2025
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you (300 words)
The increasing use of loyalty programmes within branding and marketing strategies has piqued my interest. These schemes reflect a fascinating psychological phenomenon wherein the promise of, and sense of ownership over, rewards, often motivates consumers to increase or expedite expenditure.
As FT’s Brooke Masters aptly concluded on a recent Financial Times News Briefing Episode, when examining the increasing use and success of such schemes within the airline industry, "people will pay anything to get something for free." She highlighted that IAG (parent company of British Airways) generates more revenue from its rewards currency, Avios, than it does from its airlines, as consumers, eager to receive what they consider to be a bargain, subconsciously spend more frivolously.
This phenomenon interests me as it starkly contrasts with political economist J.S. Mill’s ‘homo economicus’ model which I studied in A Level Economics, which suggested that consumers make decisions based purely on cost-benefit analyses. Loyalty programmes overhaul this theory, tapping into deeper psychological drivers, including the desire for exclusivity or the fear of missing out. Additionally, positive reinforcement – the psychological phenomenon wherein favourable outcomes are attached to specific actions – occurs when businesses offer exclusive rewards for profitable customer behaviour, further contradicting consumer rationality.
I also find this trend fascinating due to examining the phenomenon’s impact on my weekly grocery shop. The introduction of Lidl’s ‘Lidl Plus’ scheme, which competes with Tesco’s well-established ‘Tesco Clubcard’, has noticeably influenced my own spending habits, leading me to explore new shops. This exploration allowed me to realise the stark difference in pricing, leading to a shift in my shopping habits and ultimately severing my former brand loyalty to Tesco. This first-hand experience deepens my interest in the strategies companies use to develop competitive advantage and customer engagement in crowded markets.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills? (300 words)
Herbert Smith Freehills’ (HSF) dispute resolution expertise primarily attracts me. I explored this during HSF’s Global Litigation Virtual internship, and when shadowing my HSF BASS (Black Aspiring Solicitor Scheme) mentor, [redacted], in International Arbitration. The latter included proofreading a witness interview brief for a billion-dollar arbitration and drafting a counter-offer letter for settlement discussions in a pro bono litigation matter. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed experiencing first-hand the complex problem-solving involved in cross-jurisdictional commercial and employment dispute resolution, making HSF’s guaranteed disputes seat, and various secondment opportunities, particularly appealing.
Secondly, HSF’s sincere dedication to career progression highly appeals to me. This is demonstrated by the firm’s consistently high retention rates, even in senior positions, and the innovative HSF Deal framework. I have also realised this through BASS, wherein [redacted] (Associate, Finance) reflected on her supervisor’s genuine investment in giving her opportunities to develop her competencies and explore her interests as a trainee. Through BASS, I’ve recognised the importance of tailored career support, which has been pivotal in building my commercial and legal skills. Knowing that HSF fosters a culture where senior colleagues actively support junior lawyers reinforces my confidence that I, too, could benefit from HSF’s unparalleled opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
HSF’s commitment to diversity also attracts me. HSF’s robust affinity groups, including the Black Employee Network (BEN), and close collaboration with Rare Recruitment and Aspiring Solicitors – organisations which have greatly supported me in developing commercial awareness and building key legal skills through providing mentorship and coaching – have led to HSF’s ranking as UK’s 5th most ethnically diverse law firm. I find this inclusive environment essential, both, as [redacted] (Senior Associate, Finance) recognised, for attracting and building relationships with international clientele, and because, as a member of multiple underrepresented groups, I desire a workplace that celebrates my unique background.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (300 words)
Firstly, my formidable attention to detail would complement this role. I honed this by meticulously reviewing termly articles as [x society role], later promoted to [redacted] in recognition of my expertise. I reinforced this skill whilst interning at [redacted], proofreading and drafting client correspondence for fee-earners. This precision is essential for reviewing and marking up documents, drafting client correspondence, and carrying out disclosure, which are key everyday trainee tasks.
I also have strong interpersonal skills. Working part-time at a hotel, I interacted with a diverse range of guests, including over 400 Afghan asylum seekers. Engaging with individuals from various backgrounds, often overcoming language barriers, refined my verbal and non-verbal communication abilities. Moreover, as a Student Ambassador on a university residential, I balanced authoritative and approachable communication styles to develop an effective mentorship relationship with my mentees, including sustaining engaging and effective communication throughout consecutive 15-hour shifts. Through these experiences, I have learnt how to establish common ground quickly and respond sensitively to different cultural contexts, strengthening my adaptability and empathy. These qualities are invaluable for building strong rapport with clients, collaborating within a large trainee cohort, and fostering positive relationships with diverse colleagues.
