Herbert Smith LLP is an international legal practice with more than 1,200 lawyers in our offices in Europe and Asia. In addition we work closely with two premier European firms with whom we have an alliance - the German firm Gleiss Lutz and the Dutch and Belgian firm Stibbe.

We have a diverse, blue-chip client base including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, major investment banks and governments. What makes Herbert Smith stand out is our culture, a collegial working environment, a pre-eminent market reputation in key practices and industry sectors, and an ambition to be consistently recognised as one of the world’s
leading law firms.’

Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students, or anyone wishing to commence a training contract in two years’ time. Trainees need a strong academic record, common sense, self-confidence and intelligence to make their own way in a large firm. They are typically high-achieving and creative thinking, with good interpersonal skills.

Training programme

Our training programme is one of the most varied amongst leading City firms. Our priority is to provide a friendly, professional, team-based environment in which our lawyers can learn and develop their skills.

As a trainee, you will rotate around four ’seats’ of six months each, including one in litigation, one in corporate and a further non contentious seat in either finance or real estate. You can also apply for a specialist seat such as IP, Tax, Trusts, EU and Competition, Employment, Pensions and Incentives or our advocacy unit. Alternatively you can apply to go on secondment to a client or one of our international offices.