First year
It’s never too early to take control of your career. Apply for one of our first year workshops or interview to become a campus ambassador. You’ll be able to build your network, prepare for a vacation scheme and pursue our Trainee Associate Programme.
First year workshops
Each spring, we run two, two-day workshops at our London office. These interactive sessions cover subjects like Corporate Negotiation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, insights into our pro bono work, and include a careers fair. You’ll also spend an afternoon shadowing a trainee, followed by an evening social event.
APPLICATION CRITERIA
Applications are open to first year students and second year students on a four-year course. Show us your strong academic performance and initiative and how you’re involved in a variety of activities at university and beyond. If you have mitigating circumstances that have affected your grades and/or involvement in activities at school or university, including having a disability or long-term health condition, please include as much detail as you’re comfortable with in the additional information box on the online application form. If you’d prefer to have a phone call with the graduate recruitment team, please email: [email protected] and a member of the team will get back to you.
To apply to attend, you’ll need to complete our blended online assessment and application form. If you’re offered a place and then choose to apply for a vacation scheme in the next academic year, you won’t need to retake the online assessment and we’ll fast track your application to review stage
Benefits
Accommodation provided for students who live outside of London
Travel expenses paid
Work shadowing your trainee buddy
Interactive presentations
Real insight into the work we do
Evening social networking event
Campus ambassador
These positions are open to first-year students (you’ll act as a campus ambassador during your second year). This role provides you with work experience and deeper insight into our firm, helping you hone key transferable skills, as you organise events and promote Herbert Smith Freehills on campus.
APPLICATION CRITERIA
We’re looking for strong communication skills, enthusiasm and creativity. At interview, we’ll also want to know why you’re interested in our firm and how you’ll work with us to promote our activities.
To apply, you’ll need to complete an online application form and our blended online assessment. If you’re offered the role and decide to apply for a vacation scheme, you won’t need to retake the online assessment and we’ll fast track your application to review stage.
Key dates
Benefits
Competitive salary
Trainee buddy from your university
Insight into the recruitment process
Powerful experience to add to your CV
Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship Programme
Roger Leyland worked at Herbert Smith Freehills, and was the first black partner at a leading City firm. Roger was deeply committed to the development of young lawyers, including sitting as a governor on the Council of the College of Law.
We founded the Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship to provide financial support and work experience to exceptional black and minority ethnic students. Applicants should be in their first year of university, or their second year of a four-year course, and must be a Rare candidate.
Key dates
Application dates: 1 October 2023 – 31 January 2024
Benefits
£9,000 awarded over three years of study
A mentor at the firm
A guaranteed position on a vacation scheme
Personal study sessions
