“Addressing social mobility in the legal profession is something that no law firm can do alone. I am delighted that Herbert Smith Freehills and BP are working together to change lives through a collaborative project by ensuring the next generation is aware of the range of careers on offer within law firms and the qualities young people need to succeed in the commercial world.” – Ian Cox (Regional Managing Partner, UK, US & EMEA)
What happens on Herbert Smith Freehills’ PRIME programme?
The programme includes a blend of learning and development workshops such as networking and presentation skills. In addition, the students shadow lawyers on real client work and spend time gaining insight into life within an international law firm.
We are often told that one of the highlights of the programme for students, is the opportunity to benefit from mentoring. Each student has an assigned mentor who provides support and encouragement. Students have an opportunity to review their daily progress and discuss plans for the future. Over the week, participants will also visit the Royal Court of Justice, participate in a group pitch project exercise and meet barristers.
“I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed every moment I spent at Herbert Smith Freehills… you made my first insight into law incredible”
PRIME student
Supporting students across the UK
The majority of our competitors’ and clients’ work experience opportunities are based in London, putting students living in the rest of the UK at a disadvantage. At Herbert Smith Freehills we take a wider approach to support students across the UK, partnering with the Social Mobility Foundation and BP to host our residential placements.
BP & Herbert Smith Freehills PRIME Partnership
“BP Legal and E&C are committed to helping to improve access to a legal career for young people from all backgrounds, an objective which is consistent with BP’s Diversity and Inclusion ambitions. PRIME is a great example of an initiative seeking to improve access to the legal profession via a quality work experience programme. BP Legal is delighted to have partnered with Herbert Smith Freehills, one of BP Legal’s panel firms, in hosting a PRIME in-house legal work experience day at BP and looks forward to working with HSF in the future on similar projects.” – Will Kinder, Senior Legal Counsel BP Legal.
We are delighted to partner with BP on our summer programme. Collaborations such as this can enhance students’ insights into the legal profession by showing how our clients’ businesses operate, what careers are available, and how in-house legal teams work with law firms.
The students spend an exciting day with BP Legal and Ethics and Compliance (E&C) teams. Sessions include a legal case study, exploring the world of ethical decision making through a workshop and visiting BP’s technical laboratories to further develop their understanding of the BP business. They end the day with an exciting speed networking session with a different members of BP’s legal team and leave feeling inspired and motivated.
“I found the PRIME students to be keen, enthusiastic and focused. They asked good questions and were willing to learn. This is a great initiative and we are happy to be involved – we hope the students found it useful and stimulating.” – BP volunteer.
If you would like to be a part of the Herbert Smith Freehills’ PRIME programme, please apply via the Social Mobility Foundation Aspiring Professionals Programme, which we support and recruit from every year.
