Harbottle & Lewis LLP - True Picture

Harbottle & Lewis training contract review 2025 

The Firm  

There’s no business like show business… unless you mean the legal side of show business, in which case the Academy Award for being a media and entertainment star goes to the one and only Harbottle & Lewis. “I’m sure everyone says it, but the firm’s work in the entertainment industry was the big draw for me,” one astute trainee surmised, and it’s not hard to see why. H&L boasts one of the most recognisable client lists in our guide with a practice that touches everything across film, TV, music, sport, publishing, theatre and gaming.  

“The client base is so cool…” 

Speaking of range, the firm has the hardware to prove it with Chambers UK bestowing 15 honours on H&L. Our colleagues over at Chambers High Net Worth are in on the action too, granting the firm with a further six honours. The decorated departments include defamation/reputation management, media & entertainment, tax, and family/matrimonial finance (ultra high net worth). It’s worth noting, however, that a passion for media and entertainment is not at all a requirement of the firm’s trainees: “You don’t have to go into the media sector of the work.” If you do have that passion, however, this is the firm for you: “The client base is so cool, and the work is super interesting. It’s a really good fit for me!”  

The Seats  

Trainees don’t get a say in their first seat, but we did hear the firm takes your background into consideration, especially as H&L has quite a few career changers among its ranks. During trainees’ first seats, department heads host session to explain what each group does. “It’s helpful as we don’t submit our preferences until after that’s happened,” one trainee praised. From this point onwards, newbies rank their preferences from one to ten, and are able to submit new preferences each rotation. There are no mandatory seats, though sources noted that bigger groups like film & TV are usually reserved for second years who have a bit more experience under their belt.  

“…trust in trainees to champion the contract…” 

One of the most sought-after seats at the firm is its prestigious film and TV group. The non-contentious seat mainly focuses on commercial contracts including talent agreements, production packets and NDAs for some of the biggest names in the industry. Of those names, you may recognise such companies as Mubi, Avalon Entertainment and Amazon Studios. The firm’s partnership with the latter has seen then act as production counsel on two Amazon features titled ‘Head of State’ and ‘Killer Heat’ starring big names as Idris Elba in the former and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the latter. Aside from the expected negotiating of cast and crew agreements and production services arrangements, ‘Heads of State’ was also impacted by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that presented new challenges for the firm such as the suspension and later reinstatement of production agreements. When assisting with contracts, trainees can expect to be involved in a lot of drafting and building client relationships with a good amount of autonomy too! “There was quite a lot of trust in trainees to champion the contract and largely do it yourself under supervision,” one insider explained. Most notably, sources highlighted the fact that the work comes at you thick and fast, with a few tight deadlines here and there. “All the work you’re doing is usually needed by the end of the day. In the other teams you may have more days to work through things,” we heard. One interviewee offered some consolation, however: “Sure, it can get stressful… but the high turnover makes it exciting!”  

As one of the biggest departments in the firm, the corporate group hosts full range of clients for trainees to interact with in the M&A and investment spaces. These include start-ups, entrepreneurs and larger conglomerates: “It’s a good blend of grassroots and big established companies. I like interacting with founders because they have skin in the game, and it feels more personal and therefore more rewarding.” An example of one of the firm’s larger clients is Pure IP, a telecommunications service provider, who the team recently advised on the sale of the share capital of the group to BCM One Group Holdings. We heard cross-department work was common, which one insider pointed out made for “a great way to network around the firm.” Standard trainee tasks include due diligence reports, disclosure letters, drafting, data signing, running document lists and being on calls. “It’s very hands-on and you feel really settled into the seat by the end,” a trainee praised. 

Those that take a spin around the commercial litigation department will be exposed to a number of clients within the media, retail and hospitality industries. Most of the work revolves around commercial contracts and disputes, and although most of the matters settle outside of court, we heard the group take trainees along to any that do make it to court. “Depending on when you do the seat, they do try to get you involved in the hearings that are coming up,” said an insider. Trainees work on breach of contract disputes, bundling and drafts of correspondence, and have client face time and a great deal of research. That final point was a clear indicator of development according to one source: “I did a lot of legal research which is beneficial for those skill set. That’s a great opportunity for you to start thinking as lawyer and working out your own analysis.” 

The property team provides both commercial and residential work to trainees. As a transactional seat, trainees can expect a busy six months. “It’s really fast-moving, and you’ve always got a place in the conveyor belt of the team,” one summarised. As the seat progresses, so does the importance of your tasks as you are assigned more and more “advanced and interesting work.” Seeing both the sale and purchase sides of the deal made for a varied and ever-changing seat for our sources, who explained: “There’s a great deal of work to get involved with and a lot of responsibility as well.” Naturally, the impressive client list popped up again, with one source noting: “We’re not just doing your average three-bed purchase… we’re doing townhouses and London flats in nice areas for clients who have a base in the UK and abroad!” – not to mention property matters for film studios and the like as well. Trainees can expect to work on land registry applications, reports on title, first drafts, research tasks, transaction management and emailing clients during the seat. 

