One of the firm's core values is its commitment to technical excellence. Richard King, Head of Legal Knowledge at Herbert Smith, says:

"We see it as a fundamental part of our success as a firm that our lawyers are at the forefront of legal thinking and participate robustly in the development of the law as well as its application. We have a strong tradition of doing this, it's what our clients expect and it's why many of our partners and associates wanted to practise law in the first place.

It also makes our work more stimulating and rewarding to know we are contributing to the evolution of the legal environment that we and our clients will operate in tomorrow."

While partners and associates inevitably lead on much of this activity, drawing on their experience of practice, trainees can and do make important contributions. You may sometimes be as close to developing thinking on the law as established practitioners. Your research skills will offer invaluable support. You may be called upon to prepare articles and memoranda on draft legislation. You will be a key member of a client team in cases and transactions of significance to the future of law and legal practice. You will be building the skills needed to lead in these areas later in your career.

In a very real sense, you will be part of a team that actively shapes the law.