When is the deadline for training contract applications for March 2014/September 2014?
Finalists and graduates can apply from 1 October 2011 -15 January 2012.
Penultimate year students can apply from 1 June - 31 July 2012. Penultimate year students should include details of second year results.
How many trainees join each year?
Our London office aims to recruit approximately 85 trainees a year, with an even number starting in either September or March.
When can I expect to be interviewed for a training contract?
- Finalists and graduates will be interviewed in January/February/March
- Penultimate year students are interviewed in August/September
How do I apply for training contracts and vacation schemes?
- Applications for the winter vacation scheme will open on 1 October 2011 and close on 31 October 2011.
- Applications for the spring and three summer schemes in 2012 will open on 1 December 2011 and close on 14 January 2012.
- We also consider applications from law and language students who are in their second year and going abroad for their third year.
- Our preferred method is via our online application form, but we do also accept paper applications.
How many places are there on the vacation schemes?
Up to 100 places in total on our 2011/2012 vacation schemes as follows:
- 25 places on our winter scheme
- 25 places on our spring scheme
- 25 places on each of our two three-week summer schemes
When are the vacation schemes taking place?
- Winter: 5- 16 December 2011
- Spring: 26 March - 5 April 2012
- Summer (1): 18 June - 6 July 2012
- Summer (2): 9 - 27 July 2012
When will I hear if I have been successful?
We will respond to your application within two weeks. If we are not able to notify you within this timescale we will let you know and keep you updated.
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.
If you have interviewed for a vacation scheme and been unsuccessful, please do not re-apply in the same year.
What is the recruitment process for training contracts and vacation schemes?
We are committed to a culture of inclusivity, fairness and equality of opportunity in which individuals from wide-ranging backgrounds can fulfil their potential. Should you require any adjustments to be made to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process please contact us.
1. Application form
When reviewing your application form we will check that you have attained 340 UCAS points (or equivalent) and that you are on track for, or have achieved, a 2:(i) (or equivalent) in your degree. We will take account of mitigating circumstances where appropriate. We look for individuals who engage in a range of extra-curricular activities and interests and will check your form for accurate use of English.
2. Situational judgment test
Once you have finished the application form, you will be asked to complete a situational judgment test. This will identify and compare your skills and attributes to current top performers working in the firm. The test is based on scenarios that you will be likely to face as a Trainee at Herbert Smith as we want to understand what your approach would be. The test is not timed.
3. Verbal and logical reasoning test
You will then complete an online test of your verbal and logical reasoning. The verbal reasoning element of the test will present you with various paragraphs of written information with comprehension questions to measure your ability to evaluate and interpret the written word. The logical reasoning element will present you with sequences of images and you will be required to identify which image would come next. This test measures your ability to infer and understand complex problems and draw logical conclusions. The test will take 45 minutes. Please note that you may be asked to sit a verification test at interview.
4. Interview process
You will then be invited to meet a number of partners and senior associates who will assess your suitability for a vacation scheme or training contract. You will also receive a tour of the office with a current trainee and be given the opportunity to ask 'off the record' questions about life at the firm.
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, almost half of the trainees we hire are 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?
£38,000 in Year 1 rising to £43,000 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.