RateMyPlacement and RateMyApprenticeship are now Higherin: Learn More

Higherin
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

Vacation Scheme Student Review

at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: July 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.
On a day-to-day basis, I was given hands-on work relevant to the matters happening within the team. Regular presentations throughout the 3-week scheme provided a wider insight into the firm, such as its diversity networks. We were given the opportunity to engage with the whole firm and witness client interactions through team meetings.
Several events and socials were also organised, enabling networking opportunities to build relationships within the firm and within the vacation scheme cohort.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Understanding wider parts of the firm and the various qualification routes was enlightening and inspiring. From witnessing the work during seat rotations and then from presentations about recent deals and the options for trainees, I gained a thorough appreciation for the various seats and business structure. Furthermore, I was able to experience the firm's culture and values. The scheme provided a clear and comprehensive picture of what a future career with them would be like and how to navigate my professional journey.
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?
I have developed my attention to detail by researching unique solutions and enhanced my legal writing abilities by drafting research notes. Moreover, I refined my legal research skills by working on numerous tasks across both seats, applying an in-depth analysis of legislation and current commercial guidance.
Working alongside different teams further highlighted the importance of teamwork skills and the ability to communicate findings succinctly. Furthermore, the exposure during the seat rotations and Law Fair broadened my legal understanding and aided my identification of particular interests.
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?
The atmosphere throughout the three weeks was inclusive and welcoming. Both teams I sat in were positive and collaborative, willing to support you and get you involved in current matters. The firm's commitment to quality and excellence was inspiring, which motivated me to strive for the best when undertaking my tasks. Moreover, the firm emphasises the importance of providing a balance between professional and personal lives, recognising their genuine care for employee well-being and productivity.
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 thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme, both intellectually and in terms of getting to know the firm in more depth. The scheme was highly rewarding and fulfilling when undertaking tasks for both seats. This practical experience was invaluable in deepening my legal knowledge and confirmed even further my desire for a legal career. Moreover, working within an inclusive environment and collaborating on matters such as the group presentation was a particular highlight. Overall, the scheme enabled me to explore the various practice areas and gain a deeper understanding of the firm. Overall, the scheme enabled me to explore the various practice areas and gain a deeper understanding of the firm.
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
Before applying, I would advise thoroughly researching the firm to understand its practice areas, recent cases, and values. This will not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also highlight whether it is the right firm for you. Moreover, before the assessment centre, although there are aspects you can't prepare for, there are many you can, where you can practice key points you want to include beforehand. Additionally, be up to date with commercial news, even that published the morning of the interview, as this is not only important for the interview but will aid your understanding of client cases.
In This Review
Join Now

Join the Higherin Community

Save Time

Easily add jobs from Higherin or external platforms to keep everything organised.

Personalised Alerts

Get tailored job recommendations and updates straight to your inbox.

Exclusive Features

Access tools like application tracking, deadline reminders, and saved searches.

Stay Ahead

Be the first to know about the latest opportunities and deadlines.

Completely Free

Create an account and unlock powerful features at no cost.