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

Take our practice test here

 

 

KEY DATES

Application dates: 1 – 31 January 2024

Scheme dates: April 2024

Register now

Benefits

Accommodation provided for students who live outside of London

Accommodation is provided for the first night of the workshop for those living outside of London.

Travel expenses paid

Travel expenses will be reimbursed upon production of receipts up to the value of £100.

Work shadowing your trainee buddy

Spend a day shadowing your trainee buddy to better understand the role and responsibilities of a trainee.

Interactive presentations

Develop key skills through interactive activities run by highly experienced lawyers.

Real insight into the work we do

Including our world class disputes resolutions practice, our market leading corporate work and pro bono initiatives.

Evening social networking event

An opportunity to get to know our culture and people from across the firm in an informal setting.

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

Application dates: 1 – 31 January 2024

Scheme dates: 1 September 2024 – 31 March 2025

Register now

Benefits

Competitive salary

Competitive salary

Trainee buddy from your university

We will pair you with a trainee who went to your university who will be on hand to answer any questions you have and support you.

Insight into the recruitment process

You'll gain a deeper understanding of the Herbert Smith Freehills recruitment process and how to succeed in our application process.

Powerful experience to add to your CV

The experience and transferable skills gained from working with an international law firm while promoting our brand and events on campus will help enhance 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

Register now

Benefits

£9,000 awarded over three years of study

£9,000 awarded over three years of study

A mentor at the firm

A mentor at the firm

A guaranteed position on a vacation scheme

The scholar is guaranteed a place on one of our vacation schemes

Personal study sessions

Personal study sessions with Rare’s Melissa Andrewes, a former Head of Students at the University of Law

Exclusive events

Invitations to exclusive firm events

Any Questions?

You can view a selection of frequently asked questions about life at the firm and our range of opportunities via the button below.