Simran Kaur Momi is a final year Law student at Kent Law School, University of Kent. She is a future trainee at Herbert Smith Freehills and has held a commercial awareness series for current students due to her keen interest in technology and law.
At which firm did you complete your vacation scheme?
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.
Why did you decide to do a vacation scheme?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in commercial law and following my experience in completing multiple first-year schemes, applying for a vacation scheme was the next step. One of the first year schemes I participated in was with Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). During my time on the scheme I was able to shadow a trainee in the international arbitration practice and engage in a mock negotiation.
I also gained a deeper understanding of the firm, including its strong reputation in international litigation, its work with both businesses and government bodies, and its commitment to pro bono by offering trainees the opportunity to sit in a pro-bono seat. These factors were key in my decision to choose Herbert Smith Freehills.
What did a typical day/week look like on your vacation scheme?
My vacation scheme experience was for 3 weeks during the summer where I sat in two seats: Public Disputes and Real Estate Finance.
During my Public Disputes seat, I had the privilege of working closely with a supportive supervisor and a trainee buddy who guided me throughout the vacation scheme. I gained exposure to a variety of tasks, including attending internal calls, conducting research for a pro-bono case and drafting legal documents. One of the most memorable moments was contributing to a blog analysing the potential impact of the summer election on clients. The team explored how political manifestos from both Labour and the Conservatives could influence clients’ interests in real time. Understanding the intersection between politics and legal practice was truly fascinating and offered valuable insight into the dynamic nature of legal work.
During my time in the Real Estate Finance practice, I had the opportunity to draft amendments and agreements, and research the powers of special and ordinary resolutions. This experience allowed me to gain hands-on insight into transactional work and understand how it differs from contentious work within the firm.
Alongside work I was given by my supervisors, I also attended a variety of socials that were organised by graduate recruitment and internal talks about diversity initiatives, practise areas, the firm’s global strategy and more. There were many instances where I got the chance to interact with fellow vacation scheme students – everyone was very friendly!
Do you have a favourite memory from your time on the vacation scheme?
On the scheme, I had the pleasure of meeting a UKC alumni (Akshat Bhatia) who was a trainee in one of the practice areas I was sitting in. He had reached out to me internally and we were able to schedule a coffee chat about my experience on the scheme and any concerns I had. Considering during the scheme I did have moments of imposter syndrome being surrounded by Oxbridge and Russell group university students, seeing someone from UKC thriving at the firm reinforced my own aspirations and sense of belonging. Overall, it was a very memorable and kind gesture which highlighted the friendliness and welcoming nature of people at the firm.
Also a week after completing the scheme, I received a call from a partner at the firm confirming my success in securing a training contract. I also had my supervisors reach out to me independently to congratulate me. My time at the firm was truly memorable and I’m excited to start a new chapter with HSF.
Where do you hope to go next with your career after you graduate next year?
After graduation I am planning to take some time away from studies and maybe travel a little bit, pick up old hobbies and have a nice break from university structure. Especially because in March 2026, I will be starting the SQE.