Get the chance to go above and beyond at Herbert Smith Freehills, a truly international firm that offers exciting work with high-profile clients.
HSF GRADUATES UK
SEE OUR WORLD THROUGH OUR EYES
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE CAREERS IN LAW BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
WELCOME TOOURWORLD
As a Herbert Smith Freehills trainee, you’ll be a part of everything. With 26 offices around the world, we can show you exactly what an elite global law firm has to offer, giving you the chance to work as part of an international team, on high-profile matters, for a range of exciting individuals and organisations. Our focus is on the future: the future needs of existing and new clients, the future of the legal market and investing in our future lawyers. That’s why we aim to attract the best talent from a broad range of backgrounds, ensuring we can maintain our position as a progressive, pioneering law firm. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop the skills you need to help solve our clients’ complex challenges in pragmatic and innovative ways.
GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PARTNERS
Mark Bardell
Catherine Howard
Rupert Lewis
GLOBAL LITIGATION FIRM OF THE YEAR WHO'SWHO LEGAL AWARDS 2016
THE AMERICAN LAWYER GLOBAL LEGAL AWARDS
GLOBAL M&A DEAL OF THE YEAR: UK (2016)
GLOBAL M&A DEAL OF THE YEAR: US (2017)
TOP 100 GRADUATE EMPLOYER INDEX 2017 No.47 THE TIMES
AVAILABLE TO TRAINEES EVERY SIX MONTHS INTERNATIONAL SECONDMENTS 22
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS
OF OUR TRAINEES GOON EITHER A CLIENT OR INTERNATIONAL SECONDMENT OVER 90%
ABILITY, MULTICULTURALISM, WOMEN LAWYERS, IRIS, FAMILY AND TRAINEE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
26 OFFICES 20 COUNTRIES GLOBAL HEADCOUNT 5,116
PROBONO CITIZENSHIP
TOTAL CASH POTENTIAL OF UP TO £90K UPON QUALIFICATION
£44K FIRST YEAR SALARY
£48K SECOND YEAR SALARY
21,736 HOURS OF ADVICE
TOP THREE LPC PERFORMERS RECEIVE £1,000 EACH
FEES AND MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR GDL AND LPC
CONTENTS
EVERYTHING ABOUT US 04 Awards and recognition 05 Our expertise 06 Headline deals 10 Influencing the law 11 Pro bono & citizenship 12 Explore our world 14 Life at Herbert Smith Freehills 16 Reward and benefits EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU 20 Your route to qualification 22 First year activities 23 Vacation schemes MEET OUR PEOPLE 26 Rachel Lidgate 27 Ajay Malhotra 28 Naveen Kler 29 Scott Warin JOINOUR FIRM 32
What we’re looking for and how to apply
33 34
Dates and deadlines
Making a great application
SEE MORE
As you read through this brochure, you’ll find some pages that include interactive content: ‘Explore our world’, ‘Your route to qualification’ and ‘Meet our people’ pages. To bring them to life, download Blippar to your phone or tablet and point your camera at the page.
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HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
EVERYTHING ABOUT US Award-winning expertise. High-profile cases. An open, dynamic culture. Learn more about the way we work and the work we do.
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EVERYTHING ABOUT US
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
At Herbert Smith Freehills, we’re embracing a forward-thinking, international and inclusive approach to law. We want tomeet the challenges of an increasingly complex, unpredictable and fast-moving world. Our progressive ethos shapes every area of our firm, from the deals we make to the way we treat our people. It’s also why we’ve won over 200 awards across the globe for our specialised advice and transactions, as well as our pro bono and citizenship initiatives.
THREE PARTNERS YEAR 2017 OF THE
FIRM OF THE YEAR GLOBAL LITIGATION
No.25
STONEWALL TOP 100 EMPLOYER INDEX 2017
WHO'SWHO LEGAL AWARDS 2016
LAWYERSWEEKLY AWARDS
SOCIAL MOBILITY
INNOVATION WINNER LEGAL EDUCATION & TRAINING GROUP AWARDS 2017
EMPLOYER INDEX 2017 TOP25
*NUMBER 1 TRUSTED ADVISER FOR FTSE 100 COMPANIES
WINNER FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR
RATE MY PLACEMENT
TRANSFORMING CULTURES
TOP 100
LAWYER AWARDS 2016
GENDER EQUALITY AWARDS 2016
2017
*Source: Lawyer.com 18 December 2015
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OUR EXPERTISE
Specialist knowledge. Global networks. A pioneering outlook. As one of the world’s most trusted and diverse law firms, we advise some of the biggest and most influential international organisations on ambitious, complex and wide-ranging projects. We’re recognised as a truly innovative practice in multiple service areas and sectors. Our clients choose us for their most important transactions, disputes and ventures because we understand them. Together, we’re delivering advanced, award-winning, insightful work on matters that will shape the future of the law.
