Training Contract September 2026 or March 2027

Who we are

We are a sector-focused, entrepreneurial law firm. But there’s more to us than that. We have a passion for the sectors we work in – whether we are solving complex issues across construction, aviation and shipping, or providing advice across insurance, commodities and energy. We’re people who like to get things done. It’s this pragmatism, combined with our creative approach that makes us our clients’ go-to commercial advisers. And we are, unapologetically, absolute experts in what we advise our clients on. So yes, we’re different. Our clients say “less traditional” – “progressive”, even. We say we’re specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients.

Every year we recruit only a small number of trainees - fifteen per year split across a September and March intake. This enables us to give every trainee our full attention, and means that your individual contribution makes a difference. A training contract at HFW consists of four six-month seats – typically three contentious and one transactional, usually with at least one seat spent outside of London in an international office. Trainees gain ongoing development through a combination of workshops, departmental know-how sessions, mentoring by experienced lawyers and on-the-job training. Overall, we aim to provide you with a dynamic, supportive and varied environment in which you are challenged to become the best lawyer you can be.

The role

As a trainee you can expect to play a key role in a range of disputes and transactional work undertaken by our award-winning, sector-focused teams:

· Work on international multi-jurisdictional legal matters, involving project management, organisation and delegation

· Completing at least one international secondment. Recent secondment locations have included Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, Melbourne, Monaco Paris, Piraeus and Singapore.

· Assisting with legal drafting and research

· Case and document management

· Assisting with client and practice development

· Playing an active role in pro-bono and CR

What we look for

We look for individuals who are bright, commercially-focused and hard-working. Our trainees are strong communicators and team players. We also look for individuals who can demonstrate client focus, and who enjoy solving problems.

In addition, as our training contract is truly international we look for individuals who have a global perspective and who can demonstrate an enthusiasm for completing international work and secondments. An interest in (but not necessarily a working knowledge of) our sectors is also key.

Our trainees come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and we welcome applications from both law and non-law undergraduates and experienced graduates alike.  

Sponsorship

PGDL/SQE fees paid and a maintenance grant of £12,000 is available for each year of study. 

The application process

The deadline is 21 July 2024. The application process consists of an online application, assessment centre and a Partner interview.