Insight day Review

I enjoyed the insight a lot because it was useful in helping me gauge whether or not Herbert Smith Freehills would be a law firm that I would be interested in applying to. The workshops and the work shadowing were the most enjoyable elements of the insight as they gave you the most hands on approach.

I felt valued because it was clear that a lot of thought and timing had been put into the workshop and accommodating those on it. The graduate recruiters were extremely helpful and welcoming. The trainee that I shadowed was very interesting and made sure that we were engaged and gave us a really good insight to the firm.

The most useful guidance was given from talks such as applications and interviews as this is the most directly relevant area at this point in time. Speaking to the trainee that I shadowed was incredibly useful in regard to getting guidance into applying to a city law firm and I could ask questions as they came to me.

I think that my networking skills are always developed from insight schemes such as these as you meet new people. This is particularly useful skill in all areas of life. We worked in teams during the workshop which helped developing teamwork skills alongside the skill that the workshop was specifically designed to improve. These skills are transferable and will help me as I continue to look for a career.

The insight was incredibly well structured. As soon as we came there it went smoothly with a nice set up in the room that we were working in. The timetable was clearly ran through at the beginning and presented in our booklets. It was adhered to almost perfectly and any changes were clearly communicated to us.

The atmosphere was very friendly. The people who work at Herbert Smith Freehills were all very welcoming and made us feel welcome and able to ask questions in order to make the most of our time there. The people that I was on the workshop with were also really nice to meet and interact with which helped make the experience enjoyable.

I think the insight days are investments in themselves. They made the day as accessible as possible to facilitate those who had been chosen to attend.

The work shadowing, workshops and trainee panel were incredibly useful in giving insight as to what it would be like to have a role in the firm. Speaking honesty with those who had recently been in a similar position to you fostered honesty which provided me with greater insight. I feel as though it would be a stimulating place to work.

The insight gave me a clear insight into the culture of the company. The office tour and work shadowing as well as speaking to a wide range of individuals helped me see what kind of atmosphere and culture is cultivated there and picture whether I could see myself working and fitting in with it.

Both insight days were valuable in helping me decide a bit more the path that I might take in regard to my future career. Asking how people found there work and what they did allowed me to assess whether it measured up to the things that I also enjoyed and was interested in. Practical elements of the day were the most useful in this aspect.

I have sent my travel expenses to have them reimbursed. I have not received them yet but it is still within the six week period they prescribe.

There were lots of opportunities to network with other employees, not just lawyers but also graduate recruitment. There was even a specified event in the evening designed for networking with employees. The only drawback was that after workshops or panels the speakers often did not stay to network with but this is understandable.

The main social opportunity was a three hour evening networking event. This was enjoyable and in a lovely location. That atmosphere was fairly relaxed but there was no change of clothes so still seemed slightly formal. I unfortunately arrived late due to personal unexpected circumstances and was not able to make as much from it as I had hoped but enjoyed the time that I could spend there.

Unfortunately, asides from pro bono which could largely be considered to be work related we did not find out about any outside activities that employees can get involved in asides from Christmas and Summer parties. One thing that was interesting however was the support that a trainee mentioned in regard to her professional rugby playing.

Any insight day is very useful as you can gauge the culture of the firm and gain more knowledge into the world of a global law firm. Therefore I would recommend it to a friend. I think the work shadowing is particularly useful and makes me more likely to recommend this workshop.