HFW

Next deadline

Solicitor Apprenticeship Open Day · 2 Nov 2026

(7 days)

Apply now

In their own words

Global training, collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial culture, sector-focused work, and early responsibility.

Snapshot

Firm type

International

UK offices

London

International offices

Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, British Virgin Islands, Brussels, Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, Houston, Kuwait, Melbourne, Monaco, Paris, Perth, Piraeus, Rio De Janeiro, Riyadh, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Sydney

Training contract places

Vacation scheme places

First-year salary

£52,000

Second-year salary

£56,000

Newly qualified salary

£103,500

Trainee retention

100%

SQE support

Full SQE1 and SQE2 support and maintenance grant

Visa sponsorship

Yes

International secondment

Yes

Client secondment

Guaranteed secondment

Yes

Firm type

International

Recruitment route

Both vacation scheme and direct training contract

Rolling recruitment?

Yes

Seat structure

4 six-month seats

Can trainees repeat a seat?

Yes, but not guaranteed

Can trainees express seat preferences?

Yes, but not guaranteed

Trainee salaries review

Annually

Non-law applicants

Actively encouraged

Career-changer applicants

Actively encouraged

Remote working

Formal flexible working policy (minimum 3 days/60% of time in office in London)

Minimum academic requirements

Consistent academic track record sought but there are no specific minimum requirements

Typical start time

9:00am

Typical finish time

7:30pm

Wellbeing support

Trained mental health first aiders, subsidised gym through GymFlex, ClassPass membership (up to 35 credits/month), YuLife wellbeing app, fully-funded Headspace, private health insurance, private GP scheme, biennial health check-up, flu jabs, dental insurance, critical illness insurance, fertility treatment time off (for women), subsidised on-site back/neck/shoulder massages

Minimum holiday

25 days

Additional leave

2 extra days after 5 years' service

% female trainees

49%

% female partners

20%

% BAME partners

% first-gen trainees

49%

PGDL funding

Yes, full funding

Retrospective funding

Considered case-by-case

Internal affinity networks/support

Race & Ethnicity Network, Thrive (disability and neurodiversity), Proud@HFW (LGBTQ+), Mental Health First Aiders, Gender Equality Network, Social Mobility Network

Before you apply

Before you apply, ask yourself:

Are you interested in developing specialist knowledge in sectors such as shipping, aerospace, commodities, energy, construction and insurance?

Would you value spending part of your training contract in one of HFW’s international offices?

Would you enjoy gaining hands-on experience on international matters within a relatively small trainee intake?

Next deadline

Solicitor Apprenticeship Open Day

2 Nov 2026

(7 days)

View job

Deep dive

Explore this firm in detail

What makes it different

Sector-focused international work

What this could mean for you

You could develop specialist knowledge in sectors such as shipping, aerospace, commodities, energy and insurance while working on matters involving clients, colleagues and issues across different jurisdictions.

Specialist expertise from the outset

What this could mean for you

You could build both legal and commercial knowledge within HFW’s core sectors, gaining exposure to contentious, transactional, regulatory, and advisory work during your training.

Guaranteed international secondment

What this could mean for you

You’ll spend part of your training in one of HFW's international offices, giving you first-hand experience of the firm’s international network and opportunities to build relationships with colleagues across jurisdictions.

Practice area strengths

Commodities

HFW's Commodities team advises clients across the global commodities sector on trading, financing and risk management matters involving energy, metals, agricultural commodities and other natural resources. The team's clients include traders, producers, financial institutions, and other participants across the global commodities sector. Trainees can gain hands-on experience through legal research, helping to prepare advice and client meetings, taking meeting notes and supporting disputes and transactions.

Aerospace

HFW's Aerospace team advises clients across the global aviation industry, including aircraft owners, financiers, airline operators, airports and aviation service providers. Its work spans major aviation accidents, complex commercial disputes, insurance, regulatory matters, finance and leasing. Trainees can gain hands-on experience through legal research, helping to prepare advice and client meetings, taking meeting notes, and supporting disputes and advisory matters. Trainees can be involved in preparing documents for aircraft purchases and sales, supporting court proceedings, conducting research, helping to prepare client advice and attending client meetings.

Shipping

Shipping is a longstanding core strength at HFW, with a global team of more than 220 maritime lawyers and a substantial group of Master Mariners. The practice advises across the lifecycle of a vessel, including maritime transactions, shipping contract disputes, admiralty and crisis management. Trainees can gain experience researching and preparing advice, working on transaction and dispute documents, supporting client presentations and assisting on matters for clients including shipowners, P&I clubs and global shipping and logistics companies.

All practice areas

CommercialCorporateDispute resolutionFinanceGovernment and public sectorPorts and terminalsProjectsRegulatory and complianceTechnologyComplex environmentsData, privacy and cybersecurityEmploymentFraudRestructuring and insolvencyAsset managementLogisticsPrivate wealthReal estateSanctions and export controlWhite collar defence and investigationsConstructionInsuranceReinsurance

Who it may suit

Before you apply, ask yourself

Are you interested in developing specialist knowledge in sectors such as shipping, aerospace, commodities, energy, construction and insurance?
Would you value spending part of your training contract in one of HFW’s international offices?
Would you enjoy gaining hands-on experience on international matters within a relatively small trainee intake?

This firm may suit candidates who…

Want international experience built into their training, with an international secondment guaranteed for every trainee.
Would value a relatively small trainee cohort, with the annual intake split between March and September.
Want to develop specialist knowledge in sectors such as shipping, aerospace, commodities, energy, construction and insurance.

Things to consider

HFW takes a strongly sector-focused approach, so candidates should consider whether its core industries align with their interests.
An international secondment is a guaranteed part of the training contract rather than an optional opportunity.
Client secondments are offered on an ad hoc basis.