First year

Our first-year opportunities are your introduction to life at a global law firm. You’ll gain an early insight into legal work, build key skills, and make meaningful connections that will support your career. If you're successful on one of our programmes, your application for the following year’s Vacation Scheme will be fast-tracked.
First year workshops
Are you a first-year student? Or a second-year student on a four-year course? Our two-day workshop, held in our London office, gives you a real taste of life at HSF Kramer — whether you’re studying law or another subject.

You'll join interactive sessions on corporate negotiation, alternate dispute resolution, and learn more about headline-breaking deals and our pro bono work — developing practical skills and professional insight. You’ll also attend an exclusive careers fair, shadow a trainee   for an afternoon, and join evening social events that give you the chance to experience our culture first-hand.
Register your interest

Benefits

Accomodation
Accommodation is provided for students who are unable to commute to/from London due to location
Travel
Travel expenses covered
Experience
Spend time shadowing a trainee associate and enjoy an evening social
Insight
Interactive presentations on our work and workshops to enhance your skills
Fast track
If you apply to our vacation scheme in the following academic year, you do not have to re-take the online test again

Key dates
Applications open from 1 - 29 January 2026
The workshop dates are 1 - 2 April and 8 - 9 April 2026

How to apply

Step 1
Application form
This is your chance to make a standout impression. We don't ask you to upload your CV - instead, you'll complete an online application form where you’ll tell us about your academic achievements, any relevant work experience, and answer three written questions based on your legal knowledge and interests.
Complete the form
Step 2
Online test
Our online test will examine you in the following areas: situational judgement (SJT) and personality/behavioural traits. Questions are based on situations you’re likely to encounter as a trainee associate at HSF Kramer. The test can be completed at your own pace, but should take approximately 30-40 minutes.
Take the practice test
Step 3
Application review
The final stage in your journey where we review your application form and find out more about your motivations before inviting you to the first-year workshop.
Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship Programme
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.
Register your interest

Benefits

Receive £9,000 over three years of study
A mentor at the firm and personal study sessions with Rare’s Melissa Andrewes, former Head of Students at the University of Law
A guaranteed position on one our vacation schemes in your second year of study
Access to exclusive networking events

Key dates
Applications open: 1 October 2025 - 29 January 2026

Eligibility: Applications are open to Black and minority ethnic first-year university students (or second-year students on a four-year course). You must be a Rare Recruitment canddiate to apply.

How to apply

Watch these videos from the Early Careers team on how to complete the application form and what you'll need, what to expect for the online test, and how to prepare for the assessment day.
application-video-thumb
the-online-test-thumb
the-assessment
Step 1 – The application form
Your first impression is the best impression and your chance to standout. Watch this video to find out what you need to do.

Step 2 – The online test – take the practice test
Find out which areas you'll be examined in and the types of questions you'll encounter. The test can be completed at your own pace.

Step 3 – The assessment day
The final stage in your journey. Learn more about what to expect at the assessment day and how to prepare.
Campus ambassadors
Are you a confident communicator with bags of enthusiasm? Becoming a Campus Ambassador is a great way to make early connections at HSF Kramer. You’ll help organise events and share insights about life at HSF Kramer on campus — and in return, you’ll gain valuable experience and build a deeper understanding of our culture and opportunities.
Register your interest

Key dates
Application dates: 1 January - 31 March 2026
Scheme date: 1 September 2026 - 31 March 2027

To apply, you’ll need to complete an online application form, online assessment and attend an interview, where you’ll demonstrate your interest in our firm.

Eligibility: Applications are open to first-year students: you'll act as a Campus Ambassador in your second year.

How to apply

Step 1
Application form
This is your chance to make a standout impression. We don't ask you to upload your CV - instead, you'll complete an online application form where you’ll tell us about your academic achievements, any relevant work experience, and answer three written questions based on your legal knowledge and interests.
Complete the form
Step 2
Online test
Our online test will examine you in the following areas: situational judgement (SJT) and personality/behavioural traits. Questions are based on situations you’re likely to encounter as a trainee associate at HSF Kramer. The test can be completed at your own pace, but should take approximately 30-40 minutes.
Take the practice test
Step 3
Live video interview
The final stage in your journey where we find out more about your motivations for working at HSF Kramer and how you'll use your network to promote our opportunities.
Any questions?
Explore our FAQs to learn more about life at the firm and the range of opportunities available.
View FAQs

Related links

Your journey starts before you join us. Explore our opportunities to find out more about us and see whether a career with us is right for you.
Trainee associate programme Your introduction to life at a global law firm. Find out how you’ll gain early insight into legal work, build key skills, and make meaningful connections that will support your career.
Learn more
Open days Considering a career at a world-leading law firm? Find out more about our work and culture through one of our open days.
Learn more
Vacation schemes Spend two to three weeks  living life as a trainee associate. Find out about this opportunity to work on real cases, for real clients, with real responsibility.
Learn more