HFW - True Picture

International seats ahoy! A career at HFW offers prime shipping and commodities work across its global network.

HFW training contract review 2025 

The Firm 



Global trade is beautifully complex, and it needs lawyers with a thirst for complexity to keep it moving. HFW is at the epicentre of this economy, orchestrating the shipping, aviation, asset  financing, commodities  financing, and leading the insurance and disputes for when things don’t go to plan – Chambers UK recognises the firm’s leadership in all these areas. “I applied for the best shipping firm with good international trade work. I wasn’t disappointed!” beamed one interviewee. The firm has an eye on the future of this economy too, earning accolades in Chambers Global  for its climate change work. “A lot of what we do is impacted by geopolitical events so that was a pull factor for me,” thought one junior. As an example, the firm advised on some insurance matters in the Malaysian Airways flight MH370 disappearance back in 2014. 

“I applied for the best shipping firm with good international trade work. I wasn’t disappointed!” 

This sector-focused firm has a natural appeal with trainees looking for international experience. HFW guarantees trainees an international secondment. “It’s an amazing opportunity that you don’t get at other firms. It’s really built into the training contract” – such is the firm’s commitment to building a team ready to serve its global client base. The firm’s 17 international offices follow the world’s shipping, finance and energy industries, cropping up in cities like Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Houston. 

For all its bicep flexing on the global stage, “the firm is a nice size,”  thought trainees. “It’s big enough for good work but small enough that you know everyone.” The firm typically takes on 15 trainees each round, which contributes to a close, nurturing environment in training: “those insenior positions take time to help juniors learn.” 

The Seats 



Firstly, the international secondment: locations like Melbourne, Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore are all on the itinerary. On top of this, trainees can also land in the firm’s European offices: Piraeus, Paris, Geneva or Monaco. Some sources did note that Brexit had impacted choices for some: “those with an EU passport may be expected to travel to a European office.” There isn’t a requirement to speak a different language to go to any of these, but any multilingual trainees are matched to a suitable office where possible. We learnt that seat options are dished out on business need and can change every seat rotation. “The firm covers flights, and the HR team does regular check-ins with students who are abroad, which is important,” said one jetsetter. 

For those in London, trainees are expected to do one contentious and one non-contentious seat during their training contract. However, most of our sources admitted to completing up to three contentious seats alongside their transactional seat of choice. “A popular seat is shipping. Everyone normally wants to do it because of the firm’s quality of work,” noted one source. Each rotation, trainees will pick their top three choices. And while “you aren’t guaranteed to get any of them,” noted a source, in the event that the firm can’t match your choices in one round, it makes a real effort to ensure their following seat is one they want. 

“Shipping is what HFW is renowned for...” 

When you look at the calibre of teams and specialist practitioners we have,” noted a trainee, it’s easy to see how “shipping is what HFW is renowned for.”  The majority of interviewees in our list had sat in shipping. On the litigious side, the firm covers both wet and dry work. “The firm was traditionally split, but now they encourage a soggy lawyer to do both sides which I really like!” said one newbie. For those who are wondering what on earth is being talked about here, wet shipping refers to matters at sea, dry shipping encompasses all matters when not at sea, like contractual disputes. Insiders noted that “HFW is the go-to for complex reactionary disputes, in fact it is rare we aren’t involved in these cases.” The firm advised Hellenic Mutual War Risks Association on the exposure to risk and conflict management during the hostilities in Ukraine. Trainees get work from their supervisors but can also reach out and get work across the department. Day-to-day tasks include drafting emails to clients about developments on the case, attending court hearings, bundling and preparing court documents. On top of this, sources highlighted that the team does a lot to “encourage us to go to client events and seminars so we can grow our networks.” 

Changing course, the transactional side of shipping covers “a lot of sale and purchases of vessels.” The team tends to act for the lender side, with big banks as the client. “A typical task in this area is preparing drafts for corporate approvals or sorting billing at the end of a transaction,” said one trainee. When a newbie joins this team, they receive training on topics such as security guarantees and loan agreements, which “provide context before you dive in.” The firm’s landmark cases include advising Proman and sponsors with the setup of an investment fund for six low emission vessels for a 15-year charter. Yacht, aviation and private client work was said to also seep into this team too. 

On the commodities team, “you build up that responsibility as a commercial litigator, not just as a commodities lawyer,” mused one trainee. Commodities is a core sector strength for HFW. The firm recently acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking in connection to the collapse of trading house Hin Leong and associates, dealing with trade credit issues and disputes. Trainees can expect to get down with the granular detail: “We have a lot of work on grains and fertilisers, which is typically arbitration work. Daily life for a commodities trainee included mediation assistance, client emails and bundling. Trainees also found themselves learning the business development skills they’ll need later on in their careers, conducting research on the industry and preparing presentations and marketing materials for the team and its clients. 

“...you have scope to work on arbitrations from all over the world.” 