Finally, a key attribute of mine is compassion, demonstrated by volunteering over 120 hours at [redacted] since 2021, and conducting [redacted] research projects on human rights violations in Afghanistan and the UK child protection system. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to social causes, which I am eager to bring to HSF’s impactful pro bono work, including supporting vulnerable individuals through the [redacted]. My genuine concern for others aligns with HSF’s commitment to socially impactful work, driving me to make a positive difference both in and beyond my legal work.
2024
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you. (300 words)
Does music depend on human creativity, or can original music be programmed by AI? This question was raised by the popularity of a deep-faked Drake and The Weeknd song, which caused a furore among commentators questioning whether this spelled the end of human dominance in the arts. This led me to consider whether AI could replace human artistry and change the music industry altogether.
My initial reaction was to regard AI as another tool for supplementing musical creation, like autotune or drum machines. Both of these developments have improved music production’s accessibility while also being instrumental in the creation of new sounds and genres. AI may be utilised in a similar way, opening up original creative avenues for artists rather than being a substitute for creativity.
Nonetheless, generative AI is still in its infancy; the idea that AI might soon possess the potential for authentic creativity is by no means an outlandish suggestion. That said, I wonder if the creative process requires something uniquely human: the elusive, highly subjective conception of an original sound being enjoyable to listen to that informs the creation of original music. I am unconvinced that this sensation could be programmed into an AI, which may limit its usage to purely derivative creation.
My interest in this topic stems from my love of music. I take great pleasure in discovering new, boundary-pushing artists with original sounds and tracing their influences back to artists from many decades ago. The use of AI in music represents an unprecedented change in the manner in which new music can be created, opening doors for musical experimentation but potentially compromising new artists by saturating the market with generic, mass-produced sounds. How the industry and artists alike are developing to accommodate this technology is therefore something I am enthusiastically following.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills? (300 words)
The first reason I am interested in a career at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is due to the firm’s world-leading dispute resolution department, as evidenced by its Band 1 Chambers UK rankings in litigation and international disputes. Attending the firm’s Disputes Open Day confirmed this interest, where the Meta case study presented by Joe Williams showed how HSF’s disputes team handles cases of global significance and sets legal precedents in doing so. Throughout my study of philosophy and politics, I have enjoyed engaging with important societal questions and developing creative arguments in response to them. HSF’s ground-breaking dispute resolution work thus offers an opportunity to address these significant questions and make a meaningful difference.
I'm also drawn to HSF for its market-leading corporate practice, especially due to the firm’s focus on the TMT sector, as exemplified by the recent representation of AustralianSuper in the $1.5 billion acquisition of a minority stake in Vantage Data Centres. My work experience at [asset management firm] has cultivated my interest in how businesses innovate to stay competitive. HSF's stellar reputation in corporate law promises exposure to pioneering clients in interesting, growing sectors, making it an attractive place for me to pursue a career.
Furthermore, the training quality at HSF would be outstanding. Trainee Gemma Taylor informed me about how HSF encourages trainees to take responsibility for important matters, while also maintaining a supportive culture by ensuring that trainees have close contact with supervisors and partner mentors. Lastly, the firm’s commitment to pro bono work is demonstrated by their continued support for initiatives like ‘Justice Without Borders’. Volunteering at [a charity] has helped me to recognise the importance of giving back to society by supporting the most vulnerable, so it is refreshing to see HSF invest heavily in socially responsible projects.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (300 words)
I have excellent written communication skills and would enjoy employing these as a trainee at Herbert Smith Freehills. I honed these skills while working at [redacted], my local high-street law firm, where I regularly drafted legal documents like wills, LPAs and grants of probate, requiring careful attention to detail. As the terms of these documents were often confusing for clients, I wrote explanatory covering letters alongside them, requiring the ability to present complex information in an intuitive format. I will use these skills as a trainee in drafting and proofreading contracts, assisting in due diligence processes, or when liaising with clients to provide progress updates and answer questions.
