Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Junior Associate, Disputes

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Primary Objectives
With a multi-disciplinary global disputes team of world-leading sector specialists and regional experts, we provide commercial insight and legal advice which is described by Chambers and Partners as a 'Dispute resolution powerhouse that consistently tops the rankings across the world'.
Bringing together litigators, arbitrators, mediators, advocacy experts, regulatory specialists, and investigators, whatever the challenge or opportunity, we partner with our clients every step in the process.
Significant clients include:
- Apple
- AngloAmerican
- BAT
- BP
- BHP
- Chevron
- Credit Suisse
- Gilead Sciences
- Goldman Sachs
- Marubeni
- Marriott
- Mitsubishi
- NordStream
- Sinopec
- LBG
- RBS
- UBS
- Vedanta
Key Internal Relationships
- Supervising lawyer
- Other group partners
- Solicitors/associates
- Trainees/ graduate solicitors
- Paralegals
- Secretarial staff
Key External Relationships
- Clients
- Peers
- Contacts
- Other firms and professions (e.g. financial advisers, intermediaries, experts, and local lawyers)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Primary Responsibilities
- This role could entail working on a range of contentious matters such as commercial litigation and competition litigation, including large class actions, across a range of sectors, including tech, energy, defence, and aviation.
- Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.
- Manage, develop, and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
- Support the firm and others - establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm's values; contribute to the firm's initiatives (e.g. corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
- Comply with risk requirements, firm policies, and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement, and client acceptance processes.


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Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Qualified legal practitioner in a common law jurisdiction.
- Between one to three years' of legal experience in dispute resolution, we are open to considering candidates with more or less experience.
- Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation, and project management skills.
- Foundation level people management and business development skills.
- Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.
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