Careers at HFW
Build your career at a global, sector-focused firm where collaboration, trust and expertise matter.
Explore our career pathways
Legal Careers
Build a career advising on complex, high‑value matters with sector‑leading experts, clear progression pathways and global opportunities that combine technical excellence with practical, commercially focused advice.
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Business Services Careers
Play a vital role in a global law firm where specialist expertise, collaboration and innovation drive our success, supporting lawyers and clients while shaping the firm’s strategic growth.
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Early Careers
Start your career with hands‑on experience, structured training and international exposure, in a supportive, inclusive environment that invests in your development from day one.
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Career opportunities globally
We are a firm shaped by our people
HFW is shaped by the people who work here
From our beginnings to where we are today, HFW has been shaped by the people who work here. We’re known for a collaborative, down‑to‑earth culture, with teams that work closely across borders and disciplines. People are trusted to take responsibility, with the support and continuity needed to build lasting careers and a strong, connected firm.
Careers built on real industry insight
Our sector focus defines how we work
Our teams are organised around industries, so lawyers build a strong understanding of the markets they work in through long‑term client relationships. That immersion sharpens commercial judgement and technical skills, helping shape the decisions that matter to clients. In a world that’s changing, this sector led approach, alongside clear values and the right mindset, shapes the kind of people who succeed at HFW.
Watch the video below to learn more about our core sectors and the industry led approach that underpins life at HFW.
What you’ll find at HFW
People with room to grow
We take a long‑term view of careers, focusing on practical, role‑relevant learning. Structured learning, mentoring and leadership development support people at every stage.
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Careers that aren’t boxed in
People work together as one firm across our network, sharing knowledge and supporting clients across borders. Roles aren’t fixed to one team or location, and people often work across the firm as their experience and interests develop.
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A firm that’s thoughtfully evolving
We invest in how we work so teams can collaborate, share knowledge and deliver consistently strong client service. Technology, including a practical and considered approach to AI, plays a supporting role.
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Since joining HFW in 2009, I’ve grown through several roles thanks to a culture that genuinely invests in people. Structured learning, regular career conversations, and access to cross department opportunities have given me both the skills and the confidence to stretch.
In my role I work closely with colleagues across all our global offices, which really highlights how international and connected the firm is. Effort and contribution are genuinely recognised at every level, and you’re made to feel like a valued part of the team from day one.
I believe that support teams are seen as essential partners in keeping the firm running globally and you feel that in the way people collaborate with their work.
Working at HFW is exceptional both culturally and environmentally. The firm’s diversity and international reach provide valuable learning opportunities as a paralegal, while its flexible work environment enables people to perform at their best.
Colleagues across all offices are respectful, approachable, and always willing to help. They provide genuine opportunities to succeed and demonstrate your capabilities. Ultimately, the people at HFW are the firm’s greatest strength.
Beyond the support of both experienced and junior colleagues who readily share their knowledge, HFW offers strong development programs, structured training, and a clear focus on key sectors. This creates meaningful career growth for every employee. The firm also supports individual future plans with flexibility and guidance, helping each person progress with confidence.
We have fantastic people and clients. We have also been in the vanguard of finding legal solutions and creating new law to support our clients. Every day I see our talented people finding solutions to issues our clients have – either that they are aware of or may become an issue in the future.
We are nothing without our people and being able to attract fantastic support is the key. Seeing the success of those who have sat with me as trainees, some of whom are now successful equity partners, has been an incredibly rewarding aspect of being trusted to mentor upcoming talent in my role as a partner.
In shipping my aim is to listen to everyone and make their role as positive and inclusive as possible. Each time I talk about the history of the firm and our continued leadership of shipping I feel incredibly proud to be a partner here.
I’ve been working at HFW for about 15 years, and during this time I’ve grown within a truly multicultural environment where teamwork is genuinely valued. I’m proud to work at HFW for its international reach and the breadth of its sector expertise.
Collaboration is truly part of everyday life, especially in a smaller office like Brussels. We work closely across practices and functions, share knowledge freely, and support each other. However, what stands out to me is how much trust and responsibility I was given from the very beginning. Starting as an intern and growing into my current role has shown me how supportive, people‑focused, and empowering the firm is.
Maintaining a healthy work–life balance is not always easy, especially in today’s world where work plays such a central role. However, HFW has always allowed me to keep a good balance between my professional responsibilities and my personal life. With two children and a commitment to playing sport in the 3rd division in Belgium, my schedule is quite full, but the firm gives me the flexibility and trust I need to manage both.
HFW is supportive of having visible, empowered LGBTIQ+ ambassadors and leaders – which makes all the difference. For me, being part of the HFW Proud Network is part and parcel of being part of a global, interconnected and forward-thinking firm.
HFW is full of opportunity for anyone who wants to put their hand up and have a go. You have an opportunity to shape your career under the guidance of some impressive senior lawyers so long as you’re willing to give it your best.
The firm has some great structured programmes to assist lawyers on their way, but so much of your professional growth and career development happens organically on a day-to-day basis as you do engage in intellectually stimulating work. Every time I collaborate with a matter with other HFW colleagues from different disciplines I learn something new and incorporate that knowledge into my own practice.
Find your next role at HFW
Explore current opportunities across our global offices and teams. From legal and business services roles to early‑career pathways, our vacancies reflect the work we do and the industries we serve. Search by location, role or experience level to find the right fit.
What guides us at HFW
An inclusive place to work
Diversity and inclusion are central to how we work. Through employee networks, practical initiatives and everyday behaviour, we’re committed to creating an environment where people feel respected, supported and included.
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Our approach to responsible business
We take a practical approach to responsible business, focusing on community partnerships, environmental responsibility and enabling our people to make a positive impact beyond their work.
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