Whether you’re looking to apply for a training contract at HSF or are curious about the firm’s vacation schemes, this guide is your go-to resource for all the key information you need. You’ll gain insight into the firm’s rich history, culture, and the competitive edge that makes Herbert Smith Freehills a distinguished name in the legal arena.
Make sure to boost your chances of success by crafting a flawless legal CV and a personalized cover letter.
What is the Herbert Smith Freehills Training Contract?
The Herbert Smith Freehills training contract is a comprehensive two-year program designed to develop skills across various legal practice areas. You’ll embark on a dynamic two-year journey where you’ll hone your legal expertise across various practice areas. You’ll tackle real client work, rotating through four six-month seats that include corporate and dispute resolution. Expect to delve into secondments, with over 90% of trainees experiencing this globally or with clients, enriching your understanding of finance, real estate, or specialized fields like employment law.
Don’t forget to check out our detailed training contract deadlines calendar.
Herbert Smith Freehills Training Contract Requirements
Herbert Smith Freehills looks for the following in their training contract candidates:
- Exceptional individuals eager to excel in the legal field.
- A diverse academic background; a law degree is not mandatory.
- Skills such as perceptiveness, empathy, and diligence beyond academic achievements.
The firm seeks individuals who are motivated and resonate with its values, encouraging applicants to be genuine and to demonstrate how their experiences align with the firm’s ethos.
What is the Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Scheme
Herbert Smith Freehills offers vacation schemes that serve as an immersive introduction to the firm’s environment and the role of a trainee associate. These schemes are designed for graduates or those in their penultimate or final year of university. When participating in a vacation scheme, you can expect to:
- Work closely with experts in the field and handle real projects, which will give you a taste of the day-to-day life of a trainee associate at Herbert Smith Freehills.
- Receive compensation for your work, with the expectation of a commitment of at least 35 hours per week and a pay of £500 per week.
- Gain exposure to the firm’s practices by sitting in the same room as a Partner or Senior Associate, working on actual cases for clients, and participating in various workshops and presentations.
These vacation schemes are a crucial stepping stone, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the legal profession and life at a global law firm like Herbert Smith Freehills. Understanding vacation scheme deadlines is crucial when it comes to securing a spot
Winter Vacation Scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills
The winter vacation scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills offers a hands-on introduction to life as a trainee associate. Here are the details:
- Scheme Dates: The winter vacation scheme runs in November/December.
- Application Period: Applications are open in early September.
- Eligibility: Open to graduates or those in their penultimate or final year at university.
Spring Vacation Scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills
The spring vacation scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills is a comprehensive introduction to the firm’s operations and offers practical experience in the legal profession. Here are the details:
- Scheme Dates: It runs in April.
- Application Period: You must submit your application in early December.
- Eligibility: The scheme is open to penultimate-year students, finalists, and graduates.
Summer Vacation Scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills
The summer vacation scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills provides an in-depth experience of the firm’s workings. Here are the details:
- Scheme Dates: There are two sessions: one in June and one in July.
- Application Period: Applications for the scheme must be submitted in early September
- Eligibility: Open to penultimate-year students, finalists, and graduates.
What You Will Do During Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Scheme
During the Herbert Smith Freehills vacation scheme, you will:
- Engage in high-standard work and attend presentations about life at the firm, including aspects of trainee life like pro bono work and the importance of legal research.
- Draft actual legal documents and work on cases that senior associates are currently handling, offering a sense of contribution and value.
- Receive comprehensive support from the HR team and trainee buddies, along with well-organized introductory sessions to help you understand the firm’s systems and procedures.
- Develop professional skills and gain insights that will assist your growth and understanding of a lawyer’s daily life at HSF, fostering responsibility.
- Participate in structured activities, including talks from associates and partners, which give an overview of the firm’s operations, and social events for networking.
- Have the opportunity to present group work, which is part of the firm’s investment in your personal training and development.
- Network with associates and partners through scheduled sessions and informal meetings, like coffee catch-ups, providing a platform to build professional relationships.
- Enjoy organized networking and social events, including tips from the Learning and Development Team on making the most of these opportunities.
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills
The application process for training contracts and vacation schemes at Herbert Smith Freehills is structured to select candidates who demonstrate potential and fit with the firm’s values. Here is an outline of the process:
- Online Application Form: Register and complete the form with personal details, academic credentials, and work experience. Answer three written questions with a maximum of 300 words each, focusing on a topic of interest, your reasons for choosing a career at HSF, and a team project or challenge you’ve faced.
- Online Test: After submitting the form, you’ll take a blended test including situational judgment and verbal reasoning questions. It records the time taken, though it’s not time-limited, and should be completed within 30-35 minutes. Get familiar with the Watson Glaser Test in our guide.
- Assessment Day: If successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment day consisting of a competency interview, a case study interview, and a scenario-based interview. You’ll need to demonstrate commercial awareness, business strategy skills, and the ability to think quickly under pressure.
After completing the vacation scheme, there is an interview for a training contract. Feedback is provided by graduate recruitment, and successful candidates receive a training contract offer. Find out how to perfectly answer why this law firm and why study law questions on your application form.
