Disputes Open Day

Role Description

About You

1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

The Disputes Open Day was a uniquely insightful event and one I enjoyed thoroughly. I appreciated the fact that it was a day tailored to a specific part of the practice rather than being a general open day about everything the firm has to offer. I benefited from the in-depth insight provided.

5/5

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2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

As it was an Open Day and not a matter of spending two weeks, or even a few days with Herbert Smith Freehills, it is hard to give an appropriate response here. That we were invited, treated well, heard from very accomplished partners, associates, and trainees, and had the chance to network made me feel highly valued.

5/5

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3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

I felt adequately supported during the Disputes Open Day. I felt encouraged to ask any questions that occurred to me regarding each talk or discussion, along with any other questions I had about Herbert Smith Freehills in general. Not much more support or guidance was required for such a day.

4/5

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4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

I do not foresee the Disputes Open Day assisting in my degree studies in any sort of direct way. In terms of career development, however, the day provided great insight into the Disputes practice at Herbert Smith Freehills. I hope to use this insight to inform my application for a vacation scheme with the firm.

5/5

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The Company

5. How well structured was the insight?

The Disputes Open Day was packed full of events that did not overlap or prove repetitive. There were talks from different teams within the Disputes practice, a networking lunch, and a trainee panel. Each section provided an opportunity to get a different perspective on this part of Herbert Smith Freehills' offering.

5/5

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6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

The atmosphere during the Disputes Open Day was both professional and inviting. We were put at ease from the outset and had a chance to network with like-minded students from various universities. All the representatives from Herbert Smith Freehills were friendly and approachable as well, which fostered a great atmosphere.

5/5

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7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

Once again, it is hard to discuss this question in a meaningful way, because I spent such a limited time with Herbert Smith Freehills on the Disputes Open Day. That they host events to illuminate a specific part of the practice seems like a good indication of investment in applicants.

4/5

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8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?

The Disputes Open Day provided an excellent snapshot of what it would be like to work in the disputes practice at Herbert Smith Freehills. I had the chance to hear from trainees, associates, and partners about their roles on specific matters which was useful in understanding how matters come together.

5/5

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9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

As the Disputes Open Day was designed to shed light on the disputes practice at Herbert Smith Freehills, less emphasis was put on explicitly discussing the culture of the firm. However, the networking lunch provided a great opportunity to discuss firm culture with trainees, as did the trainee panel session.

4/5

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10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?

I must admit that I already had a pretty strong idea about my future career path in terms of working as a commercial solicitor. I also planned on applying for a vacation scheme with Herbert Smith Freehills, with an eye toward training with the firm. Attendance at this open day only deepened my resolve.

5/5

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Everything Else

11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

I will be reimbursed for the travel costs associated with my attendance on the Disputes Open Day. I appreciate that Herbert Smith Freehills covers reasonable travel expenses as this ensures that money is not a barrier to gaining exposure to the firm, allowing everyone to attend regardless of their financial circumstances.

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12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

The networking opportunities at the Disputes Open Day were somewhat limited because of the packed schedule on the day. Filling the day with talks was very informative and beneficial but I would have liked a bit more time to network apart from the lunch session. Perhaps an hour at the end of the event.

4/5

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13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

As above.

4/5

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14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

This was not a focus of the event.

3/5

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15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

I would definitely recommend applying to the Disputes Open Day or any other insight event run by Herbert Smith Freehills. In fact, I encouraged some friends to apply this year and was pleasantly surprised that a few of us had been invited to attend. I will be recommending attendance to my first-year mentees as well.

5/5

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