First Year Workshop Review

by Herbert Smith Freehills

Rating

4.8/5
  • Skills
    4.8
  • Business Insight
    5.0
  • Culture
    4.7
  • Your Impressions
    4.7

    Overview

  • 1. Please give an overview of the virtual experience and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
  • Throughout this two-day programme, we attended virtual presentations from different departments at HSF, namely disputes, corporate and ProBono. We worked alongside peers in a mediation negotiation workshop, which was oversaw by a trainee solicitor; this was well organised and gave a real insight into the ADR department. There was plenty of opportunities to network with trainees and associates from many departments. We had a chocolate making social on zoom, paid for by HSF.


    Skills

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have strengthened my negotiation skills in a commercial capacity from the mediation workshop as well as picking up the ability to collaborate with peers, only meeting them a few moments prior. Further, after the advocacy presentation, I was able to understand how a solicitor advocate can be best prepared for their role and what it takes to effectively advocate in court.


  • How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
  • 5/5

  • How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
  • 5/5

  • How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
  • 4/5

  • Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
  • 5/5

    Business Insight

  • 3. What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
  • It was extremely insightful to learn specifically about an associate's daily roles at HSF across the different departments. The presentations and networking were well organised, structured and clear, making it easier to digest complex legal roles and understand what is expected of a commercial solicitor. The passion from associates, namely from the associates delivering the 'ProBono at HSF' presentation and 'ADR workshop', really shone through, which made the talks more engaging and pleasant.


  • Please rate how insightful you found the virtual experience
  • 5/5

  • How would you rate the structure of the virtual experience
  • 5/5

  • How would you rate business leader involvement during the virtual experience
  • 5/5

    Culture

  • 4. What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
  • Very friendly and the right mix between formal and informal; everyone at all levels who spoke to us exemplified that HSF is a considerate and amiable firm.


  • How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
  • 5/5

  • How would you rate the networking opportunities?
  • 5/5

  • Please rate how valued you felt during your virtual experience?
  • 4/5

    Your Impressions

  • 5. To what extent did you enjoy the virtual experience?
  • I very much enjoyed the virtual experience and would highly recommend to anyone with any interest in a city firm and commercial law. Even though it was online, there were efforts made to allow us to meet other peers and engage in the social activity, creating a light-hearted atmosphere.


  • Please rate your level of enjoyment on the virtual experience
  • 5/5

  • Please rate how your experience met your expectations
  • 5/5

  • Please rate the future employment prospects at Herbert Smith Freehills
  • 4/5

  • 7. Would you recommend Herbert Smith Freehills to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 8. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Herbert Smith Freehills
  • Before starting the written applications, do some research about deals HSF have been involved in from the new. If there have been any that have sparked an interest, even from a few years ago, speak about that in the application for why you are interested in learning more about the firm.


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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

Commercial Law

West Midlands

April 2021


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