OUR SERVICES
SECTORS WE WORK IN
• ALTERNATIVE LEGAL SERVICES • ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION • BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS • CAPITAL MARKETS • COMPETITION, REGULATION AND TRADE • COMPLIANCE ADVISORY • CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING AND INVESTIGATIONS • CRISIS PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT • CYBER SECURITY • DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY • DISPUTE RESOLUTION • EMPLOYMENT, PENSIONS AND INCENTIVES • ENVIRONMENT, PLANNING AND COMMUNITIES • FINANCE • FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY • INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION • REAL ESTATE • TAX • US SECURITIES • CORPORATE, M&A • CORPORATE CRIME
• AGRIBUSINESS • AIRPORTS • ASSET AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT • BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS • CONSUMER PRODUCTS • DEFENCE • ENERGY • FINANCIAL BUYERS • GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR • HEALTHCARE • INFRASTRUCTURE • INSURANCE • LEISURE AND SPORT • MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIALS • MINING • NUCLEAR • PHARMACEUTICALS AND HEALTHCARE • PPP • PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AND BUSINESS SERVICES • RAIL
• REAL ESTATE • RENEWABLES • ROADS • TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS • WATER AND WASTE
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EVERYTHING ABOUT US
HEADLINE DEALS GOLDMAN SACHS CASE STUDY
Following the financial crisis of 2008, Goldman Sachs International (GSI) found itself facing a $1.2 billion claim brought against it by the Libyan Investment Authority (the LIA).
The LIA had entered into nine equity derivative contracts, the value of which depended on the share price performance of six US and European stocks. However, in light of the crisis that followed shortly after the trades were entered into, all nine expired as worthless and the LIA lost the entirety of its investment. GSI asked us to act on their behalf. This case was exceptional, as the causes of action behind the LIA’s claim were highly unusual: firstly, they maintained that GSI had obtained the LIA’s entry into the trades through ‘undue influence’. This included the claim that GSI’s salesperson became such a close and trusted adviser to the LIA’s investment team that he was able to influence their decision-making inappropriately. The LIA also pointed to other factors relating to undue influence such as the provision of corporate hospitality, training and the offer of an internship to the younger brother of the LIA’s Deputy Chairman. They then went on to claim that the trades were ‘unconscionable bargains’ – where a contract is unfairly one-sided and based on unequal bargaining power – primarily because of their pricing, which they considered to be excessive. The case ran for two and a half years and a number of trainees were involved in different stages of the litigation. During the trial GSI called four witnesses, including a senior banker responsible for the trading relationship, as well as two expert witnesses (on the pricing of the trades and their suitability for a sovereign wealth fund). After a hard fought trial, the judge dismissed both elements of the claim, concluding that GSI had not been in a position of undue influence. Our trainees played a key part in this success, assisting the witnesses and experts alike.
“THE TRIAL WAS ONE OF THE MOST INTENSE PERIODS IN MY CAREER, WITH PARTNERS, ASSOCIATES AND TRAINEES OPERATING AT FULL TILT. HOWEVER, IT WAS HUGELY SATISFYING TOWORK AS A TEAM AND GET THE RESULT OUR CLIENT WANTED.”
HARRY EDWARDS, PARTNER
CASE BREAKDOWN US$1.2
BILLION
YEARS’ WORK 2.5
6.5
MILLION DOCUMENTS SEARCHED FOR DISCLOSURE
TEAM COMPRISED:
14 PARTNERS
55 ASSOCIATES
37 TRAINEES
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EVERYTHING ABOUT US
TIDEWAY CASE STUDY
In 2016, we advised the Bazalgette Consortium on the financing, construction, delivery, maintenance and operation of a 15-mile long ‘super sewer’; the Thames Tideway Tunnel, designed to tackle the discharge of untreated sewage flowing into the tidal River Thames.
