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.
