Application Process & Interviews at Herbert Smith Freehills

One interview with a partner only (no HR in the interview). There was a cocktail night to network before the interview. Because I lived interstate I could not attend, but I don't think this impacted on my chances of success. No assessment centres or online assessments.

The clerkship process is grim at best, however my experience interviewing at HSF was by far the best during the clerkship recruitment process. One interview, one on one with a partner, very relaxed. No formal assessment apart from a personality assessment which was completed prior to the in person interviews.

The interview process was rigorous and demanding.

Online application (cover letter, CV, extended response questions), occupational personality questionnaire, cocktail evening, interview, coffee with a graduate lawyer. No assessment centre or equivalent.

Very smooth compared to other top tier firms.

Conversational interview with a partner who didn't seem like they were 'testing' me. No standardised testing, just a values survey which is a welcome change.

A written application was required in the form of a CV, cover letter and answers to short answer questions. Following this, there was an interview with a Partner.

Standard clerkship process, online application with questions, standard online testing, partner interview and cocktail evening.

The process followed similar processes to other firms. However, you could tell the firm was trying to be as stress-free as possible and gave a clear structure on how the process would work.

Very structured, well organised. I applied initially for a clerkship which involved an online application, aptitude tests, cocktail evening and partner interview. All necessary steps which helped me get a sense of the firm and vice versa.

Standard for the legal industry, answered various questions about interests in the firm and law.

Clerkship process aligned with other NSW law firms. Two interviews with one partner, attend cocktail nights.

My interview was a very informal conversation with a partner. The partner gave me her life story and explained her practice. We talked through my resume, picking out things of note to expand on (mainly co-curricular things or work experience). I enjoyed the interview.

The Partner genuinely wanted to learn more about me and my experience. I was asked Questions about my work and volunteer experience, why I want to work at HSF and what I like to do in my spare time.

Behavioural questions and more general conversational questions.

Why Commercial Law? Why HSF?

How do you deal with mistakes?

Standard range of questions about skills, prior experience, desire to work in the area and behavioural questions.

About studies, present and past work in the law, outside- of -work interests.

Why I would like to work at the company, which areas of law am I interested in etc.

About myself, my work experience and what I was looking for at HSF.

This was a while ago. I remember being asked thoughtful questions which really showed that the partner interviewing me had thoroughly reviewed my application/CV/cover letter. Questions to get to know me and my motivations.

About my life experience, previous job experience - it was a very relaxed conversation.

Describe your experiences, largely asking you to talk through your CV. Some mandated behavioural questions by HR, but these were de-emphasised.

Do some research on the partner you are interviewing with. But then just have confidence in yourself. HSF seems to hire people who are quiet achievers and focus on finding people who can fit into the down-to-earth culture here.

Take the time to learn about HSF before applying. There is plenty of information on the firms website and on LinkedIn etc. Show a genuine interest in the firm and know the firms points of distinction. There are many that make HSF stand out from other firms.

Be authentic and relaxed.

Balance good grades with extracurricular activities

Speak to people who work at the firm. Be yourself.

Get involved in university co-curricular opportunities and seek as much work experience as you can before applying.

Be well rounded. Excel at your studies but don't forget to have hobbies- sports, music etc. It seems like leadership roles are also well looked upon.

Understand the area you want to work in, understand clients and competitors, recent transactions.

Know what you are looking for in a firm and make sure you ask this from a range of people. This will show whether there are areas that interest you within the firm and to specifically show that you are interested in these areas.

Be very clear why you want the role at HSF specifically.

Ensure you know how to talk through your CV, and in particular not in a descriptive manner, but rather to accentuate what you have learned from those experiences. Be prepared for a casual conversation and not one that is rigidly structured.