The Legal Cheek View
Meet Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer at Legal Cheek’s solicitor apprenticeship application masterclass on Thursday 26 November 2026 and sixth-former insight session on Thursday 14 January 2027.
This is the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer profile for those considering solicitor apprenticeships. Students looking to apply for training contracts should check out Legal Cheek’s main Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer profile.
Two years on from the launch of its hotly anticipated solicitor apprenticeship programme, HSF Kramer remains one of the most sought-after destinations for aspiring solicitor apprentices. As one of the most prestigious UK-headquartered law firms outside the Magic Circle, recruits can expect top-tier work and training at this full-service outfit, with hands-on experience across a range of teams. Its busy dispute resolution department is complemented by an array of other practice areas for apprentices to experience across the six-year programme including corporate, banking, employment, energy, and competition.
New apprentices kick off their training with an extended induction, then dive straight into yearly rotations through the firm’s core legal practices. Recruits gain valuable insights into the firm’s operations through regular contact with business services teams, while developing their legal expertise in their seat. Before each rotation, they can express their seat preferences, allowing them to tailor their experience to their interests and explore the firm’s various practice areas. Additionally, there is the potential for a client secondment later on, providing an opportunity for direct client contact to keep the training experience varied.
Legal Cheek spoke to Hiral Shah, early careers recruitment manager at HSF Kramer, who told us a little about the firm’s motivation for joining the solicitor apprenticeship movement. “We’re passionate about making legal careers more accessible,” she told us. On the support that apprentices can expect throughout the programme, Shah explained that, “Apprentices will be supported through a combination of dedicated supervisors, partner mentors, trainee buddies and regular guidance from HR. As well as expert tuition and cohort support from BPP university.”
For the first four years, yearly seat rotations include corporate, finance and employment. Then, in the final two years, apprentices shift gears, matching the structure of HSF Kramer’s trainee associate programme, with four six-month stints across areas like dispute resolution, competition, and IP. By this stage, they’ll have wrapped up their part-time LLB (courtesy of a weekly study day) and be gearing up for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) with BPP.
HSF Kramer knows the power of a good social connection, and there’s no shortage of ways for apprentices to grow their network. Sports clubs including football and cricket, to more creative groups like the choir and book club add a dash of variety. Each department throws its own socials, whether it’s office drinks or a summer picnic, and apprentices are always welcome at the trainee cohort’s bi-monthly get-togethers, from interactive darts to laid-back, non-drinking meet-ups. And for a warm welcome, new apprentices join the annual future joiner summer party — a rooftop bash full of food, entertainment, and networking for all incoming talent. The firm also brings diversity-focused networks into the mix, which apprentices can join to connect with colleagues who share similar interests and experiences. From social mobility to multiculturalism and women in law, each network has its own events and activities.
When it comes to applications, we’ve heard from insiders that HSF Kramer is looking for those who show they’ve done their homework, know what a six-year commitment means, and can speak to why they’re drawn to the firm’s values, particularly inclusivity and social mobility. “Take the time to reflect on why a career in law appeals to you and how an apprenticeship aligns with your goals,” Shah told Legal Cheek. “We’re not expecting you to have all the answers, but we are looking for authenticity, curiosity, and a genuine interest in the legal profession.” She also offered some practical tips for the application form, “Be clear, concise, and confident in your writing. This is your opportunity to tell your story and show us your potential.”
This is Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s Solicitor Apprenticeship profile. Read Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s full Legal Cheek profile here.