Vacation Scheme Student Review

Each day, we would spend the majority of our time sharing an office with our assigned supervisor (usually Of Counsel or a Partner). We completed various tasks set by members of that group (one of which was assessed), attended internal and client meetings, and spoke with many members of the team to gain insight into the variety of work completed within each practice area. We also had the opportunity to attend interesting talks/events, such as practice area fairs, and to arrange coffees to speak to any members of the firm who's work particularly interested us. There were also numerous after work activities organised by the graduate recruitment team, including a formal dinner, a pasta making class, and a partner networking event.

Most definitely. The vacation scheme awarded me with the ability to develop skills within legal research, including navigating court cases and summarising judicial decisions. I also improved my ability to communicate complex legal concepts, for example in client letters and internal memos. Furthermore, the work experience allowed me to develop my networking skills, enabling me to practice building rapport with individuals of all ranks within the firm.

The firm went above and beyond in allowing us to gain insight into the potential roles available, and what it would be like to work at HSF. In addition to providing talks and Q&As detailing their diversity initiatives, wellbeing support, and what life as a trainee at the firm was like, we were also given the opportunity to speak to the firm's Executive Partner and CEO, and thus could ask questions about the firm's overall strategy. In regard to the potential roles available, not only were we able to spend time in two seats of our choosing, but also had the opportunity to attend two practice area fairs; this allowing us to hear about the realities of working across the firm in different sectors and practice areas.

The company was incredibly warm and welcoming, making all students feel at ease immediately. Everybody I spoke to was eager to provide advice or assistance, this even extending to multiple partners taking time out of their busy schedules to meet for coffee. We were also assigned a 'trainee buddy', who could provide us with reassurance and help, whenever we needed it. My supervisor and trainee buddy even took me out for lunch during my first week to make sure that I felt comfortable at the firm. I think this emphasises what a positive atmosphere and friendly open-door culture the firm has.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight as I found all members of the firm welcoming and supportive. I also found the work I completed fascinating and loved hearing about all the interesting cases and deals the firm was working on. The additional social events organised by the graduate recruitment team also helped me build good relationships with the other vacation scheme students and I particularly enjoyed pasta making and our dinner at 'The Drift'.

Yes

My advice to anybody applying to Herbert Smith Freehills would be to make sure you research the firm adequately and work out why you would want to work there specifically. The firm has lots of attributes making it unique and being able to identify these will aid you in justifying your application to them over other firms. I would also say don't be afraid to reach out for support and assistance. Everybody at the firm, from the future trainees to the partners, seems incredibly supportive and speaking to individuals with experience at the firm may help you in working out how to meet their criteria.