Our culture

At Herbert Smith our culture is truly collegial, without meaningless hierarchy.

Individualism thrives but is balanced with a collegial atmosphere where teams of lawyers, rather than individual partners, are often singled out for praise on high-profile deals and cases. You’ll find this team spirit evident at all levels – from trainees to support staff, associates and partners.

Our attitudes are reflected in the people we recruit, who we train to be flexible and imaginative in applying the law. In short, we recognise, encourage, and actively seek to promote originality within team-based practice groups.

Graduate recruitment partners, Chris Parsons and Paul Lewis comment, “The training, support and development we offer all of our people is designed to make their experience of the firm as valuable and enriching as possible - so is the high value we place on individuality”.

Getting the balance right
Rising to the challenge of life as a commercial lawyer is both fulfilling and enjoyable – as our profiles clearly demonstrate. Our priority is to maintain a friendly but professional atmosphere in which you and your fellow trainees can meet this challenge.

With this in mind our offices provide the optimum environment for you to work and relax, offering everything from discounted membership of local sports clubs to a wide variety of sports and social events. What’s more, when you’re in a Herbert Smith office anywhere in our network, you’re at the heart of the city. For example, our Paris office is just off the Champs-Elysées and our Tokyo office is close to the Imperial Palace.

Support services
To help our lawyers excel we provide top quality professional services throughout the firm. As a trainee, you’ll be encouraged to make use of these to make your life easier and work more productive. Responsive information systems, human resources, an extensive library, reprographics, business development, secretarial support, document production, catering, accounts, management information and legal professional development all contribute to the smooth running of the firm and the success of your work.