AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE THE "HERBERT SMITH" OPEN DAY
On Thursday, 16th June 2005, an open day for disabled law students was held at the offices of the leading city firm: Herbert Smith. The Group for Solicitors with Disabilities was pleased to assist Herbert Smith’s graduate recruitment team to identify nine students who included, amongst others, a student with hearing loss and another with dyslexia.
Attendees were welcomed by the firm’s head of graduate recruitment and Kate Hasluck, Graduate Recruitment officer, and received an introduction to the firm by Chris Parsons, Graduate Recruitment partner. One of the firm’s associates, Nikunj Kiri, gave a presentation on litigation and arbitration,
core activities of many solicitors’ firms which law students do not always learn much about in their academic training. This was followed by a tour of the firm’s premises, accompanied by trainees, and a
buffet lunch.
The afternoon programme began with "Life as a trainee at Herbert Smith," by Rob Cant, a "2nd seat trainee," supported by Kate Stares, one of the firm’s associates after which Bernadette O’Dwyer and Phil
Beer, also associates, gave an extended presentation on "Finance and real estate". Ben Ward, one of the Herbert Smith partners, then chaired a corporate workshop, followed by Kate Hasluck and her colleague Kate Harker from the graduate recruitment team with a session on "interview tips and techniques".
The day ended with evaluation by and feedback from the nine students. The day gave the students an
opportunity to understand how a large city firm functions. They came away with clear ideas of what is involved in taking up a training contract, and progressing in the profession. It was not the intention to give attendees priority in being considered for a training contract with Herbert Smith. Anyone who wanted to apply to the firm would go through the normal process: Obtain the online application form, and
complete and submit it! One of the attendees commented "The day was wellorganised and extremely
informative. The most interesting aspect was when we, the disabled students, were given an opportunity to ask questions." Chris Parsons said "It was good to be involved in the GSD open day as it provided an great opportunity for students to experience the firm's culture, and meet with representatives from the firm. The event was enjoyable, informative and successful for everyone who took part (including Herbert
Smith staff) and we look forward to working with the GSD on similar initiatives in the future."
The Group warmly welcomes Herbert Smith’s initiative. We hope it can be repeated in the future, and replicated not only by other large city firms, but also by firms in the larger conurbations outside London.
John Wall