“A leading global firm with a robust and balanced array of practice areas, all within a supportive environment with genuinely nice people.” - Iris Gao, Trainee
Herbert Smith Freehills (“HSF”) is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most elite law firms. A product of the merger in 2012 between United Kingdom-based Herbert Smith founded in 1882 and Australia-based Freehills, founded in 1852, HSF shows no sign of slowing down, most recently announcing a merger with United States-based Kramer Levin (subject to partnership voting in January 2025). Among its behemoth global network comprising 23 offices, lies HSF’s Formal Law Alliance with Prolegis LLC in Singapore, a premier full-service law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions to clients. The alliance creates a “one-stop shop” for clients to access the legal services of each firm, solidifying HSF’s strength and growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
HSF Singapore now offers a dual qualification (Singapore and England & Wales) training contract for students alongside vacation schemes in June and July each year.
Today, we sit down with Iris Gao, a third-seat trainee with HSF Singapore, to uncover the real HSF beyond the headlines.
Q1: Hello Iris, it is a pleasure to have you here with us today. Perhaps we could start with a quick introduction about yourself?
Hello, the pleasure is mine and yes certainly! My name is Iris, I am originally from China but studied in Singapore for secondary school and junior college before attending the London School of Economics to complete my Bachelor of Laws degree. I was part of the first trainee cohort in HSF Singapore. I sat in finance and technology, media and telecommunications for my first two seats with HSF Singapore, and am currently on secondment to the London office, sitting in corporate energy. I will be returning to Singapore for my final seat in arbitration before qualifying as an England & Wales solicitor.
Overview of HSF
Q2: Thanks Iris, to kick things off, could you share with us a brief history of the firm and its core areas of practice for our readers who might not know much about HSF?
The HSF we know of today was born after a merger between Herbert Smith who was a part of the silver circle of leading UK firms, and Freehills, who was one of the big six Australian firms. This creates a powerhouse with headquarters in London, England and Sydney, Australia. HSF is traditionally known for its world-leading disputes practice, but people should know that the corporate practice offered by HSF is robust too.
In HSF Singapore, the litigation team is helmed by Prolegis, while the arbitration, finance, employment and corporate teams are managed by HSF. However, this distinction does not matter in reality since the two entities operate seamlessly as one, offering the full suite of services.
Notably, HSF has an industry focus on energy, attaining Band 1 for energy work in Legal500. In HSF Hong Kong, there is a strong emphasis on capital markets. Hence, for anyone considering a holistic training experience, please do not dismiss HSF by thinking that we only have a strong disputes practice!
Q3: And what do you think sets HSF apart from other law firms?
I would say that the biggest standout feature of HSF is the culture. Throughout different practice area teams across offices, you will find a consistent culture where people are really friendly and nice to you and are willing to offer guidance whenever you may need it, which is important for your growth as a trainee.
It is also a notable fact that lawyers work long hours. At HSF, when you do put in the extra time, people make sure to appreciate you for your hard work, and where possible, respect your time as much as they can.
Career Opportunities and Development
Q4: I see. Speaking of having guidance as a trainee, what are some opportunities for career growth and development that you have been exposed to under HSF Singapore thus far?
Well, honestly, as the first batch of trainees, I was pretty much part of the experimental batch so nothing was solidified. But even then, we were exposed to helpful sessions with senior lawyers who guided us along the way. I have heard from my juniors that trainees now receive a more comprehensive training programme which encompasses sessions like how to execute specific work documents in different practice areas (i.e. transactional documents, disputes documents etc.), and how to manage and live up to expectations as a trainee.
At HSF Singapore, your seat preferences really matter and the firm prioritises your growth, ensuring that you get exposed to different practice areas. Trainees must also complete at least one seat in disputes and another in transactional work.
Q5: Seeing that you are being seconded to London right now, perhaps you could share more about secondment opportunities at HSF?
Certainly! At HSF Singapore, given that you are part of a small trainee cohort of around 4 to 5 people, it is pretty much guaranteed that you will get an international secondment, though that may not be to London. Other options include Hong Kong and Tokyo. I also heard that in future batches, the firm is planning to expand the options available! The firm takes good care of you during this secondment, providing allowance and support for accommodation during your stint.
Q6: What is the process for landing a secondment? What about landing a secondment at a specific location or client?
The process is really simple. You submit your preference to the human resource team, and they will consider a range of factors, such as your background, qualifications, performance during your training contract and also the firm’s business needs. Going forward, the firm might suggest what is the preferred practice area and location for you to do your secondment. But the process is a simple one and is not as competitive as with other law firms, even if the firm might look at your performance.
