Our vacation schemes sit you with a partner or associate, as you take on real work for real clients. Alongside workshops and presentations, you’ll explore our practice areas, and join a team on a pro bono project. You’ll also network with other vacation scheme students, partners, associates and trainees. At the end of your scheme, you’re guaranteed an interview for a training contract.
Important information
This year, we’ll be recruiting our trainees from vacation schemes only. This is because a vacation scheme enables you to build stronger connections with our team and hit the ground running when you start your career.
To be eligible, you must be a graduate or in your penultimate or final year at university. You’ll also need to be able to work for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
We value inclusivity, equality and fairness, which we embed throughout our assessment process. If you have any disability-related queries or would like to have a conversation with our experienced team regarding adjustments, please contact Anna O'Dwyer at [email protected].
For those who are unable to attend a vacation scheme, please get in touch with Anna O'Dwyer to discuss your individual circumstances, which we will consider on a case-by-case basis.



International vacation scheme
We offer a global work experience programme. If you secure a place on one of our London vacation schemes, you can apply to undertake a placement in one of our international offices, spending one or two weeks in Brussels, Hong Kong, Paris, Singapore or Tokyo.



India internship
We offer high-performing law students who are studying at any university in India the opportunity to work in our London office for three weeks between June and July each year.
If your application is successful, you will join our London summer vacation scheme programme, sitting in two different departments of your choice during the three-week period.
During the internship, you will share a room with a Partner or Associate and be given real work for real clients. In addition, you will be involved in workshops and presentations that provide an insight into the breadth of our practice areas.
We will also arrange formal and informal social events at which you can meet other students, as well as partners, associates and trainees. You will also be able to meet other Indian graduates who have joined the firm through our India Internship programme.
At the end of the internship, you will be eligible for a training contract interview and you should have a good idea about whether a career in law at Herbert Smith Freehills is right for you.


