The HSF Solicitor Apprenticeship is a six-year programme that offers an alternative path to a career in law. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience and support in an international law firm while you gain industry-recognised qualifications.    

At Herbert Smith Freehills, we align your growth and ambition with ours. We invest in your personal and professional growth and support you to achieve your ambition. Your diverse perspective will be welcomed, whatever your background and experience.  

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you'll join our leading team and start your journey in the legal field. During the six-year programme, you'll spend time working on real work for real clients.  

In your first four years, you will rotate through four, 12-month seats, each offering a breadth of knowledge and unique perspective on our diverse practice areas.  

As you progress into your fifth and sixth years, you'll join our Trainee Associate Programme rotations. You will experience four different 6-month seats, providing you with a more in-depth understanding of our various practice areas.   

The type of tasks and work you'll be completing, include

  • Assisting with legal research 
  • Reviewing and drafting legal document 
  • Attending client meetings 
  • Assisting with case management 
  • Preparing for and attending court 
  • Summarising court judgements  

You'll also dedicate one day each week working towards a law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) with BPP University. 

This is a unique opportunity to become a lawyer at a leading international firm. If you’re ready to strive for excellence, we’d like to hear from you.  

At Herbert Smith Freehills, we’re renowned for our culture. You’ll be supported to grow, achieve your ambitions and play a part in helping us achieve the firm’s. So as an apprentice, by being ambitious for your growth and ours, we’ll achieve our goals together. 

We value diverse perspectives and embrace difference. We’re proud of our achievements, committed to building on our good work, as well as our awareness of and focus on well-being. You’ll be supported to bring your whole and best self to work in an environment that is not only professional, but also connected and caring.   

Human 

We’re genuine relationship builders. We’re collaborative, generous, kind, and respectful of the contribution of others. We embrace difference, and benefit from the insight and diverse perspectives it brings. 

Bold  

We’re ambitious. We’re proud of our past, excited about the future and think tomorrow can be better than today. We’re entrepreneurial, not afraid to do things differently and believe anything is possible.  

Outstanding  

We strive to be leaders in all we do. We know growth and success is a shared responsibility. We’re client-centred and commercial, known for our insight and expertise.