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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

Spring Vacation Scheme Review

at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

London

Review Submitted: April 2024

Overall Rating

5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Experience
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
There were a number of talks which were organised by Graduate Recruitment over the two weeks. These covered a wide range of topics and gave us an insight into the firm and the kind of work HSF does. On an average day there were approximately two events to attend during the day. The rest of the day involved completing tasks assigned to you by your supervisor. This could include conducting legal research, drafting research memos or client memos. There would also be time spent listening in on interesting meetings and calls.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was very interesting learning more about HSF and how they operate as a business. I had a good understanding of the roles available at the firm but it was interesting to interact with individuals from all areas and levels of the firm. For the two weeks you definitely felt as if you were part of the firm and everything was very friendly and welcoming. There were a number of talks put on which gave an insight into what your future at HSF would look like.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
The experience enhanced my communication skills as I would need to communicate to my supervisor or trainee how I was getting on with certain tasks or whether I was able to take on more work and it was important that I was communicating meaningfully and professionally.
This experience also strengthened my time management skills as I would need to be able to ensure I met my task according to their deadline whilst also making sure that I was engaging with the activities put on by the firm and networking.
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?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
It was a very warm and inclusive environment. People were very friendly and welcoming and often people would stop to chat and ask how you were getting on during the vacation scheme and took a genuine interest in you. People are often taking you to get a coffee and have a chat about the firm and their journey and both weeks I got taken for lunch by my supervisor and also those in my team.
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 insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the insight given. It was very interesting to learn more about the firm and their future plans and strategies. There was a lot of very interesting events which I attended and I was able to network with a number of people at the firm who were willing to answer questions that I had about the firm. Attending practice area fairs also allowed me to understand more about what potential training contract seat options were available.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid

Recommendations and Advice

Please rate the future employment prospects at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
5/5
Would you recommend Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Take a genuine interest in the firm. There are a number of events that the firm hosts so I would recommend attending those as you will be able to gain a great insight into the kind of work the firm does and hear more about what life at HSF is like. Additionally, there are also a number of reasons freely available online which provide great insights into HSF and outline what the firm is looking for in applicants.
In This Review
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