The application/interview process
Summing up the clerkship application process in one word, I’d have to choose ‘long’. It’s really important to pace yourself, as no matter the outcome, the whole process will last about 3 months. Completing a clerkship is an invaluable experience and for a lot of firms it is the primary pathway to securing a graduate position.
The application itself was probably the most difficult part of the whole process (so it’s a much easier ride once you’ve done this step!). Along with a cover letter and CV, there were a few firm specific questions to answer which aim to see if you are a good cultural fit for HSF. My best advice for this section is to write honestly and speak from your personal experience. It makes it infinitely easier if you are asked to expand upon these answers in your interviews.
Secondly read through your application again and again and again. The sinking feeling when you find half a sentence incomplete, a spelling mistake, or even a stray full stop right after pressing the ‘Submit’ button is not one I would wish on any highly stressed clerkship applicant…
Both of my interviews at HSF were laidback conversations that felt very natural and not at all what I had expected from an interview at a leading global law firm. My first interview was with a partner in the Employment team. We spent time talking about what I do to help out on the property at home and how many siblings I have, as well as questions to do with the law. My second interview was just as relaxed, but more focused on my answers to the Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) from the application. By the time you get to the interviews your application has already done the heavy lifting. The firm knows you have the skills and experience to make a great clerk, but wants to learn more about you – if you are a good fit for HSF, what you’re like and how you differ from other applicants.
My clerkship experience
Ultimately, whilst I couldn’t describe the application period as a relaxing time of life, HSF took a lot of the stress out of the process by keeping us fully informed at every stage. Receiving an offer from HSF and completing a clerkship over the summer has been such a great experience. I have made so many friends at the firm, have enjoyed all the social events together as a clerk group and have met a wide variety of fantastic people. The work I have been given has been from a broad range of areas and I have had exposure to lots of fascinating areas of the law. Best of luck for the applications and please reach out if you have any questions!