The firm’s construction practice is really specialist. We focus on high value and complex engineering work,” explained a trainee. This seat was noted for its international opportunities: “construction is a third of HFW’s Australian revenue. You have scope to work on arbitrations from all over the world.” Trainees in this seat may be expected to juggle three to four dispute proceedings at one time, and could be working on file review, research, drafting, communicating court deadlines, court document management and sharing information with the clients. The work was found to be less collaborative than on other teams, but “it is a very close-knit team, and I developed a lot of important relationships with them.” 

Trainee Life 



“It is in the heart of Liverpool Street, and it is one of the more eco-friendly offices around.” 

Because HFW is a sector-focused firm, there are certain niche legal areas that trainees need training on,” raised one interviewee. Practice area training was given a thumbs up by those who sat in the firm’s shipping and commodities seats: “we had some great training on special shipping laws we wouldn’t have learnt during studies, so it is great for commercial insight.” Others mentioned the firm’s disputes learning programme where “associates present experiences on things like mediation and costs, which is helpful for the practical advice.” A lot of learning also happens through doing the job. We received a mix of feedback on supervisors – it’s always dependent on the individual. While some wanted more feedback for juniors at the end of their seats, others were gushing about those relationships: “My last supervisor was exceptionally busy but always took the time to go through actionable feedback points which was helpful.” 

The firm’s new officeis in the heart of Liverpool Street, and it is one of the more eco-friendly offices around.” It’s got all the modish stuff like wireless chargers and standing desks. The firm has also upped its game in catering and social life, and there's a new canteen and wine bar on the 26th floor which is “used for all kinds of social events within the firm and with clients.” And these lawyers’ passion for globetrotting seems to run aground once they need to find a bar: “It’s a lot more accessible and casual for people just to head up when their work is done instead of traipsing across London for a quick drink!” Sources noted that there are plenty of events on in the firm’s social calendar, with regular after-work drinks (“which isn’t just drinking but an opportunity to have a laugh”), going for regular coffees, cake in the kitchen for birthdays, and events led by the firm’s affinity groups for events like Ramadan and International Women’s Day. Some events are team dependent: the shipping team has its own annual retreat with all fee earners around the world getting together for training and networking. 

The firm’s remote working policy is currently three days in the office. However, this was said to flex depending on your seat: “if a partner wants you in, then you will match the days they are in.” The cohort noted the firm makes strides to ensure trainees feel supported: “if I am on an intense deal, I could be working from home five days a week, as the firm wants to ensure I have good wellbeing to get the deal done.” But in any case, longer hours were said to be a rarity: “the firm tries to emphasise this is not a US firm and they have no expectation to work like that. I am still able to do stuff outside work that I enjoy.” Interviewees averaged their working week to around 42 hours, with a typical finish time between 6-7pm. 

“...we have people shipping themselves across the world every rotation, so those relationships keep us connected to the world.” 

HFW’s culture was summed up in the same three words by so many of our interviewees: supportive, social and friendly. Part of this is helped by the fact many firm members have been at the firm for a while, often beginning their career there. “People enjoy working here and I think it’s because we are actually, like, friends. Our size definitely helps us compared to other city firms!” thought one newbie. Many felt the firm’s global identity contributed to culture: “social events are always extended to the other offices, and we have people shipping themselves across the world every rotation, so those relationships keep us connected to the world.”  

On diversity, equity and inclusion, one source felt that “to me, they seem to be doing better than other firms by broadening access to different programmes.” For instance, the firm had recently introduced a £5,000 per year scholarship programme where “we help sixth form students with work experience to increase their capital, but we are waiting to see this increase of diversity to feed through,” highlighted one source. HFW also has a work experience programme. 

We heard that qualification got off to a late start last year, so trainees were glad to report that this year the firm had been “very transparent” about the process since. Four months out from qualification, final seaters receive a list of hiring groups and have a week to submit their applications to the departments they want to join. Depending on the team, trainees can expect anything from an informal interview to a case study assessment. Naturally, shipping is a popular seat choice every year: “it is our biggest team and what we are famous for!” And unsurprisingly, the international opportunities don’t end here, as qualifiers can join any of the firms' offices (if business need permits). In 2024, the firm retained 6 of 8 qualifiers.

What a hoot! 

HFW works with CyberOwl, a data analytics firm, to advise on cyber risk management issues, providing a 24/7 response team to its shipping clients. 

How to get into HFW



Apply Here

Vacation scheme deadline: 10 January 2025

Training contract deadline: 18 July 2025

Vacation scheme

HFW typically runs a vacation scheme in the spring, as well as two summer schemes during the summer.

