Training Contract 2028

We are a leading London-based law firm well known for acting for some of the most creative, influential and enterprising organisations and people across all of their legal and business needs. We advise global stars of music, film, TV and sport, British and international royalty and UHNW individuals and families on private wealth, family, defamation, privacy and business-related matters. We are a dominant force in the entertainment and media industry and have a strong presence within the technology sector. We also provide corporate and commercial advice to clients ranging from start-ups to multinational companies.

Starting your career with us will give you exposure to a variety of cutting-edge work from across the wide range of practice areas and sectors in which we specialise. During your two-year training contract, you’ll be given the opportunity to thrive in several of our departments, spending six months in four different seats. We provide an environment that’s challenging and stimulating, as well as collaborative and supportive, equipping you with the skills you need to launch your legal career.

Who are we looking for?

We’re seeking talented, inquisitive and entrepreneurial people who are passionate about pursuing a career in law and are curious about business and the world around them. You should have strong A-level results and at least a 2.1 in your degree, though we do take mitigating circumstances into account when reviewing applications. We offer six training contracts a year; three commencing in March and three in September.

We recruit trainee solicitors with a view to them qualifying at the firm and continuing their legal careers with us as associates and beyond.

Who can apply?

Law graduates can apply in their penultimate year and non-law students can apply in their final year of university.

We’ll pay for all course fees associated with the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC). We also provide an £8,000 maintenance grant whilst you are studying.

Application tips

Tell us why you want to train at Harbottle & Lewis

• We want to know what’s motivated you to apply to Harbottle & Lewis and why you’re passionate about the law, so do your research and tailor your application accordingly. When completing your application form tell us if you’ve spoken to existing trainees to learn about their experience; researched a lawyer/practice area that you’re interested in; or have read about an exciting case that Harbottle & Lewis have worked on. Also, why not take a look at our website or listen to one of our digital download podcasts? You can also research our firm on LinkedIn or on law-related websites such as The Legal 500, Chambers or Student Chambers.

Be yourself

• We want to get to know the person behind the application form, so be your authentic self and don’t tell us what you think we want to hear. Always avoid the use of clichés, buzzwords and overused phrases. Tell us how you’ll add value to the business and what skills you’ll bring to the Firm, whether these stem from your work experience or hobbies and interests.

Tell us about your work experience

• If you’ve managed to gain legal or non-legal work experience, we want to hear about it. If you’ve attended any open days, vacation schemes or worked as a paralegal, please tell us what you’ve learnt from each experience. However, we understand that not everyone will have been able to gain legal work experience and that working a part-time job or volunteering while completing your studies is just as valuable as you’ll have developed transferrable skills. Make sure you give examples when talking about your work experience as this will help us to understand what your responsibilities were and what skills you developed.

Get the basics right

• Take your time submitting your application form, don’t rush it.
• Make sure you complete all relevant sections of the application form.
• Use a consistent verb tense throughout the application form.
• List your work experience in chronological order.

Our 2028 training contract applications close on 31 January 2026.