Herbert Smith Freehills Reviews

Based on 32 surveyed graduates working at Herbert Smith Freehills. Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.

4.6

Based on 32 reviews

Pros & Cons

Learning from the best. Everyone is super smart and invested in my career development. I have felt incredibly supported from day 1.
HSF has great people, great work, and great experience for anyone who comes here, especially for a graduate like myself.
The firm is really flexible with its work-from-home policy and benefits for employees who are required to work late.
The firm's culture is top-notch across the board, everyone from senior lawyers and partners to support staff are so willing to help each other.
The training and development at HSF is unmatched. Hands-on in a challenging environment where you have every opportunity to learn and grow.

Same as every top-tier firm, if there is a big deal you can be working longer hours. But the sense of achievement provides a lot of satisfaction.
There isn't anything that I can think of - it would be better if the firm invested more in graduate bonding/social events.
Long hours are a common experience in the industry and largely unavoidable given the client-centric nature of the work.
The fast-paced nature of the work means you don't always get to spend as much time as you would like on tasks.
As with all big commercial ﬁrms, work hours and pipeline can be unpredictable but that is the nature of working with big clients and transactions.

What Insiders Say

8.8

Career Prospects

8.8

Career Prospects

There is always an opportunity to move up at HSF, as long as you're working hard and showing initiative.

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8.7

Corporate Social Responsibility

8.7

Corporate Social Responsibility

The firm has a very good pro bono initiative, and we have a committee dedicated to contributing to the community.

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9.0

Culture

9.0

Culture

The firm's culture is top-notch across the board, everyone from senior lawyers and partners to support staff are so willing to help each other.

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8.7

Diversity

8.7

Diversity

The firm is the market leader in the diversity and inclusion space. Leaders at the firm have a nuanced, sensitive, and compassionate approach to issues.

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9.2

Satisfaction

9.2

Satisfaction

I have learnt a lot and made great connections. I really feel like HSF is a firm that takes care of its people, yet offers amazing work opportunities.

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8.9

Management

8.9

Management

Great mentors who are genuinely interested in junior development to retain talent and grow their practices.

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9.0

Office Work Environment

9.0

Office Work Environment

HSF's offices are really nice and have fantastic views of the city and water, and the subsidised café is also a massive plus

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9.1

Recruitment

9.1

Recruitment

The interview process was friendly and focused on getting to know me rather than testing me. It was a two-way conversation to ensure the firm was the right fit for me.

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8.0

Salary

8.0

Salary

Compared with other firms, HSF compensates their graduates incredibly well.

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9.1

Training

9.1

Training

The training has been the highlight of the graduate program for me. It's amazing to reflect on where I am now as compared to where I started.

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8.0

Work Hours

8.0

Work Hours

Quite flexible overall, but it is very team dependent. As long as the work is done, the team trusts that I'm on track.

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8.3

Sustainability

8.3

Sustainability

I know that numerous initiatives exist. However, I'm only aware of the firm's policy around printing and using 'Uber Green' when Uber costs are reimbursable.

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