Vac schemers spend time in one department for the duration of the scheme. Our HR sources tell us: “The work is hands-on and is set for them by fee earners, and there are a couple of assessed exercises as well.” Participants, who are assigned a trainee buddy to help them settle in, also attend a handful of practice area presentations and other talks. At the end of the scheme, which includes organised socials, attendees have an interview with two partners. Prospective HFW trainees are encouraged to apply for a vacation scheme if possible. “Many of our training contract offers are made to individuals who have completed a vacation scheme with us.  It's a good way for us to get to know you, and for you to get to know our firm and our sectors.”

The application process

HFW offers around 15 training contracts each year. Applying for the vac scheme means you're automatically considered for the training contract too. The firm typically receives 400-500 vac scheme applications and 500 or so direct training contract applications. Candidates – from both avenues – who impress on paper are invited to a half-day assessment centre. This involves a written exercise, a critical reasoning test, a group exercise and an interview, typically with two associates.

The group exercise sees candidates discuss a topical commercial issue, while the written one asks them to read a document and prepare a written response. The interview lasts about 45 minutes and “questions might include: what drew them to HFW, why they chose an international firm, and a few commercial questions,” HR tells us. “People should know they don't have to have an in-depth knowledge about our industry sectors, but some understanding and interest is helpful; they just need to demonstrate an understanding of what it means to provide a service, in any context. It's also important candidates show they understand our scope of work, and that it's something they're interested in.” Trainees added: “The firm doesn’t want someone who’s blanket-bombed their applications. You need to demonstrate a genuine interest in the firm.”

From here, vac scheme spots are allocated, while direct applicants who pass go on to complete a second interview, this time with two partners. Vac schemers undergo this interview during their placement.

Trainee profile

HFW look for candidates with a strong academic background, but have moved away from having fixed academic requirements. HR are keen to stress that extenuating circumstances are considered, and that the firm takes a holistic approach to areas such as transferable skills as well as academics. The firm attends around 12 law fairs each year, but this isn't the limit of its recruiting scope. “This year we've got trainees from many different institutions,” HR tells us.

We're told the firm seeks out “bright, pragmatic and globally minded individuals – someone who wants to make a mark on things rather than blend into the background.” Legal experience is always a plus, but the firm values all types of exposure to business – “including things like working in a bar and cashing up every night.” Current trainees added: “Looking back on the recruitment process I think they’re looking for someone who’s happy being dropped into a situation.”

Applicants should be aware that a seat abroad is compulsory at HFW (circumstances permitting e.g. COVID). As such, “they're definitely keen on languages,” current trainees told us. That said, training principal Nigel Wick is quick to clarify that while “languages are always a useful additional string to your bow," they are "not compulsory in any way."

HFW

8 Bishopsgate,
London,
EC2N 4BQ
Website www.hfw.com

Firm profile



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. Our clients say ‘less traditional’–‘progressive’, even. We say we’re specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients.

Main areas of work



Aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, financial institutions, insurance and reinsurance, logistics, mining, ports and terminals, shipping, space, yachts, travel, cruise and leisure.

Training opportunities



Every year we recruit only a small number of trainees — around 15 per year split across a September and a March intake. This enables us to give every trainee our full attention, and means that your individual contribution makes a real difference. A training contract at HFW consists of four six-month seats — very often three contentious seats and one transactional seat. Typically, trainees spend at least one seat outside of London in an international office. 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 and encouraged to contribute to the success of our global business.

Vacation schemes



Our vacation schemes are a key part of our recruitment process for trainees and we interview all our vacation scheme participants for a training contract. Completing a vacation scheme provides you with a valuable insight into our industry sectors, our global reach and our culture. We typically recruit around 80% of our trainees from our vacation schemes.

Other benefits



Study assistance and grants; generous contributory pension; optional season ticket loan; group life cover, personal accident insurance and income protection; non-contributory medical insurance; private GP scheme; other voluntary benefits including gym membership, cycle to work scheme, dental insurance, dining card, home insurance, travel insurance, Give as You Earn.

Open days and first-year opportunities



We run an open day for individuals who are in at least their penultimate year of a law degree/final year of a non-law degree in the winter of each year. We run an insight day aimed at first year students in the spring.

University law careers fairs 2025



We will be attending several virtual law fairs and events in 2023 as well as on-campus university law fairs. Please see our website for details.

This Firm's Rankings in
UK Guide, 2024

Ranked Departments

    • Commercial and Corporate Litigation (Band 5)
    • Construction: Contentious (Band 3)
    • Construction: Non-contentious (Band 4)
    • Asset Finance: Aviation Finance (Band 4)
    • Asset Finance: Shipping Finance (Band 2)
    • Aviation (Band 2)
    • Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading (Band 2)
    • Commodities: Physicals (Band 1)
    • Construction: International Arbitration (Band 3)
    • Fraud: Civil (Band 4)
    • Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance (Band 2)
    • Insurance: Mainly Policyholders (Band 3)
    • Insurance: Non-contentious (Band 4)
    • Shipping (Band 1)
    • Transport: Logistics (Band 1)
    • Travel: Regulatory & Commercial (Band 2)