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More Than Just Paperwork: My HR Internship in the Legal Industry
- Lavanda Wong
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
Updated: May 9
I never expected my summer vacation (winter, for those in the northern hemisphere) to lead me to the world of Human Resources (HR) at a law firm, but that’s exactly what happened when I joined Ravenscroft & Schmierer. What started as a way to gain experience and make good use of my extended break in Hong Kong turned into an opportunity to learn, grow, and step outside my comfort zone.
Going into the internship, I knew HR was important, but I had no idea just how much goes on behind the scenes—especially in a law firm. From recruitment and compliance to working with Campus Ambassadors and attending industry events, I saw HR in action in ways I never could have previously imagined.
This article is a reflection on my internship—the challenges, the wins, and the experiences that made it all worthwhile.
Author: Lavanda Wong, Intern
Making the Most of My “Summer Break”: Why I Chose an Internship
As an international student, I didn’t want my summer break to just slip by — I wanted to make the most of it by taking the time to hone skills I developed at university and other internship experiences and to become more aware of opportunities post-graduation. Internships are one of the best ways to test theory and know-how taught at school in real-life scenarios, allowing for more instant feedback, and they also help build connections, can open doors for future opportunities, and inform significant career decisions later on.
After coming across an Admin/HR internship position at Ravenscroft & Schmierer on LinkedIn and learning more about the firm through its social media channels and Campus Ambassadors, I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to simultaneously gain a broad understanding of HR roles while learning about the intricacies and nuances of recruitment and people management in the legal industry — a sector I was initially unfamiliar with.
My Role as an HR Intern & My Experience at Ravenscroft & Schmierer
The work environment was structured yet fast-paced, and I quickly realised that HR wasn’t just an administrative function — it was at the core of keeping everything running smoothly. HR in a law firm is more than just handling paperwork; it plays a big role in shaping company culture, ensuring compliance, and making sure employees feel supported. My colleagues were friendly and approachable, which made it easy for me to settle in, ask questions, and start learning right away.
A significant component of my job was handling HR documentation and compliance, where I was tasked with preparing and organising employee records, contracts, and confidentiality agreements while making sure they were in line with employment regulations. Additionally, I focused on recruitment and onboarding, which quickly became one of my favourite aspects of the internship. From screening candidates and scheduling interviews to getting to know them even better once they joined the firm, I saw firsthand how HR hiring decisions – however lengthy they may be – immediately create a positive and significant impact on the firm’s productivity and culture. This highlighted to me the extent to which back-office divisions influence those at the front.
Beyond HR tasks, I assisted with office administration and internal communication, making sure operations ran smoothly. One of the most exciting parts of my role was working with the Campus Ambassadors to plan outreach and recruitment initiatives for university students such as myself. This gave me a chance to collaborate with peers, brainstorm creative engagement strategies such as being featured in alma maters’ newsletters, and contribute to the firm’s recruitment efforts in a meaningful way.
Another highlight was attending a strategy meeting for an upcoming Law Career Fair in Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia. This was my first time at an industry event and the first time I learned about recruitment trends, employer branding, and hiring strategies. Listening to experienced HR professionals break down their recruitment strategies and outline how they compete for top talent, and retrospectively reflecting on their differences made me realise the significance of building a strong employer brand, from the initial recruitment to maintaining that in the working environment. The role that HR plays in ensuring employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated spoke to me and convinced me even further to pursue a career in the field, especially now that I have built a strong foundation in HR principles, workplace dynamics, and organisational behaviour.
One unexpected but super useful takeaway? Having a strong LinkedIn profile makes a huge difference! This internship opened my eyes to how important networking and visibility are in the professional world. If you’re looking to boost your LinkedIn presence, I highly recommend making sure your profile is updated, optimised, and reflects your skills and experiences — you never know who might come across it!
If you would like to learn more tips about having a strong LinkedIn profile, you can take a look at this article, which was written by one of our former Campus Ambassadors!
Overcoming Challenges and Takeaways!
Like any new experience, this internship came with its own set of challenges, but each one helped me grow and learn in ways I didn’t expect. Since this was my first time working in a law firm, I had to quickly adapt to how things were done in the legal industry. Unlike a regular corporate environment, law firms have strict confidentiality rules and regulatory frameworks, so I had to be extra careful with sensitive information and make sure I was following procedures correctly. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but with time, I got the hang of it and became more confident in handling confidential data.
One of my biggest responsibilities was managing employee records and contracts, which required a high level of professionalism and accuracy. I quickly learned just how important it is to be detail-oriented in HR, especially when dealing with employee information. A small mistake in documentation can have big consequences, so I had to double-check everything and ensure I was always handling data with discretion and care.
Another challenge was juggling multiple responsibilities. Between HR tasks, administrative duties, and recruitment projects, there was always something to do. Managing everything in a fast-paced environment taught me how to prioritise tasks effectively, stay organised, and work efficiently under pressure. It wasn’t always easy, but by the end of my internship, I felt much more confident in my ability to handle a busy workload. I look forward to putting these skills to use in my final, busy year at university.
Despite these challenges, I walked away with valuable skills that will stay with me throughout my career. I became better at multitasking, professional communication, and applying psychology to workplace interactions. Most importantly, this experience reinforced my passion for HR and gave me a deeper understanding of how organisations operate from both a structural and interpersonal perspective.
The Best Part of the internship? The People!
What truly stood out during my internship at the firm was the people. I had the chance to work with genuinely supportive and inspiring colleagues, which made the experience so much more rewarding. Conversations weren’t just about work—we shared career advice, experiences, and even personal interests, which made the workplace feel welcoming and engaging.
The mentorship and guidance I received were invaluable. Everyone was open to sharing their knowledge and offering support, making it easy to ask questions and learn from real-world experiences. Their willingness to help and involve me in meaningful tasks played a huge role in shaping my internship.
Beyond the skills I gained, I walked away with meaningful connections that I hope to maintain as I continue my career journey. I’m truly grateful for the people who made this experience what it was!
If you’re interested in applying for an internship at Ravenscroft & Schmierer, you are welcome to apply through our website [click here]!
I made a video about my experience as an intern at the firm, have a watch!
Lavanda Wong studies Psychology at Monash University. She stepped into the newly created role of HR/Admin intern at Ravenscroft & Schmierer confidently and set the benchmark.
Lavanda Wong
Intern
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