Furthermore, I developed my problem-solving and collaborative skills while volunteering at [a charity]. To provide the highest quality of advice for clients, I liaise with specialists in the [charity’s] team, using their expertise to help inform the solutions I propose to clients. This process of collaborative problem solving is an important part of a trainee’s role when, for example, conducting legal research, where I can draw upon the expertise of my colleagues to inform my analysis of the law.
Finally, I have excellent organisation and time-management skills. I employed these to great effect when interning at [redacted], an election observation charity. To collect data, we were required to observe as many polling stations as possible for the full 15 hours they were open. I developed a strategy to ensure that I could cover as many polling stations as possible in the allotted time period and successfully collected the most data out of any volunteer that day. The ability to manage your workload over long hours is an essential skill for a trainee, where resilience and the ability to prioritise tasks is important when managing competing work deadlines.
2023
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you.
(We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or HSF and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests) (Up to 300 words, inclusive of character limit)
I have been interested in the impact of the constitutional principle of secularism in France, otherwise known as ‘la laicité’, and subsequently the intentional treatment of Muslim women, since discovering it as part of my French A level. In brief, this law means that citizens are not allowed to wear overt symbols of a religious nature, including Muslim veils, in public with sanctions including fines, citizenship courses and even threats of deportation. This incredibly restricts French Muslim women’s freedom of movement and access to the public sphere because, if they wish to stay true to their religion and values, they must remain hidden.
Having studied the language and culture since the age of 10 and being from [redacted country of French origin] which still holds cultural congruences with the country, I am shocked by the disparity in the treatment of women between the two jurisdictions. Unfairness like this upsets me and is one of the key reasons I became interested in studying law. What I find most exasperating is the hypocrisy of France’s treatment of Muslim women. Reflecting on France’s management of Covid-19, I believe the Islamophobic motives behind this law were revealed. With mandates on the wearing of masks for the entire population covering the majority of the face like the niqab, I struggle to comprehend why a mask is allowed and Muslim veils are forbidden for “national security” reasons. Furthermore, France’s hypocrisy was accentuated recently by President Macron’s vocal support of Iranian protesters angry over the death of Jina Mahsa Amini. In likeness to Iran, France fails to afford women the fundamental right of the freedom of choice regarding religious clothing by reversely forcing them to be secular. Yet France, alongside the international community, is quick to condemn Iran and fails to recognise its own mistreatment of the Muslim community, which needs to be spotlighted. More must be done to aid Muslim women both internationally and in France.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills? (Up to 300 words, inclusive of character limit)
Reputationally, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is the best place to be a litigator, an area of personal interest since interning at an offshore dispute resolution firm. Subsequently, HSF is the trusted advisor for market-leading clients to handle global, complex cases. Underpinning this expertise is HSF’s transcending efforts to cultivate dispute talent, having created the first in-house advocacy unit in 2005. I’m motivated by this exciting opportunity to hone my advocacy skills alongside the firm’s prestigious full-service training.
I am also attracted to HSF because it is at the forefront of digital innovation. At the Digital Open Day, I spoke to Tuna Kastal about the firm’s partnership with Solomonic, creating artificial intelligence to analyse existing data to enable litigators to predict outcomes and improve strategies, shaping the future of disputes. Without the firm’s global initiative empowering employees to focus on innovation projects for ten days a year, such achievements would be impossible. I believe there has never been a more exciting time to join HSF, who is in the pole position to help clients navigate disruption regarding legal technology, as I learnt on HSF’s Digital Law Course.
Having worked as the campus ambassador at Durham, and building a strong relationship with HSF, I can genuinely envision working and progressing at the firm. I value HSF’s collegiate, supportive and inclusive culture which deriving from a commitment to diversity. I appreciate HSF’s implementation of global targets such as reaching 35% female partnership by May 2030, presently working as Solicitor Events Manager of Durham’s Women in Law Society. Furthermore, as I am currently researching the Ukrainian human trafficking crisis with Lawyers Without Borders, I enjoyed speaking to Molly Freeman at the Durham networking evening about the firm’s support of the UNHCR and Rule 39 initiative. At HSF, I would be empowered to continue making a social impact in areas I am passionate.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (Up to 300 words, inclusive of character limit)
Having worked in hospitality since 15, I have excellent interpersonal skills required by the client-facing role of a solicitor. I align myself with Herbert Smith Freehills’ (HSF) strategy of putting clients at the heart of everything I do. I have always aimed to be an integral part of customers’ experiences, making my hospitality memorable by catering to every need to ensure customers return, ultimately establishing long-lasting relationships.
