Featuring: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

"One exciting development has been the use of predictive analytics within our Disputes teams. By analysing historical case data, AI tools can help assess litigation risk and inform settlement strategy. This empowers clients with clearer insights into potential outcomes and supports more confident decision-making."

- Han Yang Goh, Trainee Solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

I am a trainee solicitor at HSF Kramer, currently in my third seat with the London Disputes team, as part of my international secondment. My first two seats were with the Projects and Energy teams back in Singapore. Before I joined the firm, I did my undergraduate in Law at the University of Cambridge, before proceeding to do the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at the University of Oxford.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watch all forms of sports, particularly English football. I also value mentorship and have participated in multiple firm open house events to support prospective applicants to the firm.

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in law, and what attracted you to work at HSF Kramer?

My interest in law was sparked by a fascination with debating from a young age. I found myself drawn towards the power of using words and strategic thinking to persuade. This experience taught me how to think clearly under pressure and communicate effectively – skills that have proven invaluable in my legal training.

HSF Kramer stood out to me for its reputation in contentious work and its global reach. The firm's involvement in landmark litigation, including environmental and regulatory disputes, aligned with my interests. The firm's growing energy practice, led by Anthony Patten, also appealed to me and my interest in contributing to the energy transition.

I was also particularly impressed by the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its structured training programme (e.g., the Business Skills Academy) which supports junior lawyers in developing both technical and interpersonal skills.

The opportunity to work alongside leading practitioners on high-stakes matters was also a major draw. From my first seat, I have been involved in multi-jurisdictional cases and have seen first-hand how collaborative and intellectually rigorous the firm is. HSF Kramer's culture of excellence and mentorship has made it an ideal place for me to begin my legal career.

What surprised you about the reality of practice as compared to your expectations as a student?

As a student, I imagined legal practice to be largely theoretical and focused on the black-letter law. In reality, however, it is far more dynamic and collaborative. One of the biggest surprises for me was how much time is spent on managing relationships – whether with clients, counsel or internal teams. Communication and project management are just as important as legal analysis.

Another unexpected aspect was the pace of legal practice. Matters can evolve quickly, and priorities shift depending on client needs or court deadlines. This requires adaptability and a proactive mindset. I've learnt to balance precision with pragmatism, especially when drafting or reviewing documents under time pressure.

I was also surprised by the level of responsibility entrusted to trainees. From my very first seat, I was already asked to handle substantive tasks – whether it was preparing bundles, attending client calls or contributing to strategy discussions. This has accelerated my learning and given me a strong sense of ownership.

In your experience, how does HSF Kramer support continuing education and professional development?

From the outset, trainees are placed in a structured orientation programme that includes technical training, soft skills workshops and seat-specific inductions. These sessions are often led by experienced partners and often include practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios.

Beyond formal training, the firm also encourages learning through experience. Supervisors provide regular feedback, and there are many opportunities to shadow senior lawyers or attend client meetings. I've found the open-door and flat culture particularly helpful – people are very generous with their time and willing to explain complex concepts, notwithstanding their busy schedules.

The firm also supports external development. Trainees get to attend industry conferences, legal seminars and client networking events. There is a clear pathway for progression, with milestones and competencies mapped out for each stage of qualification.

With the rise of AI in the legal industry, what role do you see technology playing in the future of your firm?

AI is already reshaping our legal landscape, and I believe its role will only continue to grow – particularly in areas such as document review and contract analysis. At HSF Kramer, we are seeing increased use of technology to streamline repetitive tasks, freeing lawyers to focus on strategic thinking and client-facing work.

One exciting development has been the use of predictive analytics within our Disputes teams. By analysing historical case data, AI tools can help assess litigation risk and inform settlement strategy. This empowers clients with clearer insights into potential outcomes and supports more confident decision-making.

That said, responsible AI use is key. With growing concerns around data privacy and AI-generated errors, it is vital that AI does not compromise the quality of our client service. To that end, HSF Kramer maintains a "closed-loop" AI system where lawyers are trained to use only internal Copilot and GPT tools, avoiding public platforms. This safeguards confidentiality while allowing us to harness AI's benefits securely.

Ultimately, I see technology as a powerful enabler. It will not replace lawyers, but rather, if harnessed properly, has the power to redefine how we work, making us more efficient, informed and responsive to client needs.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to your firm?

I would advise students to start by understanding what makes HSF Kramer unique. In particular, take the time to understand the values of the firm and tailor your application to reflect how your experiences and aspirations align with the firm's values.

I would also advise students to be authentic. The firm values individuality and diverse perspectives. Share your story – what motivates you, what challenges you have overcome and what you hope to achieve in your legal career. Avoid generic answers and focus on what genuinely excites you about the firm.

Commercial awareness is also important. Stay informed about developments in law, business and technology, and think critically about how these trends affect our clients.

Finally, do not be afraid to engage. Attend open days, speak to current trainees and explore the firm's public resources. This will help you gain a better understanding of the firm and ultimately make a more informed decision as to whether the firm is a right fit for you.

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To find out more about Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, you may visit their website here or contact the firm via their website if you have any queries. We hope you have enjoyed this edition featuring Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and gained new insights into the firm!

United Kingdom Singapore Law Students Society 2025-2026