We are looking for academically well qualified law graduates or non-law graduates who have some practical legal experience. Applicants should be motivated and committed to a career in the profession with social skills to complement their ability. Applicants should also be able to provide evidence of an interest in the commercial areas of law that the firm practises and other interests which lead to continuing business contacts and a balanced lifestyle.

Each trainee will usually spend six months in four of our six main departments: Insolvency, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Private Client, Corporate and Commercial Property. Trainees are supervised by a partner, although in certain circumstances they work with an associate or assistant solicitor who will have day to day conduct of their workload.

Trainees are given an immediate involvement with a caseload as well as contact with clients and other professionals. During each year, hlw organises continuing education seminars on a wide spectrum of commercial law issues.

Currently hlw takes on three trainees each year. It is our aim to retain trainees in our employment, and for them to progress as assistants, associates and ultimately partners.

The firm recruits two years in advance and the deadline for applications for training contracts is 31 July of the year you submit your application.

If you wish to apply for a training contract, please forward a full CV with covering letter to the Training Partner, Chris Wilson, via post or email to trainees@hlwlaw.co.uk.

“hlw is a friendly and down to earth firm, which is genuinely committed to its trainees. The property department provides you with a firm grounding in the practicalities of property law and you will work in a well organised and modern environment. Trainees are given excellent feedback on the work that they do and are always positively encouraged to improve and take on as much responsibility as they can handle. Overall, the property department provides trainees with a challenging and thoroughly valuable experience.”

Jonathan Cole (1st Year Trainee)

“As a Trainee in a commercial firm you look for two crucial criteria; quality of work and responsibility. hlw is a firm whose size and quality of clients enable you, as a trainee, to gain hands on experience of a diverse range of quality commercial work. In each department you will be an integral member of a dedicated team offering comprehensive legal advice to a broad range of corporate clients. As your ability increases, so does your responsibility, creating a standard of training which I believe is unparalleled among Trainees in other commercial firms."

Andrew Young (2nd Year Trainee)

“I doubt that you could beat the quality of training offered at hlw. On becoming a Trainee you will join a team dedicated to providing high quality legal services and you will be made to feel that you are an important part of that team with a valid contribution to make. From a £600 claim to a £6 million deal you will be involved whenever possible and get a great insight into many aspects of Commercial Law.”

Lauren Fulcher (Newly Qualified Solicitor)

“The firm meets and exceeds the required standards. An excellent spread of work and experience is available with training and supervision from experienced practitioners. The firm was described by all as a very pleasant place to work with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The partners and fee earners are supportive and very approachable”.

Solicitors Regulation Authority
January 2008