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Herbert Smith Freehills

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4.4
  • #1 in Law
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Herbert Smith Freehills Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Law

We’re Herbert Smith Freehills, one of the world’s leading international law firms. Join us and you’ll be at the centre of high-profile cases, and high-impact deals and you’ll grow from new experiences every day. 

ABOUT US

With over 24 offices spanning Asia, Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East, careers at Herbert Smith Freehills offer our graduates the opportunity to experience being part of a truly global law firm. Working with some of the most significant organisations in the world, opportunities to have a social impact, and learning from our world-class team every day will enable you to create solid foundations on which to build your career in law. 

We’re proud to say that we put people first. Our firm is built on diverse cultures, reflective of the societies in which we live and work. That’s why inclusivity is key to our success. At Herbert Smith Freehills, you’ll be valued for what makes you different and accepted for who you are. We recognise the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation, collaboration and business outcomes. So, whether it’s working on the latest advancements in digital law, taking part in some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions around, or helping people through our extensive pro bono work – you’ll develop the skills to solve the most complex challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways.

WE WELCOME DIFFERENT

Great lawyers are both curious and creative. We encourage you to challenge assumptions and open yourself up to new ideas – we’re as eager to learn from you, as you are from us. So, what exactly are we looking for? 

There’s no single path to becoming an exceptional commercial lawyer. We look beyond your academic record and your technical aptitude. We’re focusing on finding people who have the curiosity to explore all the angles and the empathy to place themselves in their client’s shoes. 

In line with our 10 Actions for Change, we are proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.

CLERKSHIP PROGRAM

We select many of our graduates through our vacation clerkships. During this immersive experience, you’ll receive hands-on practical experience, as you work on some of the diverse challenges facing the team you’re collaborating with. Some key features include the opportunity to: 

  • Before you join, submit a preference for a team to tailor your experience
  • Sit within a specific team, delivering real work for key clients
  • Navigate the first step of your career with a partner and graduate mentoring support
  • Attend workshops and presentations covering all our practice areas
  • Contribute to our pro bono practice
  • Networking opportunities to meet people across the firm

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Different from other firms, our Graduates spend six months in three practice areas. All Graduates have the chance to submit a preference for which team they would like to rotate through next. At the end of the 18-month program, our Graduates can select the area they would like to continue to grow their career in, enabling them to focus their development in an area that matters to them. 

  • Close access to experienced people – in each rotation, Graduates will be allocated a supervising Partner, a coach (usually a Senior Associate), and a buddy (usually a Junior Solicitor). They are responsible for providing work to our Graduates, giving career development advice and being a point of contact for any questions.
  • Set up for success – Graduates entering a new rotation are given a handover by the outgoing Graduates. Covering things like work, team style, and the best place to find important documents makes it easier to fit in and be effective in their new team.
  • Constructive feedback – everyone is encouraged to meet with their team and discuss career objectives and performance feedback. This creates a culture of trust and develops a feeling of psychological safety.

Recruitment Process

Online Application

You’ll need to upload the following:

  • A brief cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for a position  at the firm
  • A current CV outlining work experience, extracurricular activities,  academic and non-academic achievements
  • A recent copy of your academic transcript.

As part of the online application, we’ll also ask you to answer a few short questions about your interest in Herbert Smith Freehills and commercial law generally.

Rare

Herbert Smith Freehills is proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). The CRS allows us to understand each applicant’s achievements in the context that they have gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.

Interview

While we try to make the interview as relaxed as possible, it is a chance to show us your professional side, so pay attention to all those tips you’ve read about being punctual and presenting in a professional manner. Beyond that, be yourself and try to let us see you at your best.

The interview is intended to be a two-way process and provides an opportunity for you to see what it would be like to work with us, as well as for us to get to know you.

Remember, we want to give you a chance to tell us all about yourself and why you think Herbert Smith Freehills is the right place for you.

Remuneration & Career Growth

  • Competitive salary
  • The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice program
  • Opportunity for 6 month international rotation in one of our international offices
  • Extensive on-the-job support from solicitors, senior associates and partners.
  • Formal learning program through “HSF Advance”. This program focused on the client, financial and people skills needed to take you to the next step of your career.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.4
Overall score based on 15 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.8
Satisfaction
8.9
Recruitment
8.9
Training
8.8
Satisfaction
8.9
Recruitment
8.9
Training
What Graduates Say About Them
  • The work is extremely interesting, and I am able to learn from some very competent lawyers. Though it is a high-performance environment, I have found the culture very friendly.
  • The exposure to diverse and high calibre clients. Great work place culture and genuine people.
  • The culture and team spirit are what make HSF great. We are hard workers who love to have a laugh and are encouraged to be themselves. I strongly feel that everyone is included and welcomed. We can be ourselves
  • The stretch and growth opportunities, access to resources and personal development opportunities, collaborative working structures and my colleagues generally.
  • Opportunities for growth and commitment to mentorship
  • Time recording.
  • Located in the city, commuting might be hard for people working remotely or who usually work from home every day.
  • The numerous IT apps that I never use but need to keep running while slowing my computer
  • The hours can be long at times.
  • You get stretched, which means long hours at times.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth & Sydney
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
S
Sciences
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Perth
Spend part of your summer or winter with us and you’ll get a great understanding of how we go about meeting the needs of our clients.
Applications Close
30 Jul 2024
Start Date
20 Nov 2024
Salary
AUD 80,000 - 85,000 / Year

