Chloe R.
About me
| Chloe R. | |
| Sociology | |
| Sociology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Alcuin | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| HR & Employment Law Adviser | |
| Herbert Smith Freehills LLP | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Legal services | |
| Large business (250+ employees) |
More about Chloe
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A day in the life of a HR & Employment Law Adviser in the United Kingdom
Research your chosen company / career path and try to speak to someone who has experience.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Herbert Smith Freehills is an international law firm with headquarters in London and Sydney.
What do you do?
I am responsible for providing Partners, managers and the wider HR function with accurate and practical employment law and employee relations advice. I also provide information and guidance on a range of HR issues including legislation and policy-related matters.
I actively advise on and support the resolution of sensitive employee relations issues such as absence management, performance and capability issues, and restructures, as well as case managing grievances and disciplinary processes.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
My interest in HR and Employment law began when I was studying at York. Sociology is very much a people focused subject and I was lucky enough to secure an HR internship alongside my studies. I also completed my CIPD professional qualifications following my graduation from York.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I knew I wanted to have a career in HR but I didn’t set out to work in the legal sector.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Most of my work is confidential in nature but I have worked on several high profile and complex employee relations cases. Examples include disciplinary hearings, investigations and grievance processes. Most recently I have co-ordinated a global response to the Covid-19 Pandemic from an HR perspective.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was Vice Chair of Alcuin JCRC which gave me an excellent foundation for a career in HR. I worked throughout my studies at Debenhams and I also worked for the University Alumni service as a student caller. My role as a student caller gave me the confidence to speak to people from a range of backgrounds as well as listening skills.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Try and secure as much experience as possible. Work experience, shadowing, mentoring etc. Research your chosen company / career path and try to speak to someone who has experience.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
I’m happy to advise on a career in HR or Commercial Law.
Next steps...
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