When I took part in the [redacted apprenticeship], I successfully persuaded 34 businesses to donate various products and services to constitute a raffle on our one day of fundraising. I did this by telling them a compelling story about my role in the competition, the charity, and the impact their money would have on orphans in Kenya. Raising £820 from the raffle, 46% of our day’s total derived from my negotiation skills, setting me up to successfully negotiate my client’s best interests in deals.
Balancing waitressing and working as a Playworker in the summer of 2021, with the completion of my first art commission, demonstrates my ability to organise my time effectively. I learned this to be a fundamental skill of a trainee solicitor whilst working at [redacted company] due to the need to multi-task, prioritise based on urgency, and plan any work delegated by Partners and Associates to meet their respective deadlines. This will translate perfectly into working at HSF.
Working on a Middle Eastern financing structure at [redacted company] taught me the importance of being open-minded, which not only applies to market developments, but also to showing sensitivity to international clients and their jurisdictions’ cultural differences. According to Islam, Muslims cannot benefit from lending or receiving money, so interest is forbidden; therefore, financing structures must be Shari’ah-compliant. Given the firm’s global reach, this commercial awareness and cultural sensitivity is imperative.
January 2023
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you
It’s 9 am on a Monday, you’ve just reached your office and your supervisor calls for an urgent meeting. “All female employees are dismissed effective immediately.” You’re stunned and don’t understand what’s happening. Well, this was the case of ‘Offred’, the protagonist in Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian novel ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Against the backdrop of an environmental crisis and declining birth rates, this fictional piece explores the totalitarian regime of Gilead, which enforces rigid gender roles and enslaves the remaining few fertile women. Being dismissed from work one morning to find out that you are stripped of all your basic rights and your existence is reduced to just giving birth is horrifying, to say the least. Offred’s journey as a ‘Handmaid’ in a random household where she is forced to birth a Commander’s child is spine-chilling to read. Her struggles to find freedom as she suffers through torture and persecution are akin to millions of women globally fighting the shackles of gender discrimination much like those protesting in Iran today.
As a woman of colour belonging to an ethnic minority and having grown up in a third-world country, the issues of gender equality deeply concern me. I’ve worked as the Marketing Head of Girl-Up Singhania, a volunteer club that aims to empower women in all walks of life right from rural areas to the corporate world. I’ve organised sexual violence awareness campaigns and conducted self-defence training camps for over 400 girls in rural schools in Maharashtra. I’ve also executed campaigns to create awareness and increased access to education for females in the state.
In this regard, HSF’s 8 Drivers for Gender Equity initiative that aims to improve gender balance instils confidence in me that I would have equal opportunities to grow and thrive at the firm.
Explain why you’re interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills
I’m interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) as I find its dual focus in litigation and corporate particularly appealing. HSF’s corporate practice has a Tier 1 ranking, by Legal 500. The firm has the 2nd most FTSE 250 clients, owing to its corporate team. It recently advised on the £5 billion merger of Capco and Shaftesbury, one of the biggest public M&A deals this year. This showcased the firm’s strength in M&A and more specifically its market-leading public takeovers practice. Completing a work placement with Fieldfisher LLP gave me an insight into commercial work. I reviewed a suite of corporate authorisations for the financing of an M&A deal. This experience cemented my interest in the field.
HSF has a bespoke litigation practice too. It was recognised as the ‘Dispute Resolution Team of the Year’ at the British Legal Awards 2021. In 2022, The Lawyer recognized two of HSF’s path-breaking deals in its Top 20 cases. Participating in several negotiation competitions at university, I developed a keen interest in litigation. This interest was furthered when I engaged in HSF’s virtual experience program. Completing a draft memorandum and settlement agreement gave me an insight into the work in disputes and inspired me to apply to HSF.
HSF’s vision with ‘Ambition 2025’ to develop in-house innovative solutions using advanced technology and digitalisation also attracts me. Since I’ve researched how blockchain setups can increase operational efficiency and reduce transactional costs, I value the firm’s commitment to legal tech. Lastly, speaking to trainee Aqeel Asif at an Insight Afternoon, I learnt about HSF’s supportive and inclusive work culture. It instilled confidence in me that I would thrive well in the firm’s environment and motivated me to pursue a career at HSF.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role?