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Sydney
Spend part of your summer with us and you’ll get a great understanding of how we go about meeting the needs of our clients.
Applications Close
9 Jul 2024
Start Date
27 Nov 2023
Salary
AUD 75,000 - 80,000 / Year


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
I was lucky to work on some really interesting tasks during my clerkship. This included doing some work for Natasha Blycha on the Australian National Blockchain project, and drafting research notes on various topics, such as the GDPR and ‘Right to be Forgotten’.

Tayla Byatt

  • Graduate stories
I was lucky to work on some really interesting tasks during my clerkship. This included doing some work for Natasha Blycha on the Australian National Blockchain project, and drafting research notes on various topics, such as the GDPR and ‘Right to be Forgotten’.

Tayla Byatt

  • Graduate stories
I was always amazed when I was able to use my knowledge from university to draft a memo which later went out to the client either in its original form or with only minor edits.

Sebastian Davies-Mills

  • Graduate stories
I was always amazed when I was able to use my knowledge from university to draft a memo which later went out to the client either in its original form or with only minor edits.

Sebastian Davies-Mills

  • Graduate stories
I was lucky to work on some really interesting tasks during my clerkship. This included doing some work for Natasha Blycha on the Australian National Blockchain project, and drafting research notes on various topics, such as the GDPR and ‘Right to be Forgotten’.

Tayla Byatt

  • Graduate stories
I was lucky to work on some really interesting tasks during my clerkship. This included doing some work for Natasha Blycha on the Australian National Blockchain project, and drafting research notes on various topics, such as the GDPR and ‘Right to be Forgotten’.

Tayla Byatt

  • Graduate stories
I was always amazed when I was able to use my knowledge from university to draft a memo which later went out to the client either in its original form or with only minor edits.

Sebastian Davies-Mills

  • Graduate stories
I was always amazed when I was able to use my knowledge from university to draft a memo which later went out to the client either in its original form or with only minor edits.

Sebastian Davies-Mills


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Raymond Sun

Raymond Sun completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and he is now a Graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Raymond Sun

Raymond Sun completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and he is now a Graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Linda Nguyen

Linda Nguyen graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance)/Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia in 2018 and is now working as a Solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Linda Nguyen

Linda Nguyen graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance)/Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia in 2018 and is now working as a Solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Raymond Sun

Raymond Sun completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and he is now a Graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Raymond Sun

Raymond Sun completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and he is now a Graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Linda Nguyen

Linda Nguyen graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance)/Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia in 2018 and is now working as a Solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills.
  • Day in the life

Linda Nguyen

Linda Nguyen graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance)/Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia in 2018 and is now working as a Solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Videos


Day in the life of a Corporate Law Graduate

Join Sarah on a day in the life of an Equity Capital Markets graduate at HSF Sydney.

'Why HSF?' Series - Collaboration (Sophia)

Discover HSF through the eyes of our people.

Day in the life of a Corporate Law Graduate

Join Sarah on a day in the life of an Equity Capital Markets graduate at HSF Sydney.

'Why HSF?' Series - Collaboration (Sophia)

Discover HSF through the eyes of our people.

Advice


What is the coolest benefit as a graduate working at Herbert Smith Freehills?

Olivia Battcock, Law Graduate at HSF, highlights the incredible firm-provided food like weekly lunches and late night dinners plus fun office perks like competitions with prizes organized by their concierge as the coolest benefits

Advice for students who wants to apply at Herbert Smith Freehills Graduate Program?

Olivia Battcock, Law Graduate at HSF, advises students to thoroughly research the firm by engaging with current employees to gain insights before applying. This helps tailor your application to showcase fit, enhancing your chances of standing out

What is the coolest benefit as a graduate working at Herbert Smith Freehills?

Olivia Battcock, Law Graduate at HSF, highlights the incredible firm-provided food like weekly lunches and late night dinners plus fun office perks like competitions with prizes organized by their concierge as the coolest benefits

Advice for students who wants to apply at Herbert Smith Freehills Graduate Program?

Olivia Battcock, Law Graduate at HSF, advises students to thoroughly research the firm by engaging with current employees to gain insights before applying. This helps tailor your application to showcase fit, enhancing your chances of standing out