International Secondments
Develop as a global lawyer with an international secondment at HFW.
What we offer
We are a global law firm and almost all the matters we work on will have an international dimension. We offer an award-winning guaranteed international secondment to our Trainees and Solicitor Apprentices to provide them with the opportunity to experience our international network first-hand.
Current locations include Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai, Piraeus, Geneva, Monaco, Paris, and Hong Kong. The firm provides all the support you could need, from paid accommodation to visa support and much more.
To ensure your secondment is a seamless experience we provide plenty of support and a range of benefits to ensure you can access whatever you need abroad, from health care to language lessons.
As a trainee in Aerospace Finance, I work on a range of live transactions and regularly collaborate with colleagues, clients and local counsel across different jurisdictions.
The work is varied and can include drafting and reviewing documents, coordinating conditions precedent and supporting signing and closing processes. I’ve also had opportunities to attend client calls and negotiations, giving me valuable insight into how international transactions are managed from start to finish.
One of the biggest surprises has been how international and collaborative the work is. Even as a trainee, you are trusted with real responsibility and encouraged to contribute rather than simply observe. My secondment in Paris also broadened my perspective, giving me exposure to matters involving both English and French law and helping me build confidence working with international teams. It was a hugely rewarding part of my Training Contract.
One of the things that has surprised me most about HFW is the level of responsibility trainees are given from an early stage, together with the variety of work available.
Typical trainee tasks include preparing exhibits for witness statements and pleadings, and assisting with hearing bundles. I have also had the opportunity to draft witness statements, pleadings, notices of arbitration, client advice and instructions to counsel, which has helped me develop confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.
Something candidates may not expect is how much ownership trainees are trusted with. You are encouraged to be proactive and closely involved in matters, which can be challenging at first but is very rewarding. My international secondment has also allowed me to build relationships across the APAC region and gain a deeper appreciation of HFW’s global reach and collaborative culture.
One of the things I enjoy most about my seat is the variety. No two days are the same and I’ve recently been involved in drafting submissions, reviewing disclosure and corresponding with clients and other law firms. Being seconded to Shanghai has given me excellent exposure to matters, as the smaller office means trainees often work closely with both clients and senior colleagues.
What has stood out most to me is how approachable everyone is. I currently share an office with my supervisor, who is a partner, and I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and learning from those around me. My secondment has helped me build confidence and push myself outside of my comfort zone. Living and working in Shanghai has been a unique experience and one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, both professionally and personally.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about HFW is the variety. Working in Aerospace Disputes has given me exposure to a wide range of matters, from aviation transactions and lease disputes to complex international arbitrations. No two matters are the same, which means there are always opportunities to learn something new.
My work has included drafting submissions and tribunal applications, researching complex legal issues, attending hearings and supporting meetings with clients and counsel.
The international nature of the work is something candidates might not expect. Many matters involve clients, counterparties and colleagues across multiple jurisdictions, so you quickly see how connected the firm is globally. My secondment in Singapore has been a highlight of my Training Contract, giving me the chance to gain international experience, build new relationships and experience a different part of the world while staying closely connected to HFW’s global practice.
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