I volunteer as a student advisor at the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre. I interview clients to corroborate case details and draft succinct advice letters outlining the client’s legal rights as per their situation. My advice letters have been reviewed by practising solicitors which meant that I had to maintain attention to detail and develop adept drafting skills. A commercial solicitor needs to be proficient at legal research, drafting and attention to detail. Through my experience, I have developed these important skills.
I am the brand ambassador for Clyde & Co at my university. In this role, I proactively organise events and connect with students to share insights about the firm. I have an active presence on social media with 450 Instagram followers where I regularly promote the firm’s opportunities. I was commended by the firm for having the highest number of mailing list sign-ups in the first month. Through this, I’ve learnt to take ownership of my work and exceeded expectations to produce results. I can take high levels of responsibility and perform to the best of my capabilities in this role which is crucial to the role of a trainee.
I work part-time as a Residential Assistant. During the start of the term, I had to work long hours due to a shortage of staff and balance multiple tasks like setting up rooms, managing deliveries, and organising events for residents. I ensured that over 2000 students had a comfortable move-in experience into residential halls. Through this role, I learnt how to stay resilient under pressure and balance multiple tasks efficiently. Trainees take on several tasks each day and require adaptability and resilience to thrive well. I’ve developed these attributes through my experience which I could use to my advantage as an aspiring solicitor.
2022
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you. (Up to 300 words).
Alpine ski racing has one objective: go fast.
There are four main disciplines - slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and downhill. The former two have sharp turns within a short distance, technical events, while the latter are speed events with minimal turns enabling racers to reach upwards of ninety miles per hour. At such speeds, the risk of serious injury such as a broken spine or knee is significant.
Rather than the leg, the muscles most vital to a racer are found within their abdomen or core. During a single downhill turn, Olympians must resist substantial gravitational force creating the sensation of being double or triple one's normal body weight. A strong core is crucial to simply remaining upright.
Alpine ski racing has not only been my passion, but my lifestyle, since the age of four. After ten years of training, typically for five days per week, I was headhunted for and recruited into the Great British Junior Ski Squad. Although I have now retired from competitive sport, the mental challenge as well as the camaraderie are aspects that helped me to commit in the longer-term.
Success in ski racing is about making the correct split-second decisions to stay in control. The key is avoiding over-manoeuvres through calmness and moderation, which do not come as easily as fear does at top speeds. The largest barriers to mental resilience are the unpredictability of the racecourse itself combined with uncompromising mountain conditions such as racing through a blizzard.
Camaraderie within ski racing, despite being a solo sport, is profound. Though competitions pit teammates against one another, being on the podium together is regarded by many as the greatest reward. Throughout my training experience, racers were unreserved in their dedication to reciprocal feedback to improve the abilities of the team as a whole.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills? (Up to 300 words).
By speaking with [graduate recruitment assistant] at Legal Cheeks Law Fair, HSF's focus on energy was clarified. This solidified my interest in the firm as, by working for an energy supplier over the past year, I have developed an enthusiasm for the industry. While at the company, I connected with the Head of Regulation and Compliance and enjoyed discussing his obligations in aligning business operations with energy policy. My dissertation on the environmental impacts of foreign policy reflects my regard for ESG, a trend challenging the more traditional oil and gas clients of HSF, such as BP. As Energy Law Firm of the Year 2019, the firm's expertise would nurture my interest into a legal capability.
HSF's international contentious work is another attracting factor. The firm's recent success for the Kingdom of Spain in arbitration under the Energy Charter Treaty has helped form my view of the client profile that HSF represents. Through electives in economy, law and security during my study of International Relations, I was absorbed by the complexity of reconciling interstate relations, supranational obligations and national interests. At HSF, the seven distinct specialisms within disputes would enable me to explore my enthusiasm for global affairs in practice..
During the IRIS Open Day, I discussed with trainee solicitor Marie Badr about how diversity and social responsibility permeate throughout the firm. As an open lesbian, it is crucial that I can bring my identity to work, and as a 2020 Stonewall Top Global Employer, HSF displays genuine inclusivity. Moreover, pro bono is ingrained in the firm's culture through projects such as the Whitechapel Legal Advice Clinic. My dedication to volunteering is evident as an adviser for BPPs Enterprise Legal Advice Clinic and Citizens Advice. At HSF, I would be empowered to continue doing so throughout my legal career.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (Up to 300 words).
