First Year Workshop Attendee Review

Known for its strength in dispute resolution and litigation, HSF highlighted its double-engine model by showcasing its strong corporate and dispute teams. It was extremely useful for me to learn about the firm in such depth and the people I met throughout the programme were all exceptionally nice. Both practical skills and personal skills were acquired.

In the evening networking session on Day 1, we were invited to a modern rooftop bar which was packed with trainees, associates of all levels and partners. The fact that all members of HSF were willing to take away their precious time to meet with first-year students and to discuss various issues in great details was most encouraging, and allowed me to realise how much the firm cares about us and values us.

The different workshops were paired with introductions to the areas of practice, as well as instructions on how to perform well during these exercises. As a first-year student, the design of the programme allowed us to learn the most and supported me greatly in terms of applying to the firm or the industry again in the future.

Having been to a commercial awareness workshop held by HSF before, I fully appreciated the extra depth and details that a first-year workshop brought to me. I think that many of the skills may be overlooked by students who may not be aware of the nuanced difference between the study and practice of law, especially in terms of advocacy, commercial negotiations and application of different areas of law.

The programme included shadowing, introductions, workshops and networking. All of the events complemented each other and were well introduced through the timetable in the booklet. The time management was good and we were always on top of our time, allowing us to learn a variety of skills and obtain a wide spectrum of experiences.

The most striking feature of HSF was definitely the friendliness of the people. I absolutely agree that the people make the place. HSF exemplifies that completely. Not only is it a hub for talented legal practitioners, it is also filled with friendly, helpful and genuine lawyers who make the atmosphere of the scheme very enjoyable.

The firm provided us with many opportunities to learn about skills necessary in becoming a good solicitor. Examples include commercial negotiation and advocacy, as well as general commercial awareness with relation to corporate deals. Information about different sectors were presented to us too. Seeing that all of these workshops were delivered by industry professionals including partners and senior associates, I can confirm that the firm is very heavily invested in its training, even in just prospective applicants.

The most useful part of the workshop which allowed me to gain insight into a full-time role in the company was the shadowing of a trainee. By sitting with a trainee, I came to know the nature of his work and the scope of his duties. Looking at the interaction between him and his supervising partner, I also learnt about the working atmosphere which was very personal.

All the lawyers, from trainees to associates or partners, were very friendly in Herbert Smith Freehills, answering any questions we had or just generally offering a lot of insight into the job. This allowed me to understand the culture of the firm. In particular, it is very humane and enjoyable and I understood that the fee structure which allows partners to share their profits contributed greatly to sustaining the harmonizing environment.

The insight day allowed me to obtain first hand understanding of the work of a lawyer by various group tasks and programmes. I think that this is very useful and allowed me to determine what I want to become in the future, especially since Herbertt Smith Freehills offers a dual-engine model with strong litigation and commercial practices.

There are many networking opportunities on both days and this allowed me to converse with people from different layers in the practice of the firm. During lunchtime, office tours or after workshops in between breaks, we would all be given the opportunity to talk to the associates and to network with them.

By networking with the associates of the firm, I got to understand whether I would fit into the culture of the firm. Furthermore, I obtained the contacts of many associates, which allows me to build lasting relationships with them or approach them with my questions in later parts of my career.

Seeing that this was not only a very good opportunity to understand the legal career but also to make friends and build connections, I would definitely recommend this workshop to a friend and I would advise them to make the most out of the workshop in order to benefit from it.