When is the deadline for training contract applications for September 2010/ March 2011?

31 July 2008.

How many trainees join each year?

Our London office aims to recruit approximately 100 trainees a year who start in either September or March.

When should I apply for a training contract?

• Non-law students should apply in the autumn/spring of their final year.
• Law students should apply in the summer after they have completed their penultimate year and have their exam results, if relevant.
• Graduates can apply at any time.

When can I expect to be interviewed?

• We interview non-law students from January onwards in their final year.
• We interview law students in September and October in their final year. This may change subject to Solicitors Regulation Authority rules.
• We interview graduates at any time.

How do I apply?

By completing our application form, or online.

When will I hear if I have been successful?

Within 7 - 10 working days.

What is the recruitment process?

For a training contract there is a short case study exercise (for those who have not already completed one for a vacation scheme place) and an interview with two partners followed by a tour with a trainee.

Is it worth my applying for a training contract if I haven't been on a vacation scheme with the firm?

Yes, definitely. We recognise that we are unable to offer vacation scheme places to as many students as we would like and welcome applications from other students.

Can I apply for a training contract if I haven't studied law as a degree?

Yes. On average, about 45% of our trainee intake is from non-law degree students. This helps to ensure our intake is as diverse as possible.

Is it possible for me to take a gap year prior to commencing a training contract

Yes. Candidates have the option of whether to discuss their plans at interview or you can apply to defer your start date once you have accepted a training contract offer. We do offer funding for some activities which may benefit the firm, for example learning a foreign language. It is worth contacting the graduate recruitment team to discuss your plans.

Can I apply for a training contract if I do not fall into either category of penultimate-year law student or final year non-law student?

Yes. We welcome applications from students who have decided to apply for a training contract later than usual or from mature students or people looking to change their careers.

When should I apply for a place on the CPE/Postgraduate Diploma in Law?

You should apply at the beginning of your final year.

Does the firm recommend a CPE/GDL provider?

No, we do not have a preferred CPE/GDL provider.

Do I need to apply for a place on the new Legal Practice Course?

Herbert Smith is one of five leading City firms providing an enhanced Legal Practice Course. You must contact the Central Admissions Board for an application form in the autumn of the year prior to commencement of the course. You will receive full details of the procedure upon receipt of an offer of a training contract.

Do you offer a maintenance grant/fees bursary?

Yes. We pay a maintenance grant (£7,000 p.a. for the Legal Practice Course and £6,000 p.a. for the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law in London; £5,000 p.a. outside London).

How much will I be paid during the training contract?

£36,000 in Year 1 rising to £40,000 in Year 2. You will be entitled to 25 days holiday in each of your first two years, rising to 27 upon qualification. In addition, you will receive other benefits including pension, profit share, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, interest-free season ticket loan, life assurance, group personal accident insurance and subsidised gym membership.

What is the structure of the training contract?

Herbert Smith's two-year training contract is divided into four seats, each of which lasts six months. You will have the opportunity to express a preference for each of the seats – none are set in stone before you arrive. During your training you will be exposed to the entire spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, with an opportunity to apply for a more specialist area, a seat overseas or a client secondment.

When will I have the opportunity to go on secondment?

We currently offer opportunities for secondment to our second, third and fourth-seat trainees. You will have the option to apply for a secondment at either one of our international offices or with one of our clients as an in-house lawyer.

Is it difficult to get a secondment?

Not as difficult as people may think, over 72% of trainees who want to will get to go on a secondment.

International students?

Each student is judged on a case by case basis.

Will you help me secure a work permit if I need one?

Yes. We will use our own internal resource plus any external expertise to assist in an application for a work permit for UK or international placements. Non-EU nationals will need work permits to undertake a training contract. Work permits may also be required for certain foreign seats.

Will I have the opportunity to train as a solicitor advocate?

Yes. You will undertake training in solicitor advocacy during your LPC and also as part of the Professional Skills Course in your training contract. There will also be opportunities for all solicitors qualifying into litigation to obtain full rights of audience.

What shall I do if my studies were affected by the 2006 industrial action at my university?

We are aware of the industrial action which took place at many universities. If you were affected by this, please advise us in the notes section of the application form so that we can take this in to account when reviewing your application. Should you wish to discuss this personally with us, please call us on the Graduate Recruitment hotline: 020 7374 8000.