As an Alpine ski racer, my resilience was instilled from a young age. Committing to my sport meant training for five days per week year-round and sacrificing conventional schooling and social life. I navigated these challenges by building strong relationships with teammates and coaches, and by setting short-term goals such as modifying a single aspect of my technique at a time. Two of my greatest achievements were my admission to the Canadian National Sports School for athletes with Olympic potential, as well as being recruited into the Great British Junior Ski Squad.
My appreciation for collaboration has been established through my advocacy experience, as Founder of my Sixth Form’s Debating Club and participant in two BPP moot competitions in 2020. By working within a team to compile skeletons and make oral submissions, I have refined my persuasive communication skills. My ability to build rapport with diverse groups is accentuated by my work supporting litigants-in-person as a McKenzie friend. In addition, my duties as adviser with the Enterprise Legal Advice Clinic routinely exercises my ability to work with colleagues to meet the needs of commercial clients.
I am a creative problem-solver, as Co-Founder and Vice President of the BPP [redacted city] Law Society. Within this role, I have structured an executive committee, drafted a successful budget proposal to obtain financial autonomy, and devised a recruitment strategy which gave rise to an increase in membership from 2 to 32 in a single semester. Similarly, as Social Media Coordinator for the [redacted charity] charity from 2019-2020, I managed a long-term digital campaign alongside my final year exams and dissertation. This campaign was successful in launching a scheme which reached over 630,000 young people affected by crime in 2019.
2022
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you. (We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or HSF and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests) (Up to 300 words)
A topic very close to my heart is poetry by Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet. I have been an avid reader of poetry since my childhood. I have also delved into writing and publishing poetry myself. It is through this interest of mine that I stumbled upon his work.
Rumi is considered to be the greatest Sufi poet of all times. He was a spiritual guru and translated his learnings into guidance through the medium of poetry. However, my admiration for Rumi’s poetry is not merely limited to his words; it extends to fascination at everything it represents. For an Indian girl aiming to pursue a career in the global legal market, the worldwide love Rumi’s poetry has received is a reminder that talent and genuineness transcend boundaries.
As a student of the social sciences, I am constantly fascinated by how art and literature can influence cultural acceptance and bring about social inclusion in communities. It has thus been interesting to note how Rumi’s message of universal love and tolerance, integrated into his poetry, has inspired a cultural bridge among the Persians, Turks and Arabs, and has led to Middle Eastern people discovering a new sense of acceptance in countries like the USA.
I recently read ‘The forty rules of love’, a book about how Rumi started off and evolved as a poet, a story of someone who was not hesitant in giving up everything in order to discover the true purpose of life. His work instilled in me the courage to travel alone to a whole new country, despite a pandemic, in pursuance of my goal of further studies. In times like these and all such times when I have sought courage, Rumi’s poetry has been the one reminder to believe in myself.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills? (Up to 300 words)
I have a deep-rooted interest in International Arbitration. This started with my participation in the Vis moot during my undergraduate studies and has evolved to a current LLM specialising in International Dispute Resolution. Thus, HSF and its prowess in specialist international arbitration work is an extremely exciting prospect for me. The Global Arbitration Review has ranked HSF’s Arbitration Practice among the top five in the world for six years now. This truly demonstrates the strength of the firm’s expertise in this practice area, as does its successful representation of clients such as Sinopec against Repsol.
Being a Hindu Asian woman, HSF’s aim to be the leading global law firm in gender and ethnic inclusivity is important for me. My interaction with HSF personnel during the ‘Introduction to Multiculturalism event’ and the ‘HSF disputes panel’ at QMUL has solidified my belief that the firm is indeed working towards increased inclusivity, such as through its diversity networks for women. It has been encouraging to note that HSF recently had its biggest promotion round since 2012, electing 26 new partners, half of whom are women. A healthy workplace environment is important for me, and HSF’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness, by way of multiple initiatives such as ‘Thrive’ is a crucial factor in my decision.
Further, I continue to volunteer for organisations dealing with child education and gender violence, and it has helped me understand the importance of giving back to society. HSF regards pro bono as an essential responsibility, and its continued work in collaboration with organisations like ‘BABSEACLE’ and ‘Sanctuary for Families’ is representative of the firm’s understanding of its social responsibility, an extremely important factor in my decision.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (Up to 300 words)
I believe the strongest qualities I will bring to the firm are problem solving, time management, motivation, team-work and good communication. The following example demonstrates the same:
In September 2020, I was selected by [law clinic], a pro bono legal clinic, for their [law specific] program. As student legal advisors, we are expected to conduct client interviews, research legal matters and submit an advice letter within a deadline.
