I did a five year law degree from the National Law School of India University in Bangalore India and I started with Herbert Smith in August 2008.
What makes us different
I think Herbert Smith is a different kind of law firm because of its people. The people I’ve worked with over the last two years are both warm and friendly. They make it worth coming to work every morning.
Culture
As a trainee you change seats every six months and so you come across new warm, friendly and supportive people every six months. You keep those friendships and you develop new ones when you play football or hockey for the firm, or are involved in community service.
International work
The firm works with clients in many jurisdictions. As a trainee at Herbert Smith you do get the opportunity to work with international clients on international matters. In my time at Herbert Smith I’ve worked on matters in jurisdictions ranging from North America to Asia, from Africa to the North Sea. I’ve worked with numerous multinational companies and also international banks.
Secondments
At Herbert Smith you may have the opportunity to be seconded to one of our clients or to one of our international offices in the Middle East, Asia or Europe. In my third seat I spent six months in the Hong Kong office working for the banking and finance group. I found the opportunity both personally and professionally rewarding.
During my time in Hong Kong I worked on two transactions for a major international bank. I was involved directly with the client in negotiating with the other side and also with the local counsel. I often had to make decisions on my feet and it taught me how to take ownership for my work.
Vacation schemes
For anyone moving so far away from home to work I think it is important to see both whether the firm works for you, and whether you work for the firm. An internship opportunity at Herbert Smith will give you exactly that.
Moving to London
Once you are offered a training contract you have continued support from its human resources team, its graduate recruitment team, and also from the partners.
When you start at the firm from an international location you are invitied to regular foundational courses in English law and have constant support from the training and development team.