Costed at £4.2 billion, this project was a unique legal and financing challenge of vast scale and complexity. The scheme will also be vital to London’s wellbeing and represents one of the largest infrastructure projects currently underway in Europe. To ensure the success of this landmark project, we used a particularly innovative system of index-linked Deferred- Purchase Bonds for an aggregate of £450 million that would help Tideway to raise medium and long-term index-linked debt financing. Concurrently, we advised on the establishment of a £700 million facility agreement with the European Investment Bank – the largest ever water loan. Despite the considerable complexities of coordinating different debt projects within the requirements of a licensing regime, we built a strong legal framework. With no set precedent to follow, our lawyers from the Regulatory, Equity, Construction, Real Estate, Planning and Finance groups devised an effective project structure that exceeded expectations and laid the foundations for future infrastructure transactions.
“THE THAMES TIDEWAY TUNNEL IS A HUGELY SIGNIFICANT PROJECT THAT PREVENTS THE POLLUTION OF THE RIVER THAMES IN LONDON. IT’S AN OPERATIONWITH GREAT INFRASTRUCTURE AND POTENTIAL.” PATRICK MITCHELL, HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE
EUROPEAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEAL OF THE YEAR 2015
EUROPEAN INFRA DEAL OF THE YEAR 2015
THOMSON REUTERS
PFI AWARDS
PROJECT FINANCE DEAL OF THE YEAR 2016
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL LAW REVIEW
EUROPEANWATER DEAL OF THE YEAR 2016
EUROPEAN SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE WINNER 2016 DEBT AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE (Formerly known as Banking Awards for Excellence)
IJ GLOBAL AWARDS
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SKY CASE STUDY
We are currently advising Sky on a recommended takeover offer from their largest shareholder, 21st Century Fox, which has offered £11.7 billion to acquire the 61%of Sky that it does not already own, valuing the entire company at £18.5 billion. This was the second largest public M&A deal announced in the UK market in 2016 and one of the most high-profile ongoing deals. Structured as a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement, the transaction is subject to the approval of the UK’s High Court, Sky shareholders and various regulatory pre-conditions given the international nature of the transaction and the regulated nature of the media industry across the various jurisdictions involved. Our Corporate team is leading the Herbert Smith Freehills’ team from London and is drafting the documents to be published in order to seek Sky shareholders’ approval, as well as interacting with various regulators including the UK’s Takeover Panel. “THIS IS AN EXCITING DEAL TO BE WORKING ON. IT HAS EXTENSIVE MEDIA COVERAGE, AND I’VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT SCHEMES OF ARRANGEMENT, TAKEOVER PANEL SUBMISSIONS, AND TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL ISSUES, SUCH AS LIAISINGWITH COURT CASEWORKERS.” OLGA TIMIRYASOVA, TRAINEE SOLICITOR As part of a firm-wide effort, the team is being assisted by teams fromwithin our Corporate, Competition, Employment and Incentives, Tax and US Securities practices, across our network including our offices in Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Paris, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. Our trainees have been involved throughout and will continue to be closely involved, helping with the many announcements and in preparing the shareholder documentation.
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INFLUENCING THE LAW
The law isn’t static and that fact holds more strongly than ever before. Our ambition, scope and knowledge mean that we’re playing a key part in its evolution. Our teams offer advice to regulators and legislators in diverse areas of expertise. We don’t just know the law inside out, we help to shape it and make it. Here you can see our principles in action: FAIR DEAL SIERRA LEONE Established in 2010, Fair Deal Sierra Leone is the first large-scale pro bono facility offered by a law firm in support of one country’s development efforts. Providing over £4 million worth of free legal advice to the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) across all practice areas, our secondees have negotiated deals, drafted legislation, produced model-form agreements and delivered training to GoSL lawyers from their base in Freetown. During the Ebola outbreak, our advice helped to prevent contractors from suspending essential services like water and power, while building long-term crisis management capacity within the GoSL. We are now helping to improve the investment landscape post-Ebola. This includes the groundbreaking work of our Arbitration practice, advising on the draft of a modern arbitration act and the country’s accession to the New York Convention. We are enormously proud to be playing a central role with the international development and business community in how lawyers can assist developing countries. “WE HAVE BENEFITED IMMENSELY FROM THE GENEROUS PRO BONO SUPPORT THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS.” ERNEST BAI KOROMA, PRESIDENT OF SIERRA LEONE
LEAVING THE EU We mobilised our global cross-practice Brexit teams 18 months pre-referendum; ensuring our key differentiator is being able to combine our market-leading practices in EU and international trade law with deep knowledge from our teams across each sector. With two decades’ experience, our international trade specialists have been providing advanced training to several UK government bodies, as well as various committees advising Government on mutual market access, innovation and simplification. Brexit is not simply a legal issue. Analysing, assessing and addressing its impact requires legal, regulatory and supply chain analysis, political and policy insight and strategic advice and implementation. We have spent significant time working alongside our clients, trade associations and other professional service firms to gain a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities. For example, we collaborated with The Boston Consulting Group and public affairs firm, Global Counsel, on ‘Trade Post-Brexit’ and ‘Navigating the Post-Brexit Energy Market’ papers.
