Applying to HSF

What we offer

A career at HSF will set you up for success in both your professional and personal life. Here are a few reasons why top candidates continue to choose us:
Benefits Enjoy a £50,000  starting salary and generous benefits package
Inclusion With eight diversity networks, we’re leaders in inclusion
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Travel We offer around 55 secondments per year, including ones to our overseas offices in Europe, Asia and Australia
Development Structured learning, skills training and 1:1 coaching to help you thrive
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What we look for There are many routes into a law career. Trainee associates join us with degrees in STEM subjects, English, Computer Science and even Medicine – half of our trainee associates didn’t study Law at undergraduate level. There are a few traits which will consistently get you ahead though. We’re looking for intellectual agility, personal impact and a relentless drive to do great work.
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Inclusive recruitment
We all benefit from a more inclusive HSF: different backgrounds and perspectives make us more innovative and collaborative in a diverse, global world. We’re committed to inclusive hiring, so if you have any queries, including questions related to disability adjustments, please contact the Graduate Recruitment team.
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How to apply

Step 1
Application form
 This is your chance to make a standout impression. We don't ask you to upload your CV - instead, you'll complete an online application form where you’ll tell us about your academic achievements, any relevant work experience, and answer three written questions based on your legal knowledge and interests.
Complete the form
Step 2
Online test Our online test will examine you in three areas: situational judgement (SJT), verbal reasoning and personality/behavioural traits. Questions are based on situations you’re likely to encounter as a trainee associate at HSF. The test can be completed at your own pace, but should take approximately 30-35 minutes.
Take the practice test
Step 3
​​​​​​​Assessment Day
 The final stage in your journey, the assessment day is a chance for us to get to know each other better. In addition to interviews about your motivation for working here, you’ll be given a case study and scenario-based tasks that test your ability to think on your feet.
Media player
How to prepare for assessment day
Attending an assessment centre can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a short video to give you an idea of what to expect at one of our assessment centres, offer some top tips to allow you to perform at your best and give details on each stage of the process:
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Key dates

Vacation schemes
Winter vacation scheme
(Finalists and graduates)

Scheme dates: 25 November - 6 December 2024.

Applications open September 2024.
Spring vacation scheme
(Penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates)

Scheme dates: 7 April - 17 April 2025.

Applications open September 2024.
Summer vacation scheme
(Penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates)

Scheme dates: 9June - 27 June 2025 / 7 July - 25 July 2025.

Applications open September 2024.
First year opportunities
Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship
Our Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship is designed to help exceptional Black and ethnic minority students access funding and work experience in law. You must be a Rare candidate in order to apply.

Applications are now closed.
First year workshops
Our two-day workshops are open to both Law and non-Law students. Based at our London office, you'll experience interactive sessions and work shadowing, followed by an evening social event. 

Applications open January 2025.
Campus ambassadors
Build connections at HSF through our Campus Ambassador programme. You’ll help to organise events and promote HSF’s work on campus. In return, you’ll receive valuable work experience and a deeper insight into our firm.

Applications open January 2025.
Open days
Digital open day
Our digital open day will show you how our lawyers are advising clients on matters like crypto and the metaverse, and how we're transforming legal practice by developing cutting-edge legal technologies.

Applications open September 2024.
Black Talent open day
This open day will show you how our inclusive culture will support you to reach your goals and what Herbert Smith Freehills can offer you. During the event, you’ll hear about the work we do and our Black Talent initiatives.

​​​​​​​Applications open September 2024.
Disputes open day
HSF has a reputation for excellence when it comes to global dispute resolution. At this open day, you’ll get exclusive insights into some of our most famous litigation and international arbitration cases and successes.

Applications open September 2024.
Social Mobility open day

Equal opportunity is hugely important to us at HSF. This open day was created to provide socially mobile students and graduates the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the ground-breaking work we do as a firm.

Applications open September 2024.
IP, Cyber Security and Technology open day
If you’re studying science, technology, medicine, electronics, maths, computer science or a cyber subject, our open day is a great insight into the cutting-edge work you could do as a scientific or technology-qualified lawyer.

Applications open September 2024.
MyPlus Students Club open day
Are you a high-performing student with a disability and/or long-term health condition? Hear from HSF lawyers with a disability who have achieved success and delivered ground-breaking work and find out about the accommodations and support networks offered.

Applications open September 2024.
LGBT+ open day If you’re an LGBT+ student considering a career in the legal profession, our IRIS (Inclusion, Respecting Identity and Sexuality) Network open day is for you. You’ll hear from trainees and associates who identify as LGBT+ and find out about the support and development opportunities on offer. 


​​​​​​​Applications open September 2024.

Related links

Your journey starts before you join us. Explore our opportunities to find out more about us and see whether a career with us is right for you.
First year Join our workshops or become a campus ambassador to gain an insight into life at Herbert Smith Freehills.
Learn more
Open days Considering a career at a world-leading law firm? Find out more about our work and culture through one of our open days.
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Vacation schemes Gain valuable insight into what we do by taking on real work, for real clients, on our vacation schemes.
Learn more
Any questions?
View a selection of frequently asked questions about life at the firm and our range of opportunities.
FAQs