Application FAQs - London
When is the deadline for training contract applications for March 2012/September 2012?
31 July 2010.
How many trainees join each year?
Our London office aims to recruit approximately 85 trainees a year who start in either September or March.
When should I apply for a training contract?
- Non-law students should apply in their final year
- Law students should apply at the earliest in the summer after they have completed their penultimate year and have their exam results, if relevant
- Graduates can apply at any time
When can I expect to be interviewed for a training contract?
- We interview non-law students from January onwards in their final year
- We interview law students in September and October in their final year. This may change subject to Solicitors Regulation Authority rules
- We interview graduates at any time
How do I apply for training contracts and vacation schemes?
Applications for this year's vacation schemes have now closed and will re-open on 1 October 2010. Applications for training contracts are now open. The deadline is 31 July 2010. Our preferred method is via our online application form, but we do also accept paper applications.
When will I hear if I have been successful?
Within 7 - 10 working days.
Should I apply for both a vacation scheme and a training contract at the same time?
If you have already applied for a vacation scheme, please await the outcome of your application before applying for a training contract.
What is the recruitment process for training contracts and vacation schemes?
There is a short case study exercise and an interview with two partners followed by a tour with a trainee.
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 welcome applications from other students.
Can I apply for a training contract if I haven't studied law as a degree?
Yes. On average, about 45% of our trainee intake is from non-law degree students. This helps to ensure our intake is as diverse as possible.
Is it possible for me to take a gap year prior to commencing a training contract?
Yes. You have the option to discuss your plans at interview or apply to defer your start date once you 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/final year law student or final year non-law student?
Yes. We welcome applications from students who have decided to apply for a training contract later than usual or from people looking to change their careers.
When should I apply for a place on the Graduate Diploma in Law course?
You should apply at the beginning of your final year.
Does the firm recommend a GDL provider?
Yes. We request that all GDL students apply to BPP in London, Manchester or Leeds.
Do I need to apply for a place on the Legal Practice Course?
Herbert Smith is one of five leading City firms providing an enhanced Legal Practice Course. You must contact the Central Admissions Board for an application form in the autumn of the year prior to commencement of the course. You will receive full details of the procedure upon receipt of an offer of a training contract.
Do you offer a maintenance grant/fees bursary?
Yes. We pay a maintenance grant for the Legal Practice Course and for Graduate Diploma in Law.
How much will I be paid during the training contract?
£37,500 in Year 1 rising to £42,500 in Year 2. You will be entitled to 25 days holiday in each of your first two years, rising to 27 upon qualification. In addition, you will receive other benefits including pension, profit share, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, interest-free season ticket loan, life assurance, group personal accident insurance and subsidised gym membership.
What is the structure of the training contract?
Herbert Smith's two-year training contract is divided into four seats, each of which lasts six months. You’ll have the opportunity to express a preference for each of the seats – none are set in stone before you arrive. During your training you’ll be exposed to the entire spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, with an opportunity to apply for a more specialist area, a seat overseas or a client secondment.
When will I have the opportunity to go on secondment during my training contract?
We currently offer opportunities for secondment to our second, third and fourth-seat trainees. You will have the option to apply for a secondment at either one of our international offices or with one of our clients as an in-house lawyer.
Is it difficult to get a secondment during my training contract?
Not as difficult as people may think - the majority of trainees who want to will get to go on a secondment.
Will you help me secure a work permit if I need one?
Yes. We’ll use our own internal resource plus any external expertise to assist in an application for a work permit for UK or international placements. Non-EU nationals will need work permits to undertake a training contract. Work permits may also be required for certain foreign seats.
Will I have the opportunity to train as a solicitor advocate?
Yes. You’ll undertake training in solicitor advocacy during your LPC and also as part of the Professional Skills Course in your training contract. There will also be opportunities for all solicitors qualifying into dispute resolution to obtain full rights of audience.
What shall I do if my studies were affected by the 2006 industrial action at my university?
We’re aware of the industrial action which took place at many universities. If you were affected by this, please advise us in the notes section of the application form so we can take this in to account when reviewing your application. Should you wish to discuss this personally with us, please call us on the Graduate Recruitment hotline: 020 7374 8000.
How do I apply for a vacation scheme?
Applications for this year's vacation schemes have now closed. Applications for winter 2010 and spring and summer 2011 will open on 1 October 2010.
Who is eligible to apply for a place on the vacation schemes?
Penultimate and final year law students, final year non-law students and graduates who are considering a career as a commercial lawyer.
We also consider applications from law and language students who are in their second year and going abroad for their third year.
The purpose of the scheme is to give an insight into the workings and culture of a commercial law firm.
How many places are there on the vacation schemes?
Up to 125 places in total on our 2009/2010 vacation schemes as follows:
- 25 places on our winter scheme
- 25 places on our spring scheme
- 25 places on each of our three two-week summer schemes
When are the vacation schemes taking place?
- Winter: 7 - 18 December 2009
- Spring: 22 March - 1 April 2010
- Summer (1): 21 June - 2 July 2010
- Summer (2): 12 - 23 July 2010
- Summer (3): 2 - 13 August 2010