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PRO BONO & CITIZENSHIP
Our pro bono initiatives represent some of the most significant, interesting and impactful work we do on behalf of individuals, charities and national governments. Last year our contribution in London including time, financial and in-kind support, totalled £6.9 million, with more than 21,000 hours of advice given. All our lawyers are encouraged to participate in our pro bono programme: time spent on these matters is treated in the same way as billable client work. Participation allows our lawyers to make a difference and build skills, including advocacy, leadership, case management and client interview techniques.
LONDON £6.9M 21,736 HOURSOF ADVICE CONTRIBUTION
PRO BONO
We engage in a number of different activities to encourage access to the legal profession and to Herbert Smith Freehills. We are a founding member of PRIME, an alliance of law firms across the UK, which aims to improve young people’s access to the legal sector and helps them to build skills and aspirations. Our ‘Networked’ scholarship scheme offers experience and guidance to students from comprehensive schools across London, as part of an innovative five-year programme. In conjunction with Rare Recruitment we implemented a contextual data recruitment system to better understand socio-economic and other factors that may have affected candidates during their studies. We are in the eighth year of our partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, building its capacity to manage inward investment. Closer to home, we run a weekly legal advice clinic in Whitechapel assisting local residents on issues such as housing and employment law. Collaborating with Goldman Sachs, we provide a video advice clinic to young people supported by the homelessness charity Centrepoint. CITIZENSHIP Our varied international and domestic pro bono programme focuses on four key areas: access to justice, international development, social impact investment and human rights (particularly anti-trafficking and anti-slavery).
“IT’S BEEN FANTASTIC TO HELP PEOPLE IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY, MODERNISE ARBITRATION LEGISLATION FOR SIERRA LEONE AND INDEPENDENTLY MANAGE LEGAL AID CASES.”
JAKE SAVILE-TUCKER, TRAINEE SOLICITOR
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EXPLORE OURWORLD
Download Blippar and point your device at the page.
OFFICES BANGKOK BEIJING BELFAST BERLIN
GROUPS AFRICA GROUP INDIA GROUP IRAN GROUP ISRAEL GROUP KAZAKHSTAN GROUP LATIN AMERICA GROUP NORDIC GROUP UKRAINE GROUP
BRISBANE BRUSSELS DUBAI DÜSSELDORF FRANKFURT HONG KONG JAKARTA
JOHANNESBURG KUALA LUMPUR LONDON MADRID MELBOURNE MOSCOW NEW YORK PARIS PERTH RIYADH SEOUL SHANGHAI SINGAPORE SYDNEY TOKYO
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LIFE AT HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
We believe that a truly global law firm is built on a diverse and inclusive culture, reflective of the societies in which we live and work. To best serve our clients, we’ve created an open, dynamic and inspirational working environment.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethic (BAME) trainee graduate recruitment committee in relation to engaging with BAME students, including at our annual ‘Multiculturalism in the City’ panel event. WOMEN LAWYERS Our Women Lawyers network helps drive the firm’s diversity initiatives, aiming to improve gender balance amongst partners and encouraging talent amongst female lawyers. The Women Lawyers network is linked to our Women Trainee Lawyers network, as well as to our Women in Business Services network. Together, they focus on increasing access to role models, supporting career development and engaging men in gender equality. We are also members of the 30% Club and the ‘Opportunity Now’ gender campaign. IRIS Our global IRIS network – Inclusion, Respecting Identity and Sexuality, includes partners and staff who identify as LGBT+ and their allies, friends and supporters. An integral part of this network is our ‘ally’ programme that supports our LGBT+ employees in the workplace and fosters a supportive working culture. Anyone, regardless of whether they identify as LGBT+, is welcomed and encouraged to become an ‘ally’. We are proud to be a founding member of DiverCity, attracting LGBT+ graduates to the City and we are recognised as one of the top 10 global employers for LGBT+ Inclusion by Stonewall, the UK’s leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Furthermore, the firm was named as a Star Performer in Stonewall’s ‘Top Employers in the UK’ list. FAMILY Launched in 2012, the Family network aims to increase the visibility of family life at the firm and runs a series of monthly seminars on family topics, including parenting, care for the elderly and mental health in the family. The network works with HR to shape family-friendly policies and benefits, to make Herbert Smith Freehills an employer of choice for work-life balance. The network also runs a ‘Bring your child to work’ day and the ever-popular Family Christmas party.
