Application FAQs - Hong Kong office
When is the deadline for Hong Kong training contract applications for September 2011/ March 2012?
We make offers throughout the year, so there's no deadline. We will close applications as soon as we have made all our offers.
How many trainee solicitors join each year?
Our Hong Kong office aims to recruit around eight trainees a year who start in either September or March.
When should I apply for a training contract?
• law students should apply in the first term of your penultimate year.
• graduates can apply at any time
When can I expect to be interviewed?
In Hong Kong, we interview successful applicants approximately two to three weeks after submission of their applications.
How do I apply?
Our preferred method is via our online application form.
When will I hear if I have been successful?
We advise applicants within two weeks of their interview.
What is the recruitment process?
• for summer vacation schemes there will be an interview conducted by a partner. The interview will take approximately 45 minutes.
• for a training contract there will be an interview conducted by two different partners in two interviews. Each interview will take approximately 45 minutes.
Who is eligible to apply for a place on our vacation schemes?
Penultimate year law students who have strong academics and are also all-round achievers with well developed interpersonal skills (The scheme only runs in Hong Kong, not other Asia offices)
When is the deadline for vacation scheme applications?
May 2009
How many places are there on your vacation schemes?
We run two vacation schemes a year, accommodating 12 students in total in Hong Kong.
When are the vacation schemes taking place?
Summer (1): 6 – 31 July 2009
Summer (2): 3 – 28 August 2009
Is it worth applying for a training contract if I haven't been on a vacation scheme with the firm?
Yes, definitely. We recognise that we are unable to offer vacation scheme places to as many students as we would like and we would welcome applications from other students.
Is it possible for me to take a gap year prior to commencing a training contract in Hong Kong?
Yes. Candidates have the option of whether to discuss their plans at interview or to apply to defer their start date once they have accepted a training contract offer. We do offer funding for some activities which may benefit the firm, for example learning a foreign language. It is worth contacting the Graduate Recruitment Team to discuss your plans.
Can I apply for a training contract if I do not fall into either category of penultimate-year law students?
Yes. We welcome applications from students who have decided to apply for a training contract later than usual or from mature students.
When should I apply for a place on the Postgraduate Certificate in laws?
You should apply at the beginning of your final year.
Do you offer a maintenance grant/fees bursary for PCLL?
Yes. We pay all PCLL course fees and a maintenance grant.
How much will I be paid during the Training Contract?
We can guarantee that salary will be competitive with the local market at the time of hire.
What is the structure of the Hong Kong training contract?
Herbert Smith's two-year training contract is divided into four seats, each of which lasts six months. Trainees have the opportunity to express a preference for each seat – none are set in stone before they arrive. During the training, trainees will be exposed to contentious and non-contentious work, with an opportunity to experience a more specialist area and a seat overseas.
When will I have the opportunity to go on secondment?
We currently offer opportunities for secondment to our London, Beijing and Shanghai offices.
Will you help me secure a work permit if I need one?
Where people do require a work permit, we will use our own internal resource plus any external expertise to assist trainees in an application for a work permit for Hong Kong or international placements.