First Year Workshop Review

The first year workshop was such a great event; really well-organised with a variety of activities and lots of opportunities for insight into the firm and to network with current employees. All trainees were more than willing to chat to everyone and discuss their experiences and any tips and advice for applications and pursuing a legal career.

All employees, whether that be graduate recruitment staff, trainees, associates or partners made everyone feel very welcome. They were all extremely friendly and made us feel valued. Staff were keen to talk to students to hear about their motivations on pursuing a legal career, this made me feel very welcomed into the firm and its culture.

Since the insight was only two days there was not much need for too much guidance but on the tasks that did require us to work independently there was always a trainee to help out and provide support. For instance, we took park in an ADR workshop and a Corporate workshop which both included case studies; during these a trainee helped us to negotiate with other teams.

There was such valuable insight into the different departments and sectors which is profoundly useful for helping distinguish which areas of law interest me and what divisions I would consider pursuing in the future. The workshop also enhanced networking skills alongside legal knowledge and commercial awareness, the latter of which is particularly useful for my degree.

Extremely well-structured. There was a great variety in activities and each activity was clearly throughly thought out and planned as each was the right length and very engaging. The activities ranged from talks, such as talks on the advocacy group at HSF, pro bono work, and more, to teamwork activities.

The environment felt professional yet relaxed and informal. This made a comfortable environment which encouraged people to network and get to know each other. There was also a lot of opportunities to network with current employees in informal environments which made it easier to chat to them; this social event was great for this.

Since this was a short workshop there were not opportunities for training and development. But I received the impression that the training and development on vacation schemes is excellent. There was also emphasis within talks about the training employees receiving during their training contract and also beyond in further stages of their career.

Considering the event was only two days they did a really good job of providing sufficient insight into working at the firm. The second day included shadowing a trainee for a few hours during the afternoon; I found this incredible useful as have transparent, honest insight into what a job at HSF entails.

The values of HSF were clearly ingrained within the employees and were evident both through presentations within which they were emphasised as well as when networking with the trainees and associates. The culture is extremely diverse, inclusive, friendly and driven. I was given the impression that teamwork is a key aspect of work at the firm and everyone helps each other succeed.

I found the insight into the different divisions particularly useful, which was further enhanced by the opportunity to discuss these with trainees who have sat in the department and associates who are qualified in it. It is difficult to ascertain the nature of these departments online hence why talking with employees was so helpful.

Travel costs were reimbursed and accommodation was provided for the night between the two days.

There was plenty of opportunities for this. The most notable being the social event in the evening at a rooftop bar.

There was a social event at Boundary (a rooftop bar near shoreditch) which was a great event and a huge success amongst all attendees.

Some information provided on pro bono work but not as much provided about extra-curricular activities.

Most definitely.