Trainee Life  

“They make it a priority to give you feedback on everything you do,” one trainee explained, as they laid out the style of supervision at the firm, adding: “Everyone has been really approachable and gives you the time.” Supervisors themselves can range from hands on to slightly more relaxed. Regardless, there’s always a routine weekly catchup, with one source explaining the catchups were a great way to “create a safe relationship with each other.” Another mentorship on offer comes in the guise of an NQ trainee buddy which insiders found was an incredibly useful resource. “We just meet and unload on everything that’s happened, and talk about what I’m aiming for next,” said an insider. Training sessions are hugely emphasised at the firm which one insider highlighted with satisfaction saying: “I was hoping a smaller cohort would mean a good amount of training and I was right!” With a mix of both trainee specific and department training on offer, sources had no shortage of opportunities to soak up knowledge.  

“We’ve got the West End right there which really suits us creative media types.” 

The office is situated right by The Savoy which we hear is a prime location for a bit of celeb spotting. “We’ve got the West End right there which really suits us creative media types,” one source gushed, before listing a multitude of theatre performances they got to see after a day in the office. But have you ever been told it’s what’s on the inside that counts? Well, that’s certainly the case here; the firm’s in-house fitness studio provides trainees with substantial opportunities to get into Pilates and yoga, not to mention the free lunches on offer. “The menu changes every week and it’s amazing,” awed an insider: “It’s definitely better than how I eat at home!” Trainees are asked to be in the office four days a week, though those in the property department might find themselves going in five times. Sources were largely content with the in-office requirement, praising the more “natural way of learning that maximises your development.” H&L also knows when to drop the curtain for the day with most trainees reporting average hours of 9am to 6 or 7pm, with weekend work being a rarity! 

“There is such a full social life, sometimes I wonder how we get things done!” one source joked, pointing out the variety of events on offer at the firm. These range from a firm-wide sports day event that sees trainees running the egg and spoon race, to an annual firm quiz. “The losing team from the year before has to plan it,” an insider explained: “It can get really competitive so it’s lots of fun.” Trainees socialise with each other and integrate with their teams in equals parts: “It’s been really easy to slot into my teams so far. A healthy mix of introverts and extroverts all round.” 

On matters of diversity, equity & inclusion, one trainee noted: “They’ve made great steps since I joined. It’s not just box ticking, there’s a clear message and desire to work on things.” One such example was the recent creation of an ethnic minority network to promote inclusivity at the firm. We also heard there’s a “real drive for social mobility” as well, ensuring those that do not come from a traditional law background also get a fair shake at the firm. 

Thoughts on salary were mixed, though trainees generally acknowledged that although it may be lower than other city firms, the free lunches and complementary fitness classes sweeten the deal. The cherry on top, though, was the more palatable work-life balance on offer: “I don’t look at my phone in the evenings, I don’t take my laptop on holiday... that makes it worth it.” 

Qualification rolls around during trainees’ fourth seats and the process is informal. Hopeful NQs pick two departments they’re interested in joining and are advised to meet with partners in said departments to express their interests and confirm capacity before locking in their applications. The firm didn’t disclose retention rates this year. 

How to get a Harbottle & Lewis training contract 

Training contract deadline (2025): 31 January 2025

Applications 

As you might expect, there's plenty of clamor for a training contract at Harbottle & Lewis. The firm usually receives around 600 applications a year for its six vacancies. 

Harbottle doesn't run a vac scheme, so all applications for training contracts must be made directly.

The firm has a three step application process, the first of which is an online application form. You've got to make sure your application is sufficiently impressive and shows off your personality.  The firm wants to get to know the person behind the application form, so be your authentic self and don’t tell the firm what you think it wants to hear. Always avoid the use of clichés, buzzwords and overused phrases. Tell them how you’ll add value to the business and what skills you’ll bring to Harbottle, whether these stem from your work experience or hobbies and interests.

The firm looks for applicants on target for at least a 2:1 degree and strong A-Levels are required. Be sure to explain any mitigating circumstances in your application form if your scores don't quite match the brief. 

Interview

The next stage is a competency and behavioral based interview with a member of the People and Culture team and a Senior or Managing Associate.

Insiders told us the first interview is “more of a meet and greet” than a formal assessment. “It's not too taxing and mostly entails going over your application,” said one trainee, adding: “The underlying judgement was: Can we work with you? Do you have the right skills? Do you really want to work for our firm?” 

Assessment Centre 

The final stage is an assessment centre at Harbottle & Lewis’ office. Candidates will be invited to meet some of the firm’s lawyers and the Graduate Recruitment Team as they will take part in a variety of tasks ranging from a group exercise to a presentation. During the day, candidates will have a final interview with two Partners and also complete an online aptitude test. It should give you a chance to get a better feel for the firm as you go through the experience. 

Current trainees recalled the final interview as being “a bit tougher and bit more nerve-racking than the first. You're made to think on your feet.” Nevertheless, they agreed “it's a fair interview – they're definitely not trying be cruel or make you panic.” 

“They look for personable bright candidates who can demonstrate a real passion for the work they do, their clients and their ethos.” 

Trainee Profile 

Clients range from start-ups to multinational companies, from household names to private individuals and their family offices. For over 60 years, Harbottle has acted for some of the most creative, talented and successful people, businesses and corporates, across all of their legal needs.

Most of our interviewees this year had some prior legal experience before joining the firm. This especially applies to those who haven't done a law degree, as it helps to demonstrate a commitment to the profession. Having said that, we have hired some excellent people who have had an alternative career before deciding to make the change into law, so please don’t let a lack of hands-on legal experience put you off.   

One more thing: applicants seeking sponsorship are required to undertake the PGDL or SQE Preparatory course at BPP.