Why Should You Apply to Herbert Smith Freehills?
Applying to Herbert Smith Freehills can be a pivotal step for your legal career for several reasons:
- Diverse Opportunities: HSF provides a variety of programs and events, ensuring that whether you’re certain about a career in law or just exploring, you’ll find the right path for your professional development.
- Real-World Experience: The vacation scheme immerses you in the life of a trainee associate, where you learn from experts and work on actual projects, offering a practical understanding of the legal profession.
- Innovation at the Forefront: You’ll be part of a firm that’s at the cutting edge of legal operations and transformation, shaping the future of legal services.
- Leadership Development: The two-year Trainee Associate Programme is designed to not only build your legal expertise but also develop leadership qualities, preparing you to work with leading clients and potentially become a future leader in the field.
History of Herbert Smith Freehills
The history of Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is marked by significant milestones and achievements:
- Herbert Smith: Founded in 1882 by Norman Herbert Smith, the firm initially specialized in company flotations and advice to mining companies. It later expanded to litigation, mergers, and equity matters. Prior to its merger with Freehills, Herbert Smith had a considerable global presence with around 240 partners and 1300 lawyers.
- Freehills: Tracing back to various legal practices started in the mid-19th century in Australia, it was known for progressive employment policies, being the first major Australian law firm to appoint a female partner and forming the first national law partnership in the country.
- Merger to Form HSF: The two firms merged in October 2012, integrating financially in a single partnership and profit pool. This move expanded the firm’s global footprint, including the establishment of new offices in Germany and New York City, and the expansion of international secondments.
What Makes Herbert Smith Freehills Stand Out
Herbert Smith Freehills distinguishes itself in several key aspects that make it a standout choice for aspiring legal professionals:
- Heritage and Expertise: HSF has a long-standing heritage as a leading adviser to companies in two G20 nations, showcasing a strong foundation in global legal practices.
- Innovative Legal Operations: The firm is a pioneer in integrating best-in-class technology and innovative legal operations into its practice, which positions it at the forefront of legal service delivery.
- Client Engagement: With a deep understanding of diverse sectors and operations across the globe, HSF prides itself on tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities for its clients, reflecting a commitment to client-centric service.
- Diversity and Innovation: The diversity of backgrounds and perspectives at HSF is not only recognized but also celebrated, contributing to the firm’s innovative spirit and its ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment.
- Employee Development: HSF is commended for its open and friendly culture, providing employees with the autonomy to shape their career paths, fostering individual growth and ambition, and ensuring that staff look forward to engaging with their work every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the Herbert Smith Freehills training contract and vacation scheme:
How much do Herbert Smith Freehills trainee solicitors make?
First-year trainee solicitor salaries at Herbert Smith Freehills are £50,000 per annum, and this increases to £55,000 per annum in their second year. However, another source mentions a slightly lower salary of £45,000 for first-year trainees and £49,000 for second-year trainees. The discrepancy might be due to the difference in the data publication dates, so it’s advisable to check the latest figures directly with HSF.
How many trainees does HSF take?
HSF typically recruits around 60 trainee solicitors annually from the participants in their vacation schemes. The firm has a substantial number of trainees, considering its large global footprint and diverse practice areas.
What are the odds of getting a training contract?
While specific acceptance rates for HSF’s training contracts are not publicly disclosed, the competitiveness can be inferred from the firm’s practice of recruiting its trainees solely from its vacation scheme participants, which are limited in number. With over 90% of trainees taking part in a client or international secondment, the firm invests significantly in each trainee, indicating a selective process.
Is Herbert Smith Freehills a top-tier firm?
Yes, Herbert Smith Freehills is recognized in the top tier of law firms, particularly in the Chambers & Partners Crisis and Risk Management Guide where it has achieved Band 1 ranking both in the UK and globally, indicating its elite status among international law firms.
Is HSF a magic circle?
No, Herbert Smith Freehills is not part of the ‘Magic Circle’, which consists of five UK-based firms: Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May. However, HSF is often seen as a major contender to the Magic Circle and is recognized for its strength in dispute resolution. It was previously part of the ‘Silver Circle’, a group of UK law firms that shared many traits with Magic Circle law firms, but this classification has evolved over time.
What is the retention rate of Herbert Smith Freehills trainees?
Herbert Smith Freehills has a strong record of trainee retention, with recent figures showing a retention rate of over 90% for their trainee solicitors, indicating a high likelihood of trainees securing positions with the firm after completing their contracts.
What are the benefits of working at Herbert Smith Freehills?
Working at Herbert Smith Freehills offers a range of benefits, such as:
- Agile Working: A hybrid working policy that allows an average of 40% office time, with flexibility for remote work, balancing face-to-face interaction with the benefits of working from home.
- Competitive Salaries: Salaries at HSF are competitive across legal and business service roles.
- Comprehensive Benefits: A full spectrum of employee benefits covering various needs.
- Professional Development: Structured learning, skills-training, and coaching are provided to support professional growth.
- Practical Experience: Time spent working on high-profile cases and deals enhances skills and insight, supplemented by access to live and online learning programs, mentorship, and performance reviews.
