Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) has opened applications for its prestigious India Internship Programme 2027. The programme offers Indian law students an opportunity to spend three weeks at the firm’s London office, gaining exposure to international transactions, high-profile disputes, and complex commercial legal work while working alongside lawyers from one of the world’s leading law firms.
About Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a leading global law firm with more than 6,000 professionals across major financial centres, global markets, and growth hubs worldwide. The firm is internationally recognised for its expertise in complex disputes, regulatory matters, public and private transactions, and cross-border legal advisory work.
The firm works with multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and major businesses across various industries. Known for its collaborative culture and emphasis on professional development, HSF Kramer combines traditional legal excellence with innovation, technology, and modern legal service delivery.
About the India Internship Programme 2027
The India Internship Programme is designed to provide Indian law students with first-hand experience of working at an international law firm. Successful candidates will spend three weeks at HSF Kramer’s London office during June or July 2027.
The programme allows interns to gain exposure to live transactions, disputes, and client matters while working closely with experienced lawyers. Interns will be able to indicate preferences for two practice areas (“seats”), enabling them to tailor the internship according to their interests and career goals.
Throughout the programme, interns will work directly with partners, of counsel, senior associates, and associates. They will be involved in substantive legal work and receive structured feedback to help them develop their professional skills.
What Will Interns Do?
Interns can expect to work on a range of practical legal tasks.
| Task | Exposure Provided |
|---|---|
| Legal Research | International and commercial legal issues |
| Legal Drafting | Transactional and advisory documents |
| Due Diligence | Corporate and transactional work |
| Client Meeting Preparation | Commercial and client-facing exposure |
| Practice Area Rotations | Exposure to multiple legal specialisations |
| Feedback Sessions | Professional development and growth |
The programme also includes presentations, networking opportunities, and social events with trainees, associates, partners, and fellow interns.
Internship Benefits
One of the most attractive aspects of the programme is the comprehensive financial and professional support offered to interns.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Internship Stipend | £500 per week |
| Flights | Fully covered |
| Accommodation | Fully covered |
| Visa Expenses | Fully covered |
| Trainee Buddy | Dedicated support and mentorship |
| Networking Events | Access to lawyers, trainees, and partners |
| Career Opportunities | Potential pathway to the Trainee Associate Programme |
Students who perform exceptionally well during the internship may be considered for a place on the firm’s Trainee Associate Programme.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to Indian law students who are currently in their penultimate year of study and are expected to graduate in 2028.
Eligibility Snapshot
| Requirement | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian law students |
| Academic Stage | Penultimate-year student |
| Graduation Year | 2028 |
| Academic Performance | Strong and consistent grades preferred |
| Equivalent Academic Standard | 2:1 (or equivalent) |
Applicants who have experienced mitigating circumstances affecting academic performance are encouraged to mention these in their applications.
Why This Internship Stands Out
International internships are often inaccessible due to financial constraints and visa-related challenges. HSF Kramer removes these barriers by covering all major expenses.
| Factor | HSF India Internship |
|---|---|
| International Exposure | Yes |
| London Office Experience | Yes |
| Paid Internship | Yes |
| Flights Covered | Yes |
| Accommodation Covered | Yes |
| Visa Covered | Yes |
| Training & Mentorship | Yes |
| Potential Training Contract Pathway | Yes |
For Indian law students interested in international commercial law, cross-border transactions, global disputes, and Magic Circle/Silver Circle-style law firm environments, this programme represents one of the most competitive opportunities available.
Selection Factors
While academic performance remains important, successful applicants generally demonstrate:
- Strong academic consistency
- Commercial awareness
- Excellent written communication skills
- Legal research aptitude
- Genuine interest in international legal practice
- Leadership and extracurricular involvement
- Ability to work collaboratively in teams
Application Deadline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 30 June 2026 (23:59 BST) |
| India Time Equivalent | 1 July 2026, 04:29 AM IST |
Candidates should ensure that their online application is submitted before the deadline.
How to Apply
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