FAQs

When is the deadline for training contract applications for March 2014/September 2014?
Finalists and graduates should apply from 1 October 2011 - 15 January 2012.  Penultimate year law students can apply from 1 June 2012 - 31 July 2012. Penultimate year non-law students can apply for training contracts commencing in 2015 from 1 June 2012- 31 July 2012.


How many trainee solicitors join each year?
Our London office aims to recruit around 85 trainees a year who start in either September or March.

When should I apply for a training contract?
Both law and non-law students can apply in their penultimate or final year.

• Finalists and graduates can apply from 1 October 2011- 15 January 2012. 
• Penultimate year students can apply from 1 June 2012- 31 July 2012

When can I expect to be interviewed?

• If you are applying from 1 October - 15 January interviews will take place in February/March 
• If you are applying from1 June - 31 July, interviews will take place in August/September
• Applications for the winter vacation scheme are open to finalists, graduates and penultimate year lawyers and non-lawyers from 1 October 2011 - 31 October 2011
• Applications for the spring and summer vacation scheme are open to finalists, graduates and penultimate year lawyers and non-lawyers from 1 December 2011 - 15 January 2012 

How do I apply?
By completing our online application form.

How many places are there on your vacation schemes? Up to 100 places in total:

• 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 also 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. Assessment day

You will then be invited to meet a number of partners 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. If you were unsuccessful at interview for a vacation scheme, we do ask that you do not re-apply for 12 months.

Can I apply for a training contract if I haven’t studied law as a degree?
Yes. Just under half of our trainee intake is from non-law degree students. This helps to ensure our intake is as diverse as possible.

Do we recommend a GDL provider?
Yes. We request that all GDL students apply to BPP in London, Manchester or Leeds.

Do you offer a maintenance grant/fees bursary?
Yes. We pay all GDL/LPC course fees and a maintenance grant in three termly instalments. We also pay the SRA student membership.

How much will trainees be paid during the training contract?
£38,000 in year one rising to £43,000 in year two. In addition they will be entitled to 25 days holiday in each of their first two years, rising to 27 upon qualification. In addition, trainees receive other benefits including private medical insurance, pension, subsidised membership to Virgin Active gym, interest free season ticket loan, life assurance, permanent health insurance, group personal accident insurance and profit share.

When will trainees have the opportunity to go on secondment?
Trainees are given the opportunity to request an international or client secondment. Most opportunities are available for our second, third and fourth-seat trainees.

We offer the following international/client secondments:

There are international secondment opportunities in:

There are client/secondment opportunities at:

Is it difficult to get a secondment?
Approximately 70% of trainees who want to, will get to go on a secondment.

What is the retention rate of trainee solicitors upon qualification?
Of those trainees that applied for a position upon qualification in the last round 80% were offered an associate position.


Will you help me secure a work permit if I need one? 
We will work hard to secure you a work permit with the assistance of our in-house International Team and our external advisors. Non-EU nationals will need work permits to undertake a full UK training contract. Work permits may also be required for certain international seats.

Will I have the opportunity to train as a solicitor advocate?
Yes. You will undertake training in solicitor advocacy during your LPC and also as part of the Professional Skills Course in their training contract. Trainees will have the opportunity of applying for a secondment to the Advocacy Unit as well as qualifying into litigation to obtain full rights of audience.