Harbottle & Lewis LLP - True Picture

Harbottle & Lewis training contract review 2026

The Firm

While the legal industry often conjures up images of a formal atmosphere, tailored suits and strictly corporate affairs, you may be surprised to hear the reality can actually be somewhat different. Truth be told, there are a multitude of practices within the law that wouldn’t immediately spring to mind; Harbottle & Lewis is one such firm that hosts an array of hidden gems.

With practice areas described as “more interesting than M&A times five,” it’s a firm that has specialities across the film and TV, theatre, publishing, music, sport and gaming industries. “I was thinking about going into the industry” generally, one trainee reflected, “but then, someone told me that film law was an option and I’d never considered that!” They weren’t the only one. “I’d also decided to do law before finding out that media law existed!” a colleague resonated.

“…dealing with high net worth clients like celebrities and other notable people like politicians!”

The client base provided an almighty attraction too. As one insider highlighted, “they’ve got that historical media, film and TV client base” in addition to “dealing with high net worth clients like celebrities and other notable people like politicians!” Needless to say, “that certainly makes things more interesting.”

But also, it was “the small cohort that really stood out to me”, one source revealed, pointing out that the more intimate nature resulted in a greater “sense of autonomy” and ability to “get stuck into the work.” As another explained, accordingly, “It’s really easy to get integrated and I felt that was important for my career.” In fact, that cultural feel of the place stood out from the beginning: “Every time I reached out to people through LinkedIn and attended events, people were open, approachable and the flat hierarchy is something that the firm embraces,” one source summarised.

This combination of the interesting work and high-level vibes has resulted in the Chambers UK guide bestowing 15 honours on H&L. Our colleagues over at Chambers High Net Worth couldn’t help themselves either, awarding the firm with a further six honours. These include defamation/reputation management, media and entertainment, tax and family/matrimonial finance (ultra high net worth).

The Seats

Interviewees explained that “you don’t need to do anything before you join!” as the first seat for newbies is assigned automatically, often taking in to account any previous experience to date. We heard that its typically property, private client or another “one of the main teams.” Thereafter trainees submit preferences for each seat. Ranking all the seats up front from one to nine seemed the way, and while that may seem a little daunting, those we spoke with assured us that “it’s a constantly evolving process.” As such, “you can change your thoughts and feelings,” trainees explained, “You can revisit the list later if you realise you’re interested in something else.”

To further assist with the decision-making process, trainees undergo an induction week at the beginning of their training contract “where partners and associates give an intro to what they do.” As for secondments, trainees are sometimes able to partake in a part-time client secondment, although it’s “not a guaranteed thing.”

“…anything that goes into the production of a show.”

Trainees explained that those working in H&L’s film and TVdepartment are in fact straddled across two teams, with media and entertainment the other area of focus. While the former comprises of exactly what it says on the tin, interviewees provided examples of the topics covered from drafting location, cast and director agreements – and “anything that goes into the production of a show.” The latter is predominantly focused within the sport and media realm on cases relating to sponsorship agreements, defamation and subject access requests.

Described “as quite a big seat” with “really interesting commercial work,” sources explained trainees are typically “working with partners and associates who are high up in what they do.”  In keeping with the firm’s star-studded client list jam-packed with theatre practices, West End productions, films and studios, professional footballers, and huge music stars, the team recently represented Sonia Friedman Productions on the development, production and financing of its portfolio which includes productions such as Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

“We’re involved in the whole transaction and by the end you’re running things yourself, which is cool, and surprising!”

H&L’s property group was described as a “real mix” between both residential and commercial work with a hint of conveyancing. Insiders praised the high-level of responsibility in this department with the “hands-on” experience extending to helping with client onboarding, completions and plenty of client contact, as well as assisting with registry paperwork, reports on titles, planning searches and writing responses to enquiries.

In fact, “we’re involved in the whole transaction and by the end you’re running things yourself, which is cool, and surprising!” Altogether, “I’ve really enjoyed it!” one source enthused, before adding that it’s a “really good team with great supervision; they make you feel super valued!” With high-net-worth individuals with “expensive London properties” part of the clientele, matters here tend to be highly confidential!

It’s to be expected that the corporate team of any firm to be “really busy” – with the department at H&L no exception. “Quite fast paced” but with “really exciting work,” trainees relished the opportunities to “play a crucial role in overseeing everything and seeing how things are progressing” on each deal. With work comprising of “a blend of M&A, lots of startups and fundraising work,” sources did note the seat can be fairly administrative in its nature. As such, one interviewee mentioned tasks of completing forms for filing and drafting board minutes, while others referenced data signing processes, drafting corporate ancillaries including board resolutions and minutes.

“I’ve really enjoyed the seat,” an insider admitted, revealing a degree of apprehension starting out as “I hadn’t done any transactional work before.” But “it’s really fun and a super nice team,” they enthused. One big-name client included the legendary rock band Queen on the landmark sale of its entire music catalogue to Sony Music Entertainment!

