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- 15 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 seats and one transactional seat, usually with at least one seat spent outside of London in an international office. Trainees are involved in 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.

Our vacation schemes are a key part of our recruitment process for trainees and we actively consider all of our vacation scheme participants for a training contract. Completing a vacation scheme enables you to experience our work first hand, and also provides you with valuable insight into our industry sectors, our global reach and our culture. Alongside spending time in at least one department of your choice, you can expect to attend presentations, social events and a final round Partner interview for a training contract.

We run a one week spring vacation scheme and two to three summer vacation schemes each year (varying between one and two weeks in duration).  The recruitment process for places on our vacation schemes consists of the online application form followed by an assessment centre. In 2020 and 2021 we ran our vacation schemes virtually. We are aiming to run our 2022 vacation schemes in person in our London office, circumstances permitting.

GDL/LPC fees paid and a maintenance grant of £7,000 (£5,500 outside London) is available for each year of study.

We look for trainees who are bright, commercially-focused and hard working. Strong communication skills and team working skills are a must. In addition, as our training contract is truly international we look for individuals who have a global perspective and an interest in completing international work. Our trainees come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and we welcome application from both law and non-law students and undergraduates and experienced graduates alike.

The deadline for vacation scheme applications is 31 January 2022. The deadline for training contract applications is 31 July 2022.

Apply online at http://www.hfw.com/Graduate-Recruitment