ABILITY Open to all employees, the Ability network was established in 2014, to help raise awareness of disability and to provide a forum for communication and education. The objectives of the network are wide-ranging and focus on the entire firm becoming more confident in its understanding of disability and in becoming an employer of choice for those who have a disability. Topics covered in its panel sessions have included dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. Many seminars are delivered in partnership with the Family network to include those with friends and family who have a disability. The network also collaborates with external networks, including PurpleSpace, a networking and professional development hub for disabled employees, and resource group leaders and allies from all sectors. The network has also run events focusing on mental health and supports our mental health and wellbeing programme, which includes our mental health mentors and the ‘This is Me’ role model campaign. MULTICULTURALISM Our Multiculturalism network celebrates diverse ethnicity, race, nationality, religion and faith. Its activities include a celebration of Eid and joint events with clients on Diwali and Africa Day, as well as film nights and panel keynote speaker events. The network works closely with the educational role, as well as helping to create an inclusive working environment for our colleagues, clients and external partners. You do not have to identify directly with a particular affinity network to get involved. People become a ‘friend’ of a network in order to show their support or interest. Being part of a network gives you the opportunity to contribute to the diversity and inclusion efforts of the firm and to get involved in the various events and activities. EMPLOYEE AFFINITY NETWORKS Our networks connect staff across the firm. They are a vibrant part of our culture and perform an important
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BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
The firm regularly runs a variety of events and hosts external speakers through our employee affinity networks. These events provide our employees with a chance to network with one another and to learn about topical issues. Highlights include: • Mental Health Awareness Week saw us run sessions on topics such as ‘The Importance of Sleep’ and we hosted a discussion with footballer Clarke Carlisle, who focused on men and mental health in the world of football. • Katie Piper, former model and TV presenter, joined us to celebrate our Ability network’s fourth anniversary to discuss facial disfigurement, rehabilitation and survival. • Our Women in Business Services network was joined by Caitlin Moran, journalist, author, and broadcaster at The Times, where she writes three columns a week. • We were joined by comedians Bilal Zafar and Ava Vidal, as well as 2016 BBC Slam Poetry Champion Adele Hampton, at our Multiculturalism network’s sixth anniversary celebration at Sadler’s Wells.
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REWARD AND BENEFITS
All our trainees receive a highly competitive salary, are automatically enrolled onto our bonus scheme and can access a wide range of other benefits. These can be tailored to meet your changing needs and lifestyle through our Flex2Fit benefits scheme.
WITH THE ABILITY TO BUY OR SELL UP TO FIVE DAYS DAYS’ ANNUAL LEAVE 25
PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE
PERMANENT HEALTH INSURANCE
EYE TESTS
CORPORATE GP SERVICE
LIFEASSURANCEANDCRITICAL ILLNESS COVER
PROFIT SHARE SCHEME
INTEREST-FREE SEASON TICKET LOAN
CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME
DENTAL INSURANCE
GYM MEMBERSHIP SUBSIDISED
TRAVEL INSURANCE GADGET INSURANCE
RETAIL ANDCHILDCARE VOUCHERS
SUBSIDISED RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ FACILITIES
PENSIONCONTRIBUTIONS FROMHERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
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HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
£44k FIRST YEAR SALARY £48k SECOND YEAR SALARY
UPON QUALIFICATION
UP TO £90k
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EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU
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EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU International secondments. Immersive workshops. Over one hundred hours of learning and development. Find out how we train lawyers at Herbert Smith Freehills.
