each of my seats, I was assigned a supervisor and a trainee buddy. This allowed me to settle in very quickly and ask any initial questions about the firm or the vacation scheme. My supervisors made sure that I did not run out of work to do and consistently gave me useful feedback on my completed tasks. My trainee buddies were also an invaluable source of advice.

The vacation scheme gave me an insight into the nature of life as a city solicitor. In particular, it advanced my time management skills and my ability to keep track of multiple tasks at once. When I finished the scheme, I felt that I had a much stronger understanding of how law works in practice, which will be invaluable when I begin my Graduate Diploma in Law.

At the beginning of the vacation scheme, we were given a comprehensive timetable for the three weeks ahead. There were plenty of scheduled events and we were also reminded of these by email during the vacation scheme. The structure of each day was very clearly laid out - I always knew where I had to be and when I had to be there.

One of my favourite things about Herbert Smith Freehills was the office's friendly atmosphere. I felt comfortable chatting to members of the firm and was given plenty of opportunities to do so. In particular, the social events held during the vacation scheme were really good fun and it was easy to relax around my fellow vacation scheme students, the Graduate Recruitment team and anyone else who came along.

A series of seminars was provided for us, focusing on the different practices within the firm. This broadened my knowledge of the many different areas of focus within an international law firm. Additionally, we took part in a workshop focusing on negotiation skills, which was enjoyable, well taught and gave me an insight into various ways of approaching negotiations.

I was given a significant insight into work and life as a lawyer at Herbert Smith Freehills. In particular, my supervisors and trainee buddies made a real effort to explain their work or directly involve me in their various tasks. The friendly atmosphere of the firm helped me to understand what it would be like to be a permanent part of such a large global community.

We were given plenty of information about the way in which the firm sees itself, its priorities and its values. My understanding of the firm's culture was also enhanced by observing and participating in the work of the firm. By the end of the vacation scheme, I felt that I understood the culture of the firm to a far more significant extent than research alone had allowed.

The vacation scheme confirmed my desire to become a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills. My three weeks at the firm were interesting, fulfilling and truly enjoyable, making my decision in terms of a career path easy.

I was adequately paid during my time at the firm.

The range of seminars and social events held during the vacation scheme provided a huge number of opportunities to meet members of the firm. The welcoming nature of the firm meant that I felt comfortable meeting people outside of scheduled networking events. For example, if I mentioned that I was interested in a particular area of work undertaken by the firm, efforts were made to introduce me to a member of the firm who specialised in that area.

Members of the firm gave me plenty of information about activities that they can do outside of work, such as helping at legal advice clinics or competing in sports against other firms.

Definitely. I would recommend this insight to anyone considering a career in commercial law.