First Year Workshop Review

Item: First Year Workshop at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Rating: 4
Author: Anonymous

at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

4 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Experience

4/5 - Skills Development

4/5 - Company Culture

4/5 - Overall Experience

4/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.

On the first day of the Herbert Smith Freehills insight scheme, we were introduced to some of the firm’s notable cases and the disputes involved, followed by a technical thinking workshop and a hands-on session in dispute resolution. We also received tailored application advice for future schemes. On the second day, we attended a practice area fair where we spoke to trainees across departments, asked about their application journeys, and spent the day shadowing a trainee to experience their daily work firsthand.

What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?

It was exciting and refreshing to learn about the wide range of roles available across HSF’s practice areas. Each one offered something unique, and it was clear from speaking to trainees that every seat brought new challenges and learning opportunities. Their experiences showed how the firm supports continuous growth and development, which made the idea of working at HSF even more appealing.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

4/5

How would you rate the structure of the insight

4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

During the insight, I developed a sharper attention to detail, a skill that proved crucial during the dispute resolution and technical thinking workshops. While it may seem cliché, I realised how essential it is to read between the lines and pick up on subtle information when tackling issues. This experience helped me appreciate the importance of precision and critical thinking in resolving complex disputes effectively.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

4/5

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

4/5

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

4/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight

4/5

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

The culture at HSF felt incredibly welcoming and supportive. Despite the hierarchical structure, everyone from senior lawyers to trainees was very approachable and eager to help. It was clear that collaboration was deeply valued, with trainees feeling comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. During my work shadowing experience, I saw firsthand how this close-knit and respectful environment contributes to both personal growth and the high standard of work produced across the firm.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

4/5

How would you rate the networking opportunities?

4/5

Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?

4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight experience at HSF. It was incredibly informative and gave me a clearer understanding of the firm and its work. I particularly valued the work shadowing experience, which offered a realistic glimpse into the day-to-day life of a trainee. The workshops were also a highlight, as they sharpened my legal thinking and taught me the importance of attention to detail when approaching complex issues, further strengthening my interest in pursuing a legal career at HSF.

Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight

4/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

4/5

Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

I was reimbursed expenses

Recommendations and Advice

Please rate the future employment prospects at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

4/5

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

My advice for anyone applying to HSF is to be specific, genuine, and reflective. Tailor your answers closely to the firm. This could be done by mentioning particular cases or practice areas that interest you and explaining why. Avoid generic responses; make your application authentically yours by showing how your personal experiences, values, and insights align with HSF’s culture and work. Highlight qualities or skills you’ve developed that make you a strong fit, and clearly demonstrate what you can contribute to the firm.

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