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EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU
YOUR ROUTE TOQUALIFICATION
Every trainee has potential, we just need to find the right way to help you develop. That’s why we give each trainee access to the tools, training and opportunities they need to succeed, in a way that recognises their individual skills and ambitions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
ATTEND A FIRST YEAR WORKSHOP
BECOME A CAMPUS MANAGER
UNIVERSITY
JOIN A VACATION SCHEME
APPLY FOR A TRAINING CONTRACT
We fully fundGDL and LPC fees and offer the followingmaintenance grants to assist with living costs: FEES AND MAINTENANCE GRANTS
NON-LAW STUDENTS
LAW STUDENTS
£8,000 GDL (LONDON)
£7,000 GDL (ELSEWHERE INUK)
SIT THE LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE (LPC)
TAKE YOUR GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LAW (GDL)
JOIN THE FIRM
£7,000 LPC
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TRAINING CONTRACT 2YEARS 4 SEATS
UNIVERSITY We take a roughly equal split of law and non-law students. This range of academic backgrounds helps to ensure that we are best placed to think outside the box and come up with creative Get to know fellow future trainees at a variety of networking events. If you want to learn a language or undertake voluntary work you can also apply for a discretionary grant from the firm to help fund this. TRAINING CONTRACT Our two-year training programme allows you to develop skills across a range of service areas. Driven by your interests, it includes four six- month seats in a range of practice groups. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT During your training contract you’ll undertake over 128 hours of learning and development, which includes interactive workshops, practice group inductions and Professional Skills Course training sessions. TRAINEE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Established by a group of entrepreneurial trainees, the committee encourages trainees to engage in the firm’s business development strategies and develop client relationships. INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Over 90% of our trainees go on either a client or international secondment. There are also opportunities for you to qualify into one of our international offices. PURSUE YOUR INTERESTS You can discuss your seat preferences for each rotation with our dedicated trainee HR team as you progress through your training contract, enabling you to tailor your experience. MENTORING Once you join the firm, a partner mentor will advise you throughout your training contract and you’ll also benefit from having a trainee buddy. As a trainee, you’ll share an office with a senior associate or partner supervisor who will be able to offer you support whenever you need it. INTRODUCTION OF THE SQE Following the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) by the SRA, we will ensure that we support all our future trainees through this process. solutions to our clients’ problems. LIFE AS A FUTURE JOINER
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INTERNATIONAL SECONDMENTS
CLIENT SECONDMENTS
QUALIFY AS A SOLICITOR
SEAT FOUR
SEAT THREE
SEAT TWO
SEAT ONE
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EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU
FIRST YEAR ACTIVITIES
VACATION SCHEMES
It’s never too early to start thinking about becoming a brilliant lawyer. That’s why we provide a combination of first year activities that allow you to experience life at our firm. You’ll find out what a career in law is really like, build a strong foundation for a vacation scheme or training contract and connect with our team. FIRST YEAR WORKSHOPS Every spring, we run two workshops at our London office. These take place over two days, during which you’ll hear from leading lawyers, take part in interactive sessions and shadow one of our current trainees. By gaining a place on one of our workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to First year students can apply to become a Campus Ambassador during their second year of study. The role provides students with invaluable work experience and the chance to build relationships at the firm. We’ll ask for your help planning activities, organising events and sharing information about our firm. This is a chance to learn about us, inside and out, which will help you during the application process. experience our world, first-hand. CAMPUS AMBASSADORS “THE FIRST YEARWORKSHOPWAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY NOT ONLY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS FROM FIRM REPRESENTATIVES, BUT TO ACTUALLY GAIN EXPERIENCE AS TOWHAT LIFE WORKING AS A LAWYER IS REALLY LIKE, BY SHADOWING TRAINEES.” DANIEL LERONI, OXFORD UNIVERSITY
LEARNING FROM THE BEST During your vacation scheme, you’ll sit with a partner or an associate and deliver real work for key clients. UNDERSTANDING THE BIG PICTURE You’ll attend workshops and presentations that will give you an insight into the depth and breadth of our practice areas and international reach. MAKING IT PERSONAL You’ll be invited to a range of events giving you the opportunity to network with partners, associates and trainees, as well as with your fellow vacation scheme students. At the end of the scheme you’ll be invited to attend an interview for a training contract. REWARDING YOUR EFFORTS You’ll be paid £400 per week for the time you spend with us. Our vacation schemes immerse you in our business, networks and the international world of law. Here are some of the key features: There’s nothing more important than finding a role and an organisation that’s right for you and there’s no better way to really get to know our profession than gaining practical, hands-on experience.
SUMMER AND SPRING VACATION SCHEMES We welcome applications from: • Students who are in their penultimate or final year at university • All graduates
We welcome applications from: • Students who are in their final year at university • All graduates WINTER VACATION SCHEME
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GO GLOBAL Only a truly international firm can offer work experience with global opportunities. If you accept a place on either of our spring or summer vacation schemes we’ll give you the chance to spend time in one of our other offices. You can choose from:
• Brussels • Hong Kong • Madrid
• Paris • Singapore • Tokyo
“I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WORKING WITHIN A CHALLENGING, YET SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. PARTICIPATING IN A HIGH- PERFORMING TEAM, EVEN AS A VACATION SCHEME STUDENT, CONFIRMED MY DESIRE TO BECOME A TRAINEE AT HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS.” LYDIA CARRINGTON, EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY
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MEET OUR PEOPLE
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MEET OUR PEOPLE See our world, through our eyes. Meet our team of ambassadors and get an insider’s view into the workings of a leading global elite law firm.