I was allotted two separate matters and was asked to be the lead interviewer in the first matter. Despite never having done this before, I faced the challenge head-on. I conducted thorough research by attending training sessions, displaying self-motivation and dedication. Since we couldn’t communicate in person, I used online platforms such as MS Teams to successfully coordinate with my team-mate and submitted our drafts ahead of time. Our supervisor appreciated the attention to detail and professional drafting in our advice letter.
During my second matter, my team-mate informed me about his inability to join as the lead interviewer two hours before the scheduled interview. I stepped up in his place, displaying professionalism and initiative, and conducted the interview successfully.
While working, I have been quick to adapt to remote working by successfully acclimatising myself to the usage of [name of software], a cloud based legal software, within a short span of time. Further, I have been able to manage various other responsibilities alongside [law clinic] work, including online internships, organising events as Course Representative, and acting as the editorial board member of [law clinic]. I believe this has been possible due to my organisational and time management skills.
In addition to the qualities mentioned, my biggest value addition as an international student, who has studied and practised law in India, will be my informed perspective on the Asian culture and legal market, a necessity in a multinational firm like HSF.
2021
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you. (Up to 300 words)
A topic I love is Miranda Fricker’s ‘Epistemic Injustices’. Although a philosophical concept, it has legal and social ramifications. The term refers to unfairness or inequity (injustice) with regards to knowledge (epistemic).
According to Fricker, there are two types of epistemic injustice: testimonial (relating to testimony) injustice, and hermeneutical (relating to interpretation) injustice. Testimonial injustice occurs when an individual’s knowledge is purposefully ignored or not believed due to the testifying individual being part of a certain group. Fricker often cites women; this is ever pertinent in today’s post-‘Me Too’ society.
Hermeneutical injustice occurs when an individual’s experience, and knowledge thereof, is not understood due to a lack of concepts, terms, or language, that are apt enough to describe and explain such an experience. A key example would be the term ‘sexual harassment’, which was only coined in the 1970s. Prior to this period, women had no adequate tools to accurately describe the behaviour levied against them, and so were likely to be misunderstood or ignored due to ignorance.
This topic fascinates me for a number of reasons. First, the topic has ramifications far beyond its original field. Often Philosophy is seen as a collection of abstract concepts with no real application: Fricker’s developments are starkly unlike this. Fricker’s theories have use in understanding modern society, and indeed, the history of the legal system. Second, the concept is useful in my quotidian academic work – I always like to apply what I’ve learnt, and have an insatiable desire to learn more.
The holistic and eclectic uses of theories excite me: I enjoy applying prior knowledge to new situations, and drawing parallels between differing phenomena. My interest in Fricker typifies this as it allows me to engage in Sociology, Politics, History, and Law, and string them all together in a contemporary setting.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills and what skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (Up to 300 words)
HSF has always stood out to me as a firm I want to work at. I was inspired to pursue a career at HSF by ex-HSF lawyer, Ian Gatt QC, when I was routinely invited to HSF’s offices as part of the Times Advocacy Competition.
I want to work as part of HSF as part of its elite dispute resolution department. Having gained prior insight into international arbitration with Allen & Overy, I wanted to apply to HSF for its dispute resolution practice areas, as I feel that the support and training at HSF, mixed with the type of high level of work undertaken, would suit me best.
Having spoken to some HSF trainees, I know that the HSF training and support is unparalleled, giving trainees the opportunity to have client contact and participate in actual legal practice, rather than restricting them solely to administration tasks. The skills, qualities, and attributes, I would bring to the role are:
An unshakeable work ethic – every firm will require its employees to work hard, but I pride myself on going above an beyond the tasks I am set. I love to work and multitask, yet I always maintain the highest degree of excellence. This is typified by my rapid promotions, to leadership roles, in University organisations.
A passion for law – although many students will have an interest in law, I believe that I have a huge love for the law, especially from the perspective of a ‘non-law’ student. I am dedicated to learning more about law, both academically and practically, and my work experience and activities showcase this.
Collaboration with all – I love to work with others. Although I am self-motivated and can work alone when needed, I do love to collaborate with a team to share in new ideas, and share success.
2021
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you. (Up to 300 words).
Alpine ski racing has one objective: go fast.
