We don’t exist in a vacuum; our work puts us at the centre of world business and our lawyers know the world of business as well as they know the law.

For those joining Herbert Smith, three key aspects of the firm rapidly become apparent.

First, the breadth and balance of our practice and the unparalleled training and development opportunities this provides. Among major UK international law firms we are unique in having leading corporate and disputes practices, similar to the model used by New York’s top firms. Allied to this, we also have leading practices in finance, real estate, EU and competition, and employment, pensions and incentives. Our partners are free to develop a broad portfolio of work which allows our trainees and associates to gain experience on a variety of matters. Add the chance of a secondment to one of our international offices, or to one of our major clients, and you can see why Herbert Smith appeals to people who want the widest legal experience possible.

Second, the global nature of our business. With an office network that spans Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and the travelling we do to stay in touch with our global client base, you will quickly appreciate that you have joined an international firm. And a highly rated one at that: according to Legal Business magazine we are firmly placed in the world’s top 18 “Global Elite” law firms. Our global dispute resolution practice is seen as a world leader, as is our global energy practice.

We also have the top cross-border India practice, and are viewed by a variety of multi-national organisations as the unrivalled choice in Indonesia. Our teams in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing have led many of the multi-billion dollar international offerings that have propelled China’s former state-owned enterprises onto the world stage. And, with our Paris office leading the way, Herbert Smith now has one of the best francophone Africa practices.

Third, the premium we place on being at the forefront of legal developments. The bespoke work we carry out for clients enables us, from time to time, to develop legal solutions completely new to the market. Recent notable activities include our original research on class actions, our work as sole legal adviser to the Hedge Funds Working Group on best practice standards for hedge fund managers and our authoritative client guide to the Companies Act 2006. Our award-winning in-house advocacy unit is the first such unit in the UK. It allows us to offer a complete litigation service, in which teams of solicitors and barristers work together from the outset to prepare and present cases. This integrated approach can improve the efficiency of the litigation process and offers real benefits to clients in terms of managing cases.

Breadth and balance of practice. International focus. Thought leadership. A group of characteristics that come as close as any to defining the essence of Herbert Smith.