Herbert Smith Freehills Application Guide 2027
Every programme, deadline, and requirement for applying to Herbert Smith Freehills. Plus a free CV checker to see if you pass screening.
Programmes
Herbert Smith Freehills programmes
Training Contract
Eligibility
Law and non-law graduates (with GDL/SQE)
Opens
Varies
Deadline
Varies by firm
Duration
2 years (4 seats)
Vacation Scheme
~70-80% conversionEligibility
Penultimate-year undergraduates and GDL/LPC students
Opens
October
Deadline
December-January
Duration
2 weeks
Requirements
What Herbert Smith Freehills looks for
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.
Grade requirements
Typically 2:1 and strong A-Levels. Contextual recruitment used.
Tips
How to apply to Herbert Smith Freehills
HSF values disputes and energy expertise. Show awareness of their strengths.
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.
Proofread everything. Herbert Smith Freehills receives thousands of applications — copy-paste errors from other firms are obvious and result in immediate rejection.
CV check
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CV standards
Herbert Smith Freehills CV requirements
One page maximum for undergraduates. Two pages acceptable for graduates with significant legal experience.
Education first — include degree classification (or predicted), A-level results, and relevant modules or dissertation topics.
Legal experience prominently featured — vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, pro bono, mooting, law society involvement.
Quantify achievements where possible — "managed a team of 15" or "contributed to a brief covering £2m in damages".
Tailor to Herbert Smith Freehills — reference practice areas that align with your interests and the firm's strengths.
Professional formatting — consistent fonts, clear section headers, no colours or graphics.
Success rates
Herbert Smith Freehills conversion rates
| Stage | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Application → Online assessment | Selective (estimated ~20-30%) |
| Online assessment → Video interview | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Video interview → Assessment centre | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Assessment centre → Offer | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Vacation scheme → Training contract | Typically 70-80% |
| Overall application → offer | Estimated ~5-6% |
FAQ
Herbert Smith Freehills application FAQs
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