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MEET OUR PEOPLE
RACHEL LIDGATE
#HSFRACHEL
In 1998, I went to Oxford University to study English. At that time, I hadn’t really thought much about what I wanted to do beyond completing my studies. My parents suggested I might want to consider law because I’m quite an argumentative person! I applied for a vacation scheme at Herbert Smith Freehills and had a fantastic time, so I signed up for a training contract before completing a conversion course in Guildford and spending a year in Nottingham studying for the LPC. After completing four seats as a trainee, I decided to pursue a career in Disputes. Now, I’m a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills – it’s been an incredible experience.
“LAST YEAR I REALISED MY LONG-TERM AMBITION OF BECOMING A PARTNER AT HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS. THE SELECTION PROCESS WAS TOUGH BUT EXCITING.”
PARTNER, DISPUTES
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AJAYMALHOTRA
#HSFAJAY
After studying Philosophy and Literature at university, I wasn’t sure what my next step would be. I had considered following a career in law, banking or management consultancy amongst other things but, after attending a Herbert Smith Freehills presentation, my decision was made. I liked the people I met, I liked the sound of the work and, even though I come from a more conceptual background academically than most of my colleagues, it related well to what I had studied. From Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’, to Plato’s ‘Republic’, to ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, the concepts I covered and the skills I developed transferred well and allowed me to approach our work from a different perspective.
“THE INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES IN MY JOB ARE INCREDIBLY VARIED. THEY DIFFER FROM CASE TO CASE AND FROM DAY TO DAY. IF YOU’RE CURIOUS, YOU CAN LEARN A HUGE AMOUNT.”
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, DISPUTES
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MEET OUR PEOPLE
NAVEENKLER
#HSFNAVEEN
I began to take an interest in law whilst in the sixth form. I was quite good at public speaking and became president of the debating society, which really set me into my stride. I moved from Leicester to London to study Law at LSE. I did three vacation schemes and none of them really worked, but I’d won the Herbert Smith Freehills mooting competition and made good connections, so I applied to join the team. I really didn’t think I would enjoy working this much. I love the people I work with and how much I’m challenged every day. But the biggest thing is the mentorship and investment placed in your future.
“I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR OUR ORGANISATION AND THE PEOPLE HERE, WHICH IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. WE SEE THINGS THAT OTHER FIRMS DON’T.”
ASSOCIATE, CORPORATE
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SCOTTWARIN
#HSFSCOTT
“I’VE HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE OF TAKING MY OWN PRO BONO CASE TO COURT. FROM SHAPING THE STRATEGY TO ARGUING THE CASE IN COURT, IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE.”
TRAINEE SOLICITOR
When I was growing up, I wanted to be an actor, but my parents persuaded me to look into an academic profession. I applied to study Law at Cambridge and became involved with the law society there. Through one of the society’s talks I met a Herbert Smith Freehills partner who encouraged me to apply for the vacation scheme. I committed to a training contract and when I graduated, worked as a paralegal at Herbert Smith Freehills, before going couch-surfing across the USA. Since then, I completed the LPC and started working at Herbert Smith Freehills – that was nearly a year ago now.
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JOIN OUR FIRM
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HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
JOINOUR FIRM Top tips and a path to a new career. Find out how to make an excellent application.
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JOIN OUR FIRM
WHATWE’RE LOOKING FOR
HOW TOAPPLY
Complex cross-border deals. Amarket-leading Disputes division. Worldwide reach. If you’re ready to be a part of it all, we’re looking forward to hearing from you. GOT WHAT IT TAKES? You don’t need to have studied Law to apply: we recruit from a whole range of academic backgrounds. We’re looking for exceptional people with the desire and ability to become truly brilliant lawyers. We’ve outlined below some of the key attributes we look for.
COMPLETE OUR ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
We want to know more about your academic credentials, as well as the skills you have gained through extra-curricular activities and work experience. Make sure you indicate how the experience you’ve gained demonstrates your potential to become a great lawyer.
TAKE AN ONLINE VERBAL REASONING TEST
Make sure you don’t underestimate the importance of this stage as it has been shown to be a strong indicator of future good performance as a lawyer.
COME TO OUR ASSESSMENT CENTRE You’ll take part in a group exercise, attend a competency interview and tackle a case study exercise. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour our offices, meet some of our trainees and enjoy a networking lunch with one of our partners.
