We caught up with Joanne, a first seat trainee at HFW to hear their thoughts on securing a Training Contract.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Prior to university, I had attended a state-school and then, following my A-levels, I spent just over a year as a junior clerk at a barristers' chambers in London. I was unsure about going to university; neither of my parents had attended university and I had been really unhappy with my first set of A-level results (I retook some exams after leaving school), so I was concerned that I would not make it through the intense study. However, I made the leap and studied International Legal Studies (LLB) at the University of Southampton. This was a four-year course that included a year abroad at the University of Ottawa too. I needn't have worried about the studying either, I graduated with a first class honours!
Describe your journey into becoming a trainee at HFW.
My journey is a little unusual. I applied for a vacation scheme at HFW during my year abroad in Ottawa. I was successful in the application and the assessment centre, and went on to really enjoy two weeks at the firm (pre-Covid) working with the shipping and the insurance teams. However, I was unsuccessful at the final partner interview, which was hugely disappointing. Luckily for me, HFW take an approach which I believe is unlike most firms and shows that they really look at trainees as individuals. I had received really good feedback overall for the other assessments and work during the vacation scheme, so HFW invited me to take a year and return for a second partner interview once I had finished university. Thankfully, I was successful the second time around and went on to secure a Training Contract.
What is the culture like at HFW?
The culture at HFW is extremely welcoming and friendly. Questions are always welcome and trainees are included in billable work from the very start of their seats. Respect is encouraged and expected, regardless of whether you are a Partner, Trainee or member of Business Services. There is an emphasis on being open and honest too. From the beginning, we were told that it is okay to make mistakes, so long as we own up and learn from them. The hours are very good for an international law firm – I work late when I need to, but that is rare and I usually leave around 6/6:30pm. Finally, social events are regular and diverse. We are given a budget to organise a trainee social, there is fortnightly afternoon-tea for the commodities team (where I currently sit) and we have been invited to firm-wide and team-wide celebrations.
What has surprised you most about being a trainee?
The range of work within the first two months has been huge. I could go from document review to researching and drafting a piece of advice to proofreading within a week. You are constantly learning and even the jobs that could be seen as more mundane, like putting a bundle together, help to teach the little things such as how to make a spine/front cover.
What’s been your favourite project/thing you’re most proud of from your time so far?
I completed a piece of research for an overseas client and I was asked to draft the advice too. The Partner gave me feedback on the draft and made some alterations, but largely kept it the same and asked if I agreed with her changes! It was really encouraging to be given so much responsibility and I also learnt a lot from it for next time.
What top tips would you give those wanting to secure a Training Contract?
What matters most is perseverance and determination. You will probably, repeatedly, spend hours completing an application form that you will never hear back from. But having the determination to keep going and improving each time will be worth it in the end. Through each cycle you also learn a lot about the type of firm that you want to work for. Lots of people start out thinking that corporate law is the main choice but I quickly realised how much more I would enjoy working at a sector-focused firm, concentrating on industries like commodities and shipping. Then you can apply for firms that you genuinely want to work at, rather than just applying to as many as possible.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I was once told that if I did not achieve 'AAA', I should not bother trying to make it as a lawyer. In my first set of A-level results, I did not achieve one 'A'. But, as a result of my journey from that point until now, I am a trainee at an international law firm. Do not let someone else tell you that you cannot make it.