Insight Day Review

The insight was extremely enjoyable - a variety of activities were organised throughout the two days. On the first evening, we had dinner and drinks with members of the firm at all levels of seniority, all of whom were friendly, approachable, and willing to share their experience and advice.

I felt very valued, as did everyone else I got to know there. I felt that I was in an environment that genuinely cared about all the people there. Ultimately, I feel as though I have been encouraged to apply for a vacation scheme at the firm, as my contributions and ideas were respected by everyone I met.

As already mentioned, I received a lot of help and advice from everyone involved in the scheme: from the graduate recruiters, through to the trainees, associates, and up to the partners I met, everyone was willing to lend their time and their expertise.

Overall, I have left the insight scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills feeling much more motivated and excited about a career in law. I now know a lot more about the everyday work undertaken by their lawyers, and I now feel a lot more informed and ready to apply for vacation schemes in commercial law.

The scheme was very well structured - there was a clear plan for both days, with a variety of different activities, from workshops, to talks from partners, to drinks and dinner with the employees. The graduate recruitment team clearly put a lot of effort into giving us a well-rounded view of the firm, and I was impressed with the different events.

The atmosphere was incredibly friendly - something which I would not immediately expect from a top law firm. As mentioned above, everyone I met was very willing to help and share their advice. The firm had an atmosphere of innovation and forward-thinking, full of very intelligent but ultimately down-to-earth, friendly people.

Even though the insight scheme only lasted for two days, I feel that I have developed skills relevant to a career in law. The firm organised two useful workshops which allowed us to work on our problem-solving skills, and on the second day we worked one-to-one with a current trainee solicitor, allowing us to see their day-to-day work. I have left feeling as though Herbert Smith Freehills is a firm that values each individual.

I have left with a lot more knowledge about the life of a City lawyer than I had when I arrived. As mentioned before, being able to sit with a current trainee and observe their work was enormously beneficial.

I feel that the scheme reflected the overall values and culture of the firm. I am now equipped with a well-rounded view of what I perceive as a hard-working, committed, but ultimately friendly team of people.

Very valuable. I was already set on a career in a City law firm before I went, but this insight definitely highlighted the differences between firms and their cultures and has given me a lot to think about.

Our travel expenses are being reimbursed. We were also put up in a top hotel for the night, courtesy of the firm.

Yes - on the first night there was a networking event with free food and drink, where trainees, associates, partners, and the graduate recruiters all shared their experience and advice with us.

Very helpful and informative.

Yes - we were told about many of the different networks within the firm and also the pro bono work their lawyers can get involved with.

Absolutely.