HFW

About the firm

Senior partner: Giles Kavanagh

Managing partner: Jeremy Shebson

Other offices: 21 global offices across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Who we are: We are a sector-focused, entrepreneurial law firm. We have a passion for the sectors we work in – whether solving complex issues across construction, aviation and shipping, or providing advice across insurance, commodities and energy. We are people who like to get things done. We are specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients.

What we do: Aviation, commodities, construction, energy, financial institutions, insurance and reinsurance, logistics, mining, ports and terminals, shipping, space, yachts, travel, cruise and leisure.

What we’re looking for: We look for solicitor apprentices who are interested in a career in commercial law in an international law firm, who are pragmatic, motivated to work hard, to make the most of their studies and who are eager to learn from every opportunity.

We also look for those who have an interest in our six industry sectors, but you don’t need any technical knowledge of these – we can teach you that.

To apply to us, you should: be a year 13 student, due to complete their A-Level studies by Summer 2025; have seven GCSEs including Maths and English, or equivalent at Grade C/4 or above; and be on track to, or have achieved BBB (120 UCAs tariff points) at A-Level, 32 IB points, or equivalent, although we will consider all applications as a whole and we will also consider mitigating circumstances. Please note, we are unable to accept applications from anyone who has commenced their second year of a university undergraduate degree.

What you’ll do: A structured, six-year solicitor apprenticeship programme to help you reach your potential.

You will have the chance to learn and work at the same time, building on the knowledge gained in your studies through having ‘hands-on’ experience in a global, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

You will be supported before the programme starts with a comprehensive onboarding and induction schedule.

You will sit in some of our business services teams to start with, followed by seats in our legal teams. In year four of the programme, you will have the chance to experience an international secondment. From year five, you will merge on to our training contract.

Perks: 25 days of paid leave per year; voluntary (optional) benefits including gym membership (Gymflex), cycle to work scheme, taste card, travel and home insurance, dental insurance, Give As you Earn; group life cover, personal accident insurance and income protection; option to apply for subsidised membership of a private medical insurance scheme through BUPA; onsite massages; contributory pension; optional season ticket loan; private GP scheme; tax-free childcare scheme and parental transition coaching.

Sponsorship

Fees for the LLB Legal Practice and Skills, delivered by our chosen training provider, The University of Law, will be covered by the firm through the apprenticeship levy.

Seat options

First seat – marketing and business development; second seat – global research and resources hub; third seat – risk, conflicts and compliance; fourth seat – shipping or aerospace; fifth seat – shipping or aerospace; sixth seat – international secondment in one of our international offices (current locations include Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Piraeus, Monaco, Paris and Geneva); seventh seat onwards – options include insurance/reinsurance, commodities, corporate and commercial, and construction among others (this list is not exhaustive).

Diversity and inclusion