Candidate Legal Practitioner (Candidate Attorney)

About the scheme

Are you an exceptional law student looking to start your career at a globally leading firm? Our prestigious two-year Candidate Legal Practitioner schemes allow you to learn from and work with the very best, developing critical legal skills and expert knowledge in a specialism of your choice.

How to apply

The Candidate Legal Practitioner scheme is one of the most prestigious of its type. Before applying, please ensure that you’ve thoroughly researched HSF and our work, and determined whether this is the right pathway for you.

Step 1
Online application

Our next Candidate Attorney intake will be for those commencing practical vocational training in January 2027. Applications for that intake will open January 2025.

Step 2
Interview

If invited for an interview, you’ll be asked scenario-based questions designed to test your situational judgement and suitability for the role. You may also be asked some legal questions.

Step 3
Assessment

A shortlist of candidates will undergo external assessment. Then we’ll conduct standard background screening before confirming your place.

Additional information

During your two years of articles, you’ll rotate through three different practice groups, building critical skills and knowledge which will serve you throughout your career. You’ll work on high-profile cases and deals, closely supported by our partners and in collaboration with colleagues all over the world.

Hear from our people

My favourite part about working at HSF is that you get the 'big firm' experience whilst still working in an intimate environment where everyone genuinely cares about your well-being and growth. The people at HSF are one of the central reasons why I have had such a positive articles experience thus far, and I anticipate that I will be able to build a reliable and encouraging network of colleagues throughout my time here.

Chelsea Richard (Trainee)

The wide global network, impressive clientele and industry forward work make HSF a great leading firm in the market to be a part and parcel of. It is the people centric nature and culture however that set the firm apart and have stood out for me during my time as a CA. A competitive environment where you are guaranteed to grow, but are equally valued as an individual is an everyday highlight.

Melody Mutula (Trainee)

It is a largely intimidating move from being a student to entering the working world. However, HSF has been extremely welcoming and understanding. Everyone at the firm wants to see you grow and succeed. HSF has gone above and beyond my expectations, and I could not have asked for a better law-firm to introduce me to the legal world!

Pawan Maharaj (Trainee)

Being a candidate attorney at Herbert Smith Freehills has been an incredibly rewarding experience due to the people focussed culture and the many opportunities to gain exposure to diverse legal matters. It has been rewarding to be able to develop my legal skills and work closely with clients in the encouraging environment that Herbert Smith Freehills cultivates.

Bronwyn Oosthuizen (Trainee)

HSF creates a work environment which junior members want to be part of and can flourish in. We have the opportunity to work in integrated teams and to learn directly from some of the most established lawyers in their fields. It is a space where your opinion is valued and it is clear that the firm is invested in the growth and development of its junior members.

Oliver Dyer (Trainee

Benefits

We’re committed to finding the best talent to work at Herbert Smith Freehills; in exchange, we’ll look after your personal and professional development.