Law · ~5-6% acceptance rate

Herbert Smith Freehills Interview Preparation

The disputes powerhouse with global reach — particularly strong in Asia-Pacific and energy

~8,000+

Applications

~5-6%

Offer rate

£50,000 (TC)

Graduate salary

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Application process

How to get into Herbert Smith Freehills — step by step

1

Online Application

Vac scheme: Oct-Jan.

HSF values disputes and energy expertise. Show awareness of their strengths.

2

Online Assessment

1-2 weeks after application

Verbal and situational judgement tests. Standard format.

3

Video Interview

2-4 weeks after assessment

Competency-based. Know HSF's key practice areas and a recent matter.

4

Assessment Centre

February-March

Group exercise, written exercise, partner interview. HSF ACs are collaborative.

5

Offer

1-2 weeks after AC

Vac scheme conversion rate ~70-75%.

Interview questions

Herbert Smith Freehills interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

  • 1Why HSF?
  • 2Tell me about a commercial development.
  • 3Describe a time you showed resilience.
  • 4What practice area interests you?
  • 5Why City law?

What they value

What Herbert Smith Freehills looks for in candidates

Commercial awareness

Know HSF's strengths — disputes, energy, infrastructure, and Asia-Pacific.

Disputes interest

HSF is known for world-class disputes work. If litigation interests you, HSF is a strong choice.

Global mindset

Strong Asia-Pacific presence (from the Freehills merger). Show international awareness.

Analytical skills

Written exercises test legal reasoning. Attention to detail is essential.

Teamwork

Collaborative AC format. Build on others' ideas in group exercises.

Resilience

City law is demanding. Show you can handle pressure and long hours.

Compensation

Herbert Smith Freehills salary & benefits

Graduate

£50,000 (first year TC)

Intern

~£450/week (vac scheme)

Bonus

NQ salary ~£105,000-115,000

Perks & benefits

Full SQE/LPC fundingHealth insurance25 days holidayGym subsidyInternational secondments (Australia, Asia)Pro bono programmeFlexible working

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Herbert Smith Freehills

World-class disputes practice — key differentiator
50-60 hours/week for trainees
Strong Asia-Pacific and Australian presence
Energy and infrastructure expertise
Exchange House office in the City
4 seat rotations during TC
International secondments to Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
Collegiate and supportive culture

Insider tips

How to stand out at Herbert Smith Freehills

1

HSF's disputes practice is world-class. If litigation interests you, say so.

2

The Freehills merger gives HSF unique Australian and Asia-Pacific reach. Reference this.

3

Energy and infrastructure are key sectors. Know what's happening in energy transition.

4

HSF is Silver Circle, not Magic Circle — know the difference and why you prefer HSF regardless.

5

International secondments to Australia and Asia are a genuine differentiator.

Compare

Herbert Smith Freehills vs competitors

FirmSalaryHoursCultureExit opps
Herbert Smith Freehills£50,000 (first year TC)50-60/weekWorld-class disputes practice — key diff...—
Clifford Chance£52K TC / ~£125K NQ50-65/weekMagic Circle, higher NQ salarySlightly stronger
Freshfields£52K TC / ~£125K NQ50-65/weekAlso strong disputesSlightly stronger
Ashurst£48K TC / ~£105K NQ50-60/weekSimilar Australian connectionSimilar
White & Case£52K TC / ~£130K NQ55-65/weekUS firm, higher NQ paySimilar

FAQ

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