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Harbottle & Lewis

Harbottle & Lewis

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In their own words

We are a firm that works with a genuinely diverse client base – from cutting-edge startups to global corporations, emerging talent to household names, and private individuals to family offices – within some of the most innovative and dynamic industries.

Snapshot

Firm type

Specialist / boutique

UK offices

London

International offices

0, but the firm has an expansive, global network

Training contract places

10

Vacation scheme places

None

First-year salary

£50,000

Second-year salary

£53,000

Newly qualified salary

£87,000

Trainee retention

67%

SQE support

Full SQE1 and SQE2 support and maintenance grant

Visa sponsorship

Yes

International secondment

No

Client secondment

Yes

Guaranteed secondment

No

Recruitment route

Training contract only

Rolling recruitment?

No

Seat structure

4 six-month seats

Can trainees repeat a seat?

Yes, depending on circumstances

Can trainees express seat preferences?

Yes, but not guaranteed

Trainee salary basis

Reviewed annually

Non-law applicants

Actively encouraged

Career-changer applicants

Actively encouraged

Remote working

Formal flexible policy (minimum 3 days in office, most do 4)

Minimum academic requirements

2:1 at University

Typical start time

9:30am

Typical finish time

6:30-7:00pm

Wellbeing support

Wellbeing programme for all employees including trainees. Exercise classes, mental health support options, monthly massages, nutritional advice, gym discount, plus (from the careers website) a free daily lunch, fitness/pilates/dance cardio classes, monthly one-to-one sessions with a registered psychotherapist, and an EAP

Minimum holiday

25 days

% female trainees

86%

% female partners

40%

% BAME trainees

36%

% BAME partners

6%

% state school trainees

36%

% first-gen trainees

50%

PGDL funding

Yes, full funding

Retrospective funding

No
Before you apply

Before you apply, ask yourself:

Do you value a working environment that is based on forming long-term partnerships, with both colleagues and clients?

Do you have an entrepreneurial streak and would you thrive in an environment that gives you the autonomy to build a career in the way you want?

Do you have a passion for any of the firm’s target industries, and does the idea of being a lawyer specialising in these areas appeal to you?

Deep dive

Explore this firm in detail

What makes it different

Deep sector knowledge is embedded in the firm’s DNA

What this could mean for you
You will need to learn how the industries they work in operate, as the advice the firm gives blends practice area expertise with deep-seated understanding of its clients’ sectors.

Supporting clients through their journeys

What this could mean for you
Over time, you will foster strong relationships with clients as they grow and develop whilst being supported by the firm.

Practice area strengths

Film, TV, and theatre production, IP and reputation management

The firm's market-leading film, TV, and theatre production team, top-tier reputation management practice, and highly regarded intellectual property team are just a few examples of how its deep industry knowledge is brought to life. This expertise also extends to music, sport, and interactive entertainment, across all of which the firm handles specialised commercial matters, industry-specific corporate transactions, high stakes disputes, and intellectual property work, blending seamlessly with the firm's impressive advertising and sponsorship practice.

Venture capital and emerging markets

The firm's venture capital and emerging companies practice is one of the best in the country, reflecting Harbottle & Lewis' hallmark of working with some of the most dynamic, innovative, and exciting businesses at the earliest stages of their journey. As these companies grow, they often work with the firm across multiple practice areas, benefiting from its ability to provide comprehensive legal support that evolves with their needs.

Private wealth

In addition to the firm's work with businesses, it has a thriving private wealth offering. Whether advising high-net-worth individuals, family offices or prominent figures – often within media, entertainment, fashion, or hospitality – the firm's private client, family, and contentious trusts practices are recognised as leaders in their fields. From managing personal and commercial interests to navigating complex disputes, Harbottle & Lewis support private individuals at the very top end of the market.

All practice areas

Commercial litigationCorporateEmploymentFamilyIntellectual propertyMedia and entertainmentPrivate clientTaxImmigrationPropertyReputation managementVenture capital
Who it may suit

Before you apply, ask yourself

  • Do you value a working environment that is based on forming long-term partnerships, with both colleagues and clients?
  • Do you have an entrepreneurial streak and would you thrive in an environment that gives you the autonomy to build a career in the way you want?
  • Do you have a passion for any of the firm’s target industries, and does the idea of being a lawyer specialising in these areas appeal to you?

This firm may suit candidates who…

  • Are excited by the prospect of working with different types of clients, from individuals to start-ups to big corporates, and want exposure to clients "shaping the industries of today and tomorrow"
  • Value a collaborative, creative and agile culture and want to help build long-term relationships as clients grow whilst being supported by the firm
  • Have worked in another industry and want to apply their experience to building a legal career
  • Want to work within a smaller trainee cohort and take on early responsibility

Things to consider

  • Moving away from private practice may be more challenging if you decide to specialise early.
Work-life reality

Work-life balance varies by team, seat and transaction cycle. This section is designed to help you understand the pattern, not reduce the experience to a score.

Holiday allowance

25 days, rising to 26 after the first year.
Application process

Online application form

(1-2 hours)

What happens

Tell the firm about your academic background, work experience and why you want to train with them.

First stage interview

(1 hour)

What happens

This interview will be in person with an associate/managing associate and partner.

Assessment Centre

(Full day)

What happens

1. Group exercise 2. Individual written exercise 3. Case study

Final stage interview

(1 hour)

Insights
Harbottle & Lewis Trainee Day