HFW Jobs

HFW offer a training contract and a vacation scheme. Opportunities that are open for applications will appear below.

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Training Contract

Trainees at HFW complete four six month seats, in areas such as energy, aerospace and shipping. Before each seat, trainees meet with senior lawyers and discuss their seat preferences as well as their career aspirations. The firm tries as hard as possible to meet the trainee's wishes.

Trainees in the past have attended hearings, drafted letters and written attendance notes as part of their seat. Throughout the contract, trainees are supervised by an associate or partner. They will have two appraisals per seat, one in the middle and one at the end. This allows them to assess their strengths and weaknesses so that they can improve as a lawyer. Aside from legal work, trainees will be trained on a variety of different soft skills such as time management and presentation skills.

Given HFW’s multinational presence, all trainees are required to go on an international secondment. Previous trainees have been to Paris, Dubai and Singapore. The firm arranges the flights, work visa and accommodation for you. This experience is a great opportunity for you to learn more about a different legal jurisdiction, and experience life in a smaller team.

Vacation Schemes

Doing a vacation scheme is a great way to find out if HFW is right for you. Vacation schemes at HFW last one to two weeks, and take place during the Easter or Summer holidays.

Candidates will work side by side with associates and partners, and will be working with current cases as opposed to fictional ones. This allows you to receive hands-on, practical experience. Past trainees have been even able to attend hearings at the Royal Courts of Justice. There are also a variety of talks and workshops which allow you to learn more about HFW and what they do.

Aside from legal work, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to network and get to know the lawyers at the firm. Past candidates have enjoyed after work drinks, BBQs and netball matches. This is also a good chance for you to make an impression if you are interested in securing a training contract with the firm.

Near the end of the scheme, you will be assessed for a training contract. There will be two exercises: a negotiation task with a team, as well as an individual written task where you will have to research a particular topic. If you have been successful, you will be contacted after the scheme ends.