Practical Vocational Training

About the programme

The Practical Vocational Training programme at Herbert Smith Freehills is designed to provide our trainees with the best opportunities to hone the skills necessary for a successful legal career.

During the programme, focus is given to equipping trainees with the essential technical skills they need to excel in their roles. Through our Business Skills Academy, we equip our trainees with the business acumen, skills, and mindset required to handle significant matters and deals with our global clientele.

How to apply

We exclusively recruit Candidate Legal Practitioners from our vacation schemes, as it allows us to assess candidates' suitability for a trainee associate position in a practical setting.

In exceptional circumstances, we can make direct offers for our Practical Vocational Training Programme without a candidate attending a vacation scheme.

Step 1
Online application

We are currently recruiting Candidate Legal Practitioners to commence articles in January 2027. Applications are open and will close on 9 October 2024.

Please submit all the required documentation when completing your application.

Step 2
Assessments

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency-based interview where scenarios will be presented to you to assess your situational judgement. There may also be legal questions.

Successful candidates will undergo external assessments.

Step 3
Vacation scheme

Activities in our vacation scheme are designed to enlighten you on how a global law firm operates, while providing us a glimpse into how well our fit into our environment.

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