Training & Support
We are committed to supporting you from the start of your programme through to qualification.
Trainee Solicitors training and support
Explore the training, support and development opportunities available throughout your Training Contract.
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Solicitor Apprentices training and support
Learn about the guidance, resources and support available throughout your Solicitor Apprenticeship journey.
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Trainee Solicitors
We partner with The University of Law for the delivery of our LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1 & 2) course, helping you develop the knowledge and skills needed before you begin your two-year Training Contract.
If you hold a non-law degree or a degree not recognised as covering the law of England & Wales, you will complete a law conversion course, known as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), before the one-year LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1 & 2) course. If you hold a qualifying law degree, you will complete the LLM course only.
Alongside the core SQE programme, all future Trainees complete SQE Plus modules covering areas relevant to the firm, including Advanced Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law and International Trade, Insurance, Business of Law – Innovation, Technology and Legal Project Management, and Business of Law – Professional Behaviours and Personal Effectiveness and Law Firms and Their Clients.
We provide both financial and pastoral support throughout your studies, including a maintenance grant of £18,000 (as of September 2026) for the PGDL and the LLM Legal Practice (SQE 1 & 2) course, as well as financial support for your SQE exams.
The Early Careers team also hosts events for future Trainees, helping you build relationships with your peers and get to know the team before you join. Optional one-to-one coaching is available with the team, alongside opportunities to take part in firm-wide initiatives, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshops and charity fundraising events.
Your two-year Training Contract begins with a comprehensive induction programme designed to help you settle into life at HFW.
You will be paired with a dedicated Trainee buddy who can share everything you need to know, as well as answering any questions you may have. Alongside this, you will benefit from industry-group specific training, a trainee-specific training programme covering both litigation and transactional topics, and wider firm training.
Throughout your training contract, you will have regular contact with the Early Careers team, alongside performance and development reviews with your supervisor in each seat. Together, these support structures are designed to help you develop into a well-rounded commercial lawyer.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. If there are any adjustments that would support you during your career at HFW, we will be happy to discuss them with you.
Many of our Trainees go on to build long-term careers with HFW, progressing into Associate roles in London and across our international network. Our Trainee retention rate has remained consistently strong in recent years, ranging from 75% to 100%.
To support the transition from Trainee to Associate, our Learning & Development team delivers a dedicated Newly Qualified Associate induction programme. You will also have access to a range of ongoing development opportunities designed to help you continue building your technical expertise, commercial awareness and professional skills throughout your career.
Solicitor Apprentices
After accepting your offer, you’ll be invited to a celebratory event before joining the firm. You can bring up to two of your guardians, giving you the opportunity to visit our office and learn more about your future career with HFW.
We partner with The University of Law for the delivery of our LLB and SQE (1 & 2) course, which will provide you with the comprehensive knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to succeed both academically and professionally.
As a Solicitor Apprentice, you will combine practical experience at a leading international law firm with studying towards your degree and legal qualifications.
To support this, you will receive one dedicated study day each week, typically a Friday, to attend your virtual University of Law classes, complete any coursework and focus on your studies. While some study outside of working hours will be required, your dedicated study day ensures you have protected time to focus on your academic development.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will also have access to optional coaching with a member of the Early Careers team.
We also offer financial support for your SQE exams where additional travel or accommodation costs are required.
Your six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship begins with a full induction designed to help you settle into life at HFW. You will learn about our sectors, teams and systems, while also developing key professional skills such as networking, presentation skills, personal branding and time management.
When you join, you’ll be paired with a dedicated buddy who is one year ahead in the apprenticeship programme. They can provide practical advice, answer questions and help you navigate your first year at the firm.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will have regular contact with the Early Careers team through settling-in meetings, check-ins and ongoing support. You will also receive structured performance and development reviews with your supervisor in each seat, helping you develop throughout the programme.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. If there are any adjustments that would support you during your career at HFW, we will be happy to discuss these with you.
In addition to your work and studies, there will be opportunities to get involved in firm-wide initiatives, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshops and charity fundraising events.
The Solicitor Apprenticeship is designed to equip you with the skills, experience and confidence needed to build a successful legal career.
Once you qualify, you will have the opportunity to apply for an Associate role in our London office and, in some cases, one of our international offices. Many of our Trainees and Apprentices choose to continue their careers with HFW, with retention rates ranging from 75% to 100% in recent years.
To support your transition from Apprentice to Associate, you will take part in our dedicated Newly Qualified Associate induction programme, delivered by our Learning & Development team. You’ll also have access to a wide range of ongoing development opportunities designed to support your continued growth throughout your career.
I’ve spent my entire legal career with HFW. Returning to London in 2018, I continued to build my practice, becoming a Senior Associate in 2020 and a Partner in 2024.
Today, I specialise in shipping disputes and marine casualties, including fires, collisions, groundings and dangerous goods incidents. Throughout my career, HFW’s sector focus, international opportunities and supportive culture have played a key role in my development. Looking back, the people stand out most. I’ve always found colleagues generous with their time, and the culture that attracted me to the firm remains just as strong today.
One of the things I enjoy most about the solicitor apprenticeship is the variety. In my current Risk and Compliance seat, I’ve been involved in reviewing and updating firm policies, carrying out legal and regulatory research, and supporting compliance-related projects.
As apprentices rotate seats regularly, the work is varied. I’ve previously been involved in drafting, research, presentations, marketing campaigns, firm communications and client pitching. The training is hands-on, and apprentices are encouraged to get involved and take ownership from an early stage.
What has stood out most to me is how approachable and supportive people are, as well as the level of responsibility apprentices receive early on. Supervisors are very good at protecting study days, making it easier to balance work and university commitments as you progress through different seats.
As an apprentice in the Aerospace team, I’ve been involved in a wide range of work under the UK261 and MC99 legal frameworks. This can vary from passenger injury and lost baggage claims to delay compensation, ensuring that no two cases are ever the same.
One of the highlights of my apprenticeship has been the level of responsibility I’ve been given. The team is very good at providing autonomy and trust, and I’ve even had the opportunity to manage a UK261 case myself with support and supervision from my supervisor.
What stands out most to me is HFW’s non-hierarchical culture. You can approach anyone in the team, ask questions and get involved in different areas of work. My supervisors and the wider team are also extremely supportive of my studies, ensuring workloads remain manageable around exams and key university commitments.
