How long is the Herbert Smith Freehills video interview?

The Herbert Smith Freehills video interview consists of 4-5 questions. You get 30 seconds preparation time and 2-3 minutes per question. The entire process takes approximately 15-25 minutes.

Can I retake a Herbert Smith Freehills video interview question?

Typically no retakes. Check instructions at the start. Practising beforehand is essential regardless.

When does Herbert Smith Freehills send the video interview?

Herbert Smith Freehills typically sends the video interview invitation 2-4 weeks after assessment. You usually have 5-7 days to complete it.

What should I wear for the Herbert Smith Freehills video interview?

Dress as you would for an in-person interview — business formal. For law firms, conservative professional attire is expected and affects both the reviewer's perception and your own confidence.

What questions does Herbert Smith Freehills ask on video interview?

Herbert Smith Freehills's video interview includes competency-based questions, motivational questions ("Why Herbert Smith Freehills?"), and commercial awareness questions about the legal market.

Should I wear a suit for the Herbert Smith Freehills video interview?

Yes. Dress as you would for an in-person Herbert Smith Freehills interview — business formal. It affects both the reviewer's perception and your confidence.

How do I prepare for the Herbert Smith Freehills video interview?

Prepare 5-7 anchor stories using STAR format. Practise recording yourself with timed answers. Research Herbert Smith Freehills's recent deals and matters. Use Intervyo's Herbert Smith Freehills-specific practice questions to get AI-scored feedback.

Law · HireVue Practice

Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue Questions & Practice

4-5 questions, 30 seconds prep, 2-3 minutes per question. Typically no retakes. Check instructions at the start.. Practise with AI-scored feedback.

~8,000+

Applications

~5-6%

Offer rate

~40-60%

HireVue pass rate

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Format

What the Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue looks like

4-5 questions

Questions

30 seconds

Prep time

2-3 minutes per question

Answer time

Allowed

Retakes

Sent 2-4 weeks after assessment.

Mix of behavioural and motivational questions with commercial awareness elements.

AI and human reviewers evaluate responses — focus on clarity, structure, and commercial awareness.

Completed on the HireVue platform via browser or mobile app.

You can pause between questions but cannot return to previous answers.

Free practice

Try a Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue question

Herbert Smith Freehills' video interview reflects a truly global firm with a distinctive Australian-British heritage. HSF's merger of Herbert Smith (London) with Freehills (Melbourne) created a firm with particular strengths in disputes, energy, and mining — and their HireVue questions test whether you understand this positioning. Commercial awareness questions frequently touch on natural resources, ESG litigation, or Asia-Pacific markets in ways that purely London-focused firms don't. HSF values directness and practical thinking over formal polish.

HireVue Practice

Herbert Smith Freehills — HireVue Practice

Your question

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

That was 1 question. Herbert Smith Freehills uses 4-5 questions from a larger question bank. Practise the full set with AI-scored feedback inside Intervyo. Start free trial →

Question types

Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue question breakdown

Competency / Behavioural

~40%

Questions about past experiences — teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving. "Tell me about a time you resolved a disagreement."

Motivational

~30%

"Why Herbert Smith Freehills?" and "Why commercial law?" questions. They want specific reasons tied to the firm's practice areas, deals, or culture.

Commercial awareness

~30%

Questions testing knowledge of current affairs, the legal market, and Herbert Smith Freehills's recent deals or matters.

Real questions

Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue questions

Motivational

1Why Herbert Smith Freehills?
2What commercial issue interests you?
3Why do you want to be a commercial lawyer?
4What do you know about HSF's disputes practice?
5Why HSF?
6What practice area interests you?
7Why City law?

Behavioural

1Tell me about a time you resolved a disagreement.
2Describe a time you worked in a team to solve a problem.
3Tell me about a commercial development.
4Describe a time you showed resilience.

Scoring

How Herbert Smith Freehills scores your HireVue

Herbert Smith Freehills evaluates video interview answers using a combination of AI-assisted analysis and human reviewers. Partners and recruitment teams make the final decision.

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.

Tips

Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue tips

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

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

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

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

International secondments to Australia and Asia are a genuine differentiator.

Reference a specific Herbert Smith Freehills deal or matter in your "Why Herbert Smith Freehills?" answer. Check their press releases or Chambers rankings for recent work.

Demonstrate attention to detail in your speech — avoid filler words and maintain clear, precise language throughout.

FAQ

Herbert Smith Freehills HireVue FAQs

Practise every Herbert Smith Freehills question with AI-scored feedback.

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