There are four main disciplines - slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and downhill. The former two have sharp turns within a short distance, ‘technical events’, while the latter are ‘speed events’ with minimal turns enabling racers to reach upwards of ninety miles per hour. At such speeds, the risk of serious injury such as a broken spine or knee is significant.
Rather than the leg, the muscles most vital to a racer are found within their abdomen or ‘core’. During a single downhill turn, Olympians must resist substantial gravitational force creating the sensation of being double or triple one’s normal body weight. A strong core is crucial to simply remaining upright.
Alpine ski racing has not only been my passion, but my lifestyle, since the age of four. After ten years of training, typically for five days per week, I was headhunted for and recruited into the [National] team. Although I have now retired from competitive sport, the mental challenge as well as the camaraderie are aspects that helped me to commit in the longer-term.
Success in ski racing is about making the correct split-second decisions to stay in control. The key is avoiding over-manoeuvres through calmness and moderation, which do not come as easily as fear does at top speeds. The largest barriers to mental resilience are the unpredictability of the racecourse itself combined with uncompromising mountain conditions – such as racing through a blizzard.
Camaraderie within ski racing, despite being a solo sport, is profound. Though competitions pit teammates against one another, being on the podium together is regarded by many as the greatest reward. Throughout my training experience, racers were unreserved in their dedication to reciprocal feedback to improve the abilities of the team as a whole.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career at Herbert Smith Freehills? (Up to 300 words).
By speaking with Eleanor Seaton at Legal Cheek’s Law Fair, HSF’s focus on energy was clarified. This solidified my interest in the firm as, by working for [Company] over the past year, I have developed an enthusiasm for the industry. While at the company, I connected with the Head of Regulation and Compliance and enjoyed discussing his obligations in aligning business operations with energy policy. My dissertation on the environmental impacts of foreign policy reflects my regard for ESG – a trend challenging the more traditional oil and gas clients of HSF such as BP. As Energy Law Firm of the Year 2019, the firm’s expertise would nurture my interest into a legal capability.
HSF’s international contentious work is another attracting factor. The firm’s recent success for the Kingdom of Spain in arbitration under the Energy Charter Treaty has helped form my view of the client profile that HSF represents. Through electives in economy, law and security during my study of [degree name], I was absorbed by the complexity of reconciling interstate relations, supranational obligations and national interests. At HSF, the seven distinct specialisms within disputes would enable me to explore my enthusiasm for global affairs in practice.
During the IRIS Open Day, I discussed with trainee solicitor Marie Badr about how diversity and social responsibility permeate throughout the firm. As an open lesbian, it is crucial that I can bring my identity to work, and as a 2020 Stonewall Top Global Employer, HSF displays genuine inclusivity. Moreover, pro bono is ingrained in the firm’s culture through projects such as the Whitechapel Legal Advice Clinic. My dedication to volunteering is evident as an adviser for [Pro Bono Clinic] and Citizens Advice. At HSF, I would be empowered to continue doing so throughout my legal career.
What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to the role? (Up to 300 words).
As an Alpine ski racer, my resilience was instilled from a young age. Committing to my sport meant training for five days per week year-round and sacrificing conventional schooling and social life. I navigated these challenges by building strong relationships with teammates and coaches, and by setting short-term goals such as modifying a single aspect of my technique at a time. Two of my greatest achievements were my admission to the [National] Sports School for athletes with Olympic potential, as well as being recruited into the [National] team.
My appreciation for collaboration has been established through my advocacy experience, as Founder of my Sixth Form’s Debating Club and participant in two [University] moot competitions in 2020. By working within a team to compile skeletons and make oral submissions, I have refined my persuasive communication skills. My ability to build rapport with diverse groups is accentuated by my work supporting litigants-in-person as a McKenzie friend. In addition, my duties as adviser with the [Pro Bono Clinic] routinely exercises my ability to work with colleagues to meet the needs of commercial clients.
I am a creative problem-solver, as Co-Founder and Vice President of the [University] Law Society. Within this role, I have structured an executive committee, drafted a successful budget proposal to obtain financial autonomy, and devised a recruitment strategy which gave rise to an increase in membership from 2 to 32 in a single semester. Similarly, as Social Media Coordinator for the [Social cause] charity from 2019-2020, I managed a long-term digital campaign alongside my final year exams and dissertation. This campaign was successful in launching a scheme which reached over 630,000 young people affected by crime in 2019.