Q7: And what is your experience transitioning to London thus far?
Having studied in London previously, the city is a familiar one so there was no huge transition for me. It also helped that I did my Solicitors’ Qualifying Examinations (“SQE”) in London for a year before commencing the two-year training contract, so I got to make friends with the trainee cohort from the London office. So with all things considered, the transition was a very smooth one. The human resource team helped me a lot too, so even if you are not from London, you do not have to worry about anything!
Q8: What are the biggest similarities and differences between the Singapore and London offices?
In terms of the culture, the Singapore and London offices are very similar. I think this is a testament to the great work that HSF has put in to integrate the different offices into one truly global firm.
In terms of size, the London office is much bigger than the Singapore office. When it comes to practice areas, there is more to offer in London, with specific teams such as intellectual property and real estate. Meanwhile, Singapore is more limited to the core practice areas.
When it comes to manpower, London is also unmatched. For reference, there are 9 partners in my corporate energy team in London alone, while there is a total of around 20 partners in the entire Singapore office.
As such, there is also a stricter workflow in London, where each project has a trainee, junior associate, senior associate and partner. This means that as a trainee, you may not get many opportunities to work directly with the partner. This arrangement might suit you better if you prefer more structure and scaffolding in your learning.
This is inversed in Singapore, where you will always find yourself working directly with a senior associate or partner. Though this can be intimidating and create a steep learning curve, the opportunity to grow through direct exposure is invaluable.
Work Culture and Environment
Q9: How would you describe the work environment at HSF Singapore? Are there any initiatives that promote work-life balance?
Mostly the same as what I have mentioned (see Q3), but if there is anything else to add, it will be the flexible arrangements in the firm. We currently have a 2-day work-from-home policy. However, even if you are sick and need to work from home on more days, the human resource team will consider your circumstances.
Infrastructure-wise, the office is extremely nice, with good lighting and a standing desk for everyone. There is nothing to complain about the office, especially given how spacious it is and how well-stocked the pantry is… yum!
Recruitment Process
Q10: Can you describe the recruitment process for new graduates?
I applied for a direct training contract with HSF Singapore since there was no vacation scheme available back then. However, I believe that most of the intake is now made from the summer vacation schemes that will run from June to July. For the vacation scheme, you will have to submit an application form, documenting your experience and your CV, before answering some questions. There is also an online assessment to be completed as part of the application process. If you are selected to progress, you will sit for an interview with a panel, usually with a senior associate and a partner. If you are successful, you will be invited for a month-long vacation scheme where you will be assessed on the job and may be offered a training contract based on your performance.
Q11: What qualities and skills does the firm look for in potential candidates?
I think the most important quality is teamwork. The partners emphasise this throughout my time at HSF. Additionally, you should take initiative. Do not just wait for work to be given to you. Even when you have completed the work allocated to you, you should proactively think ahead and prepare solutions to foreseeable problems.
You should also be intellectually curious and resilient. This is especially given that as part of the training contract, you have 4 seats in different practice areas. To excel and learn as much as you can, you need to be open-minded during these 2 years. Furthermore, if you enter with a fixed mindset to qualify for a certain practice area, it might defeat the purpose of doing the 4 seat rotations in an international firm with dual qualifications. HSF Singapore might not be the right fit for you in this case. But if you do partake in the 4 seats, I can assure you that it will be an invaluable experience.
It is also good to have a healthy level of commercial awareness. However, you do not need to worry about being too sharp at it as different interviewers have different expectations. Do your best and do not stress about it too much during the application process.
Q12: What advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to HSF Singapore?
Give it your best shot! Make sure that you proofread your application as HSF Singapore associates are very attentive to details. Having a small typo will ruin your entire application and there is really no excuse these days, given the advent of online grammar checkers and ChatGPT. You can also consider aligning your writing style with the legal style of writing, though your priority should be ensuring that your application is structured clearly and logically. HSF Singapore values people with holistic skills so do share about your extra-curricular activities too!
Thank you for your time, Iris, it was nice speaking with you!
HSF Prolegis Singapore Vacation Scheme is now open for applications and will close on 1 January 2025. You may visit their website here for more information or contact Recruitment.Asia@hsf.com if you have any queries. We hope you have enjoyed this edition featuring HSF Singapore and gained new insights into the firm!
United Kingdom Singapore Law Students Society 2024-2025
Commentaires