Vacation scheme

Watchtower and moat, Beijing

You’ll learn what practising law at a top international legal practice is all about – and whether it’s the career for you.

And you’ll be treated as one of the team.

A vacation scheme is a great introduction to being a trainee at Herbert Smith. Our schemes run for four weeks, three times a year at our Hong Kong office. We take law and non-law graduates, UK and international students, including those that have already graduated.

During your placement you will sit in the same room as a partner or associate and be given real work for real clients. Formal and informal social events are arranged for you to meet others on the vacation scheme as well as partners, associates and trainees. By the end you should have a good idea of whether law is the career for you – and whether that might be at Herbert Smith. You will also receive a gratuity to assist with expenses.

Scheme dates
We run three vacation schemes a year accommodating 18 students in Hong Kong:

  • Summer (1): 7 July - 1 August 2008
  • Summer (2): 4 - 29 August 2008
  • Winter: 5 - 30 January 2009

When do I apply?
If you’re studying law you should apply in your penultimate year. If you’re studying a non-law subject then apply in your final year. For the summer scheme we need your application by May 2008, and for the winter scheme we need it by October 2008.

How do I apply?
Simply complete an online application form - please see To apply.