Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer — solicitor apprenticeship

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.” This is echoed by the firm’s current apprentices who tell LC that “from trainees to partners, everyone is interested in getting to know you and they empower your development and success” and “there is always someone willing to answer questions, share their experience and invest time in your development.”

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. The firm protects apprentices’ 9.30am to 5.30pm hours, with one insider verifying that “I am never asked or expected to work past my usual hours.” For particularly keen juniors, however, we’re told that “at the same time, there are opportunities to do overtime to get involved in important moments when beneficial to your development, whether that is a deal signing, completion, court hearing or client event,” although this is never the expectation.

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.

Apprentices describe the teaching at BPP as “very good — engaging and interesting as well as well-explained” and praise the tailored seat-specific training provided by HSF Kramer. One insider describes training at the firm as “holistic and practical”, revealing to LC that “every formal training opportunity is practical and genuinely useful”.

Balancing legal studies with a job at one of London’s most prestigious firms is no easy task. However, current HSF Kramer apprentices seem to be taking it all in their stride, with one assuring LC that “we have the time and support to succeed academically while continuing to gain meaningful experience in practice”. Describing how he manages to balance work and study, one apprentice says “organisation and communication are the two biggest factors”, sharing that “I have always found colleagues to be extremely supportive of both my work and studies.” The dedicated study day is “a huge benefit” and the “extensive” study leave HSF Kramer apprentices are afforded “makes balancing work and study much more manageable,” we hear. One inside source adds that, “attending in person means that we have been able to experience the social aspect of university too!”

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.”

Current apprentices, who have been through it all themselves, advised future applicants to “do your research. Know the ins and outs of the programme you are getting yourself into and know the reasons you want to work for the firm specifically.” Offering practical application form advice, one apprentice recommends that “when discussing your motivation for the solicitor apprenticeship route or particular firm, avoid generic statements. Instead, use concrete examples that demonstrate your interest, whether that is work experience, extracurricular activities, a deal you have followed or a conversation you have had with someone at the firm.”

This is Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s Solicitor Apprenticeship profile. Read Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s full Legal Cheek profile here.