At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are so longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change; we work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that impact every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Your Growth. Our Ambition.

Vacation schemes

• Spring (12 – 23 April 2027)
  • Application date: 1 September – 1 December 2026
• Summer (7 June – 25 June 2027 and 5 July – 23 July 2027)
  • Application date: 1 September – 1 December 2026

First-year schemes

• First-year workshop (31 March - 1 April and 7 - 8 April 2027)
  • Application date: 1 Jan – 1 February 2027 
• Roger Leyland Scholarship:
  • Application date: 1 October 2026 – 1 February 2027 
• Campus Ambassador:
  • Application date: 1 January – 31st March 2027

Solicitor apprenticeship

• Application date: 26 October 2026 – 15 February 2027

India internship

• Application date: 1 June – 30 June 2027

Open days

• IP open day (15 October 2026)
  • Application date: 1 September – 1 October 2026
• Social Mobility open day (20 October 2026)
  • Application date: 1 September – 1 October 2026
• MyPlus open day (27 October 2026 )
  • Application date:  1 September – 12 October 2026
• Black talent open day (29 October 2026)
  • Application date: 1 September – 12 October 2026
• IRIS open day (3 November 2026)
  • Application date: 1 September – 12 October 2026
• Disputes open day (23 November 2026)
  • Application date: 1 September – 12 October 2026

Salary: £56,000 starting salary. Progress to £61,000 in your second year. Newly-qualified lawyers earn a base salary of £145,000.

Entry criteria: Must complete HSF Kramer vacation scheme and receive an offer for a training contract

Location: London

Your Growth. Our Ambition.

Our trainee associate programme is built around your ambition and fuelled by ours: we want to see you thrive, grow and shape a career that’s meaningful to you and valuable to our clients. Over two years, you’ll take on real responsibility, rotate across four dynamic practice areas, and gain experience that sets you apart. You’ll be challenged and supported in equal measure, working with some of the best minds in the business, and open to a wealth of opportunity.

This is your foundation to become an excellent lawyer, trusted advisor, confident collaborator and resilient leader. But also, your route to becoming the person you want to be.

£20,000 SQE grant.

At HSF Kramer, we're committed to nurturing ambition from the ground up. Our solicitor apprenticeship Programme offers an alternative route into law — a structured and supportive pathway for those who want to pursue a career in law. Based in our London office, this six-year programme, blends world-class training, academic study, and hands-on legal experience. You’ll earn a competitive salary while working towards a law degree (LLB) and qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales via the SQE route.

2027 Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship

Our Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship is designed to support talented Black and minority ethnic students by providing both funding and hands-on legal experience. Named after Roger Leyland — a former partner of the firm and the first Black partner at a leading City firm — the scholarship reflects his legacy as a passionate advocate for young lawyers and greater representation in the profession

£10,000 pa for PGDL maintenace grant outside London.

£12,500 pa for PGDL maintenance grant in London.

• Dispute resolution
• Corporate
• Finance
• Competition
• Regulation & trade
• Intellectual property
• Employment
• Pensions & incentives
• Tax
• ESG
• Pro bono

• Corporate & Commercial

• London

• London

• A4ID
• Asylum Support Appeals Project
• Fair Trials International
• Refugee Council
• Reprieve
• The RCJ Citizens Advice & Law Centre
• Whitechapel Mission

• Aspiring Solicitors
• Bright Network
• City Century
• MyPlus Consulting
• PRIME
• Rare Recruitment
• Social Mobility Foundation
• Stonewall
• The 93% Club
• The Switch