Early careers
Our opportunities When you join Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll thrive under a formal learning program, close mentorship, and pro bono work.
Learning and development
Our success as a firm will be defined by your development. Your summer program with us is designed to give you exposure to a varied and interesting set of experiences that will help you reach your potential. As well as day-to-day learning from leading legal minds, we ensure you’re always supported and given the tools to take control of your learning and development.
What diversity & inclusivity means to us
We strive to reflect the societies we live and work in. We thrive when bringing together those different perspectives. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse culture where you’re valued for who you are and what makes you different.

Hear from our people

We strive to reflect the societies we live and work in. We thrive when bringing together those different perspectives. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse culture where you’re valued for who you are and what makes you different.
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Selecting Herbert Smith Freehills as the place to start my legal career was one of the best decisions I made during law school. As a summer associate, I was exposed to a diverse range of international disputes and worked directly with senior associates and partners – not only did this give me a great idea of the type of work I would be dealing with if I became a permanent member of the team, but it also gave me insight into the “BigLaw” career path as a whole. My first-year has been filled with substantive work on cross-border matters, and I am building a strong foundation that will support me for the rest of my career.
Kelly Adams, Law Clerk
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HSF’s summer program prepared me for life as working attorney in a way law school never could. Throughout the summer I was given real-world, critical assignments in ongoing matters and built skills that I still use every day. In addition to impactful work, the HSF summer program offered incredible extra-curricular opportunities such as community service, firm-wide events, and fun team building exercises. From professional growth to a welcoming work culture, HSF gave me the opportunities and structure to excel as member of its global team.
Chris Arima, Law Clerk
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Before starting law school, I hoped to practice international law but I didn’t quite know what that meant. As soon as I arrived at HSF as a summer associate, I realized that I’d found the perfect place to learn about the practice of international law through exposure to international arbitrations and related litigations. Now, as a full-time member of the International Arbitration team, I have already gained significant experience working on high-stakes arbitrations and attending hearings. HSF is a great place for anyone excited to pick up substantive work on their first day in the office.
Emma McGrath, Law Clerk
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As a Summer Associate, from day one, I was offered the opportunity to delve into substantive assignments on impactful international transactions with a diverse team. I routinely collaborate with other HSF offices around the world in representing our clients on their multi-jurisdictional matters which allows me to continuously learn. I’m delighted to continue working with a collegial and collaborative team, in its truest sense, which is a great foundation to being a valuable lawyer and member of HSF.
David Peraza, Associate

Awards

​​​​​​​In our pursuit of innovative and groundbreaking results, we’re proud to have been recognized with several awards:
Ranked 4 for Quality of Work, 2022 Vault
Ranked 19 for Firm Culture, 2022 Vault
Ranked 38 for Best Law Firms to Work For, 2022 Vault
Ranked 23 for Satisfaction, 2022 Vault
Ranked 30 for Racial and Ethnic Diversity, 2022 Vault
Ranked Third Busiest in the World (Global Arbitration Practice) Global Arbitration Review (GAR)
Latin America’s Top 100 Female Lawyers Latinvex 2022
Top International Law Firms, International Arbitration Legal 500 Latin America 2023