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DATES AND DEADLINES
We run various programmes and schemes, available to students who are just starting out at university, through to graduates and experienced hires. We would encourage you to make the most of as many of the opportunities as possible, as this will enable you to find out more about us and what a career in law is really like. If you have any questions regarding any of our programmes, please contact Shaunna Morey, GR Adviser – shaunna.morey@hsf.com
VACATION SCHEMES WINTER SCHEME Scheme: 4 – 15 December 2017 Apply between: 18 September – 23 October 2017
FIRST YEAR WORKSHOPS Workshop 1: 26 – 27 March 2018 Workshop 2: 9 – 10 April 2018 Apply between: 1 – 31 January 2018 (open to students of any discipline)
Assessment centres: November 2017 (open to finalists and graduates only)
CAMPUS AMBASSADORS 2018/19 Apply between: 1 January – 20 March 2018 Interviews: March – April 2018 OPEN DAYS DISPUTES OPEN DAY Open day: 10 November 2017 Apply between: 18 September – 16 October 2017 (open to students of any discipline) IP OPEN DAY Open day: 8 December 2017 Apply between: 1 October – 10 November 2017 (open to Science, Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Maths students – STEM subjects) TRAINING CONTRACTS Apply between: 18 September – 29 December 2017 Assessment centres: November 2017 and January – March 2018 (open to finalists and graduates only) Apply between: 1 June – 31 July 2018 Assessment centres: August 2018 (penultimate year students, finalists and graduates)
We value inclusivity, equality and fairness, which is why we work in partnership with MyPlus, a specialist disability-focused organisation, so that we are best placed to understand and support you with any disability-related queries or adjustment needs. Learn more at myplusstudentsclub.com/organisation/ herbert_smith_freehills If you would like to have a conversation with our experienced team, please contact Mary Carpenter – mary.carpenter@hsf.com or Shaunna Morey – shaunna.morey@hsf.com SUMMER VACATION SCHEMES Scheme 1: 18 June – 6 July 2018 Scheme 2: 9 July – 27 July 2018 Apply between: 18 September – 29 December 2017 Assessment centres: November 2017 and January – March 2018 (penultimate year students, finalists and graduates) SPRING SCHEME Scheme: 3 – 13 April 2018 Apply between: 18 September – 29 December 2017 Assessment centres: November 2017 and January – March 2018 (open to penultimate year students, finalists and graduates)
MAKING A GREAT APPLICATION
TOP TIPS FROM OLIVIA PONTON, GRADUATE RECRUITMENT ADVISER
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HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
“IT IS WORTH TAKING THE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT US, OUR VALUES AND OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE IN ADVANCE.”
OLIVIA PONTON, GRADUATE RECRUITMENT ADVISER
PERSONALISE YOUR APPLICATION
LINK EXPERIENCE TO LAW
WE’RE LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL
REMEMBER, IT’S A TWO-WAY PROCESS Tailor your application to Herbert Smith Freehills through further research. Our brochure, website and social media channels are good places to start. You can then think about what really stands out to you about our firm. It is worth taking the time to learn about us, our values and our areas of expertise in advance. This proactive approach will help you to demonstrate your motivation more effectively. Come and meet us at events and law fairs to get to know our people. Think about who you will be meeting and the questions you may like to ask them. This is your chance to speak to us in a more informal environment to make sure the firm is right for you. Asking our lawyers about their experiences can give you a real insight into what might be in store for you when you join.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS When talking about your experiences, make sure you explain the skills you have gained and how they will be relevant to a career in law and more specifically, a career at Herbert Smith Freehills. Think about the way our lawyers work and what skills and abilities they need in order to deliver high quality advice and services to our clients. At Herbert Smith Freehills we recognise and value all the differences that make each of us unique. By embracing a diversity of views and experience, we can provide our clients with the most innovative advice. It is important to us that people feel they can be themselves so we try to bring that out early on in the application process. All our Graduate Recruitment interviewing partners undergo unconscious bias training and all staff at the firm attend Diversity & Inclusion training. We encourage you to be yourself and to talk about what interests you specifically about a career at our firm.
We recognise that it has become increasingly difficult to obtain legal work experience and we’re not looking for the finished article – we’re looking for your potential to become a brilliant lawyer. Transferable skills you have gained through work experience, both legal and non-legal, are equally as important when you’re then able to explain how they will be relevant to a career in law.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
We use just one test designed to assess your verbal reasoning skills. We have a practice test on our website and there are plenty of practice papers available on the internet for you to utilise.
DON’T FORGET TO LOOK FOR TYPOS
Check and double check before you apply. We expect a high level of attention to detail.
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