Over in the familypracticeat H&L, the team discretely handles issues across complex financial and children related matters and disputes, from child arrangements, contested jurisdiction proceedings, high value nuptials and cohabitation agreements, often with an international element. “There are lots of high-profile celebrity clients,” insiders divulged and so, understandably because of the highly personal nature of matters, client names are kept under lock and key.

Providing an insight into how litigious proceedings work, trainees shoulder their fair share of bundling and drafting, and attending court hearings. “Working for the purpose of being in court, I’ve developed a different skillset,” a rookie shared, highlighting spending lots of time with barristers and clients in meetings too.

Trainee Life

“…to switch off for an hour and do something good for your brain.”

With the office located on the Strand next to the Savoy, trainees noted how H&L is very well geographically placed “for what we do as a firm.” It’s “in and around lots of theatres!” one insider enthused, which “really fits us and our culture as a firm.” Sources revelled in the fact “it’s an area that doesn’t feel too corporate.” Perhaps the pick of the bunch, interviewees beamed when speaking of the free lunch at H&L, resoundingly described as “amazing.”

With “really nice, healthy food” available every day, the perk offers both a chance to save money and be sociable with others. With fitness classes, Pilates, yoga and circuit training on offer too, insiders relished the opportunity “to switch off for an hour and do something good for your brain.” Hot-desking was the only slight blemish amongst those we spoke to – particularly as trainees are expected to be in four days a week – though interviewees nonetheless appreciate the chance to sit with lots of different people within the firm.

One interviewee summed up the culture at H&L as a place where people don’t take themselves too seriously, but when it comes to work, they do. As such, trainees explained that partners aren’t intimidating and everyone at all levels are friendly and approachable, amidst the non-hierarchical vibe. There’s a “mix of introverts and extroverts,” noted one trainee, adding “people tend to have lots going on outside of work too, which is really valued.”

In addition to the lunch perk, trainees raved about the firm’s social calendar thanks to a very active social committee. While a sports day, an annual quiz, end of the month drinks, and the classic Christmas and summer parties formed the core of the firm’s official social events, we also heard of ad-hoc socials organised by the trainee cohort, including drag bingo and pottery painting! With an active inclusion network too, trainees made sure to credit the huge emphasis the firm places within the space. The firm has different groups supporting women, ethnic minorities, neurodiversity and endometriosis, and sources highly praised the number of external speakers invited in to discuss different topics.

“They’re keen on bringing the best out of you and making sure you’re okay, whether work-related or not.”

As for support, H&L pairs up each newbie to the firm with a designated mentor, and supervision was praised for being a “nice and transparent” system. With each supervisor allocated within each team, trainees explained that “you can really take control of that relationship.” They continued, “you work closely with them regarding how you’re feeling and how to manage your workload. They’re keen on bringing the best out of you and making sure you’re okay, whether work-related or not.”

Some described their catch- ups as weekly, while others preferred a once-a-month approach. Training too consisted of department specific know-how sessions on practice related tasks, with firm-wide sessions provided additionally to supplement softer skills and business development expertise. Although pro bono isn’t the biggest deal at the firm per se, trainees nonetheless praised H&L’s work in the charity space and with legal clinics. One example sources enjoyed was the firm’s work with Key4Life, a charity scheme aimed at rehabilitating young male offenders, explaining the added benefit of an opportunity for rookies to develop certain skills outside the immediacy of their practice.

While the hours were described as “nothing crazy,” most sources described a 9am to 6-7pm day as the typical trainee pattern. Some of course prefer to get in earlier “to give myself a head start and get my inbox together.” Longer days are required when it gets to “crunch time,” but generally as a trainee the hours were said to be "pretty balanced.” As a result, H&L pays first years a salary of £47k, with the pay packet going up to £50k for second years.

While pay jumps yet further to £80k for NQs, interviewees did note that it’s perhaps a little under the market rate. With the cost of living duly mentioned and the fact “that living in London can be difficult” financially, most recognised that “we’re not a magic circle or US firm, so you can just leave and switch off on evenings and weekends” – as such trainees determined that it’s “probably a balanced reflection.” Others also pointed out that “the free lunch saves a lot of money” too!

Trainees reported that the qualification process was somewhat murky. While some described it as “an informal process” based on conversations rather than interviewing, others were in the dark hinting at a preference for a little more transparency. In 2025, H&L kept on 4 out of 4 qualifiers.

How to get a Harbottle & Lewis training contract 

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. The general consensus was that the firm is looking for applications that demonstrate the applicant's personality as well as their skills. 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. The aim is to comunicate 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. All with the purpose of enabling candidates 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.” 

Trainee Profile 

Clients range from start-ups to multinational companies, from household names to private individuals and their family offices. 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.

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