Want to know what it's like to attend and Open Day at Herbert Smith Freehills? We catch up with Bright Network member Adam following his attendance. He tells us about the application process and offers advice to others wanting to attend.
Why did you choose this firm and this role?
I am an ambitious person; learning from Chambers & Partners Band 1 litigators is how I will reach work at the cutting-edge. The firm’s social virtuosity impresses me.
Meeting the firm at DiversCity in Law and hearing Alison Matthews speak passionately about the firm’s commitment to diversity signalled that Herbert Smith Freehills' culture is inclusive – a vital criterion.
I am interested in the Business and Human Rights practice. Commercial issues with pronounced humanitarian aspects have interested me since learning from my great-grandfather about the oil industry’s treatment of indigenous people he worked with in Burma in the 1940’s. I imagine that practice’s advice on Brazilian hydroelectric projects engages with social and economic matters like those raised by the relocations necessitated by construction of Lake Volta in Ghana, which I learned of while reading about the 1960’s Green Revolution.
By attending the Open Day, I hoped, and succeeded in, understanding the diversity of the firm’s practice areas, and how to identify the right one for me.
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
The application form question was quite broad, picking the best things to go in there was quite difficult. Putting together a story about myself for the form was fairly fun.
Were you surprised by anything in the process?
The sheer longevity of some litigations, and the amount of manpower involved.
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
- Break into circles of people at networking by saying hi. Nobody'll judge you.
- Ask lawyers personal questions: don't put them on the spot about their opinion on Brexit when they most likely just want a quiet glass of wine.
- Target your applications: 5 good applications will be better than 15 alright applications.
What's your lucky charm or pre-interview ritual?
A silver dollar my granddad brought me from America.
