Herbert Smith Freehills CIBEL Asia-Pacific Pathway Program

It’s never too early to start building your future in law. 

About the program 

Experience working for a leading global law firm 

The Herbert Smith Freehills CIBEL Pathway Program is a paid internship awarded to up to four successful UNSW law students at leading global law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills. 

At Herbert Smith Freehills, you will be offered the chance to collaborate with the best legal minds in the business, working in both the firm’s Sydney and Hong Kong or Shanghai offices. This wonderful opportunity provides invaluable experience and first-class training, working across the firm’s global network on high-profile cases and deals involving some of the world’s biggest clients.  

Student testimonials 

“Throughout my two weeks, I gained foundational legal skills, including memorandum drafting, and sharpened my understanding of the global operation of law,” he said. “The strong connection between emerging markets in Asia and the developed market of Australia was originally one of the reasons that brought me to UNSW. This program offered me much deeper insights into what is happening at the frontline of the legal market and what global-minded UNSW law students can do to play a part in this dynamic industry.” Jinwen Feng, 2020 Pathways Program student 

“It was really eye-opening to know how lawyers prepare documents for transactions involving parties from multiple jurisdictions. It was also fascinating to investigate how the different offices of Herbert Smith Freehills work together and how the lawyers interact with the clients and other intermediaries during certain M&A due diligence.” Junzhuo Shi, 2020 Pathways Program student 

Click here to hear more from Jinwen and Junzhou.  

International Travel 

In the event that international travel is not possible at the time, the program will take place in our Sydney office or Greater China if you are located there, with the following arrangement: 

  • The program will still run during the 2 weeks from 17 – 28 May 2021 
  • The program will be based in our Sydney, Beijing or Shanghai offices 
  • Students will work with a local team in-person 
  • Students will also work with a team in Hong Kong/Shanghai/Sydney remotely 

When does the program commence? 

The program will run from 17 – 28 May 2021 (Term 1 break). Accommodation and flights will be covered for the Asia portion of the program, and you will be paid at a competitive rate. 

Beyond the program 

On completion of the program, you will be invited to apply for Herbert Smith Freehills’ Sydney or Hong Kong vacation scheme programs. For more information about the Herbert Smith Freehills graduate program visit www.careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/au/grads/graduate-program or www.careers.herbertsmithfreehills.com/hk/grads/apply 

What we’re looking for 

Successful applicants must fulfil the following criteria: 

  • Fluent Mandarin language skills (both written and oral – please note: these skills will be assessed as part of the application process
  • Studying an undergraduate law or a JD course at UNSW  
  • Plan to graduate in 2022 or later 

Key dates 

Stage 

Date 

Applications open 

Now 

Applications close  

Tuesday 2 March 2021 

Herbert Smith Freehills partner interviews (and Mandarin language test) 

Week commencing Monday 25 March 2021 

Selection – Successful candidates notified 

Tuesday 6 April 2021

 

How to apply 

To submit an application visit tinyurl.com/1x8jcfj9  

More information 

For more information about the program or application process please contact: 

Jemma Rowe 

Resourcing Manager, Asia 
Herbert Smith Freehills 

T  +852 2101 4260 / +61 8 9211 7761   
M  +61 417 204 655 
jemma.rowe@hsf.com  

James Keane 

Graduate Recruitment Manager 
Herbert Smith Freehills 

T  +61 2 9322 4313   
M +61 447 178 031 
james.keane@hsf.com 

 

Download Program information: 

2021 Herbert Smith Freehills CIBEL Asia-Pacific Pathway Program