There’s plenty of opportunity at a leading, full-service international law firm like Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). From day one you’ll be involved in high-profile cases and high-impact deals, where forming relationships with prestigious clients is all in a day’s work. You’ll hone your skills with support from driven and talented colleagues and find your feet through our structured learning programme.
Sectors
In every sector we work in, we’re global leaders for a reason. Decades of innovative solutions and excellent results mean that we’re trusted legal advisers to some of the world’s largest organisations. Across established industries and emerging fields, cross-border disputes and global transactions, we bring a fresh perspective, a wealth of experience and unmatched expertise.
And who benefits from our success? Aside from our clients, it’s our team. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll work on high-profile deals and cases in areas that spark your interest. From the energy transition to real estate, evolving technology to infrastructure, your future starts here.
Financial buyersOur trusted, innovative legal advice gives financial buyers the security they need to stay competitive in a fast-paced global market. Our clients include private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, alternative capital providers, pension funds and financial institutions. Across the spectrum of the global economy, our knowledge guides high-stakes investing decisions and helps influential buyers gain footing in emerging sectors. Working in this field, you’ll develop expertise in markets ranging from real estate to telecommunications and technology.
Technology, media and telecommunicationsThere are few areas of law more exciting and fast-moving than this. Digital innovation is bringing constant changes to the information sector and our high-profile clients require commercial, innovative and cutting-edge legal advice to navigate these shifts. Working in this area is a chance to study and apply the law as it’s being written. You’ll operate across the full spectrum of TMT – from AI to print media, cyber security to mobile towers – advising on everything from global partnerships to IP law.
EnergyEnergy is the lifeblood of our global economy. But in the face of climate change and the pressures of growing demand, everything about this industry is changing. We’re proud to play our role in leading the transition to a net-zero future. Working in this sector is a chance to make an impact on a momentous scale. You’ll join a 700+ strong global team as you help clients make large-scale acquisitions, develop mega energy infrastructure and transition to a sustainable future.
InfrastructureOur infrastructure clients include contractors, banks, governments and sponsors, in developed and emerging markets. In a time of rapid globalisation and population growth, infrastructure is a busy and thriving sector. It's an exciting field: it's complex and offers the chance to build something from scratch. Working in this market, you’ll apply your legal knowledge to market-defining projects and transactions, as well as settlement negotiations, litigation and all forms of dispute resolution. Above all, your focus will be on achieving the best commercial outcomes for our clients.
Financial institutionsWith the rise of cryptocurrency, non-banking competitors and growing cyber security risk, the banking industry has never had a greater need for innovative legal insight. We help some of the world’s biggest institutions maintain a steady footing in a rapidly changing world. Working in this sector, you’ll help your clients navigate major disputes and large transactions, including class actions, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory enforcement and competition investigations. It’s an exciting place to be.
PharmaceuticalsIn the face of technological change and an ageing population, the pharmaceutical industry is more vital than ever. Our role is to help our clients stay profitable and navigate uncertainty while continuing to provide expert healthcare. Working in this field will develop your scientific, technical, and strategic knowledge. Expect to help clients with intellectual property matters, settlement disputes and large-scale acquisitions.
Real estateThe world of real estate is broad, complex, exciting and fast-paced. From offices to hotels, infrastructure to leisure facilities, we help clients navigate all types of transactions and disputes, regional and multi-jurisdictional. As an expert in real estate, no two days will be the same. You’ll advise clients on ESG and technology and develop an in-depth, strategic understanding of the entire real estate market.
ConsumerIn this vast sector, we work with clients across the value chain to safeguard their brand and secure a competitive edge. But with innovation and technology changing how people purchase, the consumer products sector is in constant flux. Our challenge is to give businesses the safe, legal backing they need to stay agile and take necessary risks. When you work in consumer, you’ll give expert advice to world-leading brands. This could be through M&A transactions, IP protection, addressing product liability issues or ensuring ESG compliance.
We may be a large, global firm, but we have a strong sense of culture at Herbert Smith Freehills. Regardless of our skills, strengths, backgrounds or beliefs, these three values guide the way we all work.
HumanWe’re relationship builders. We’re collaborative, generous, kind, respectful of others’ contributions and share credit for work well done. We look after our clients’ best interests and the interests of one another.
BoldWe’re ambitious. We’re proud of our past, excited about the future and think tomorrow can be better than today.
We’re entrepreneurial and not afraid to do things differently to fulfil our goals. We believe that anything is possible.
OutstandingWe strive to be leaders in all we do. We understand individual and collective growth are a shared responsibility.
We’re client-centred and commercial. We’re solutions-focused and known for our insight.
Our awards
Our Brussels office is proud to have been recognised for our pursuit of groundbreaking, innovative work. Here are a few of our accolades:
Ranked for the 11th consecutive yearGlobal Competition Review: Global Elite – 2023
Shortlisted – Competition Team of the YearThe Lawyer European Awards 2022
20 ranked lawyers across CRTWho's Who Legal: Competition 2023
Our pro bono workOur success in the corporate world means we can give back in other areas. Pro bono and citizenship work is some of the most rewarding we do and we take our responsibility seriously. Through partnerships with individuals, charities and national governments, our teams make a positive impact across the world. See the video below for a closer look at these projects.
Our digital futureTechnology is changing our entire economy, the legal sector included. From new laws governing cyber security to blockchain disputes, it’s not only how we work that’s changing, but what our work can do.
Listen to our podcast
Want to find out more about our work? Our podcast showcases some of our most fascinating cases, advisory work and complex transactions. Listen on the go.