Careers IN APAC
Opportunities in Asia Pacific
HFW was one of the first international law firms to establish a presence in Asia Pacific, with our Hong Kong office opening more than 45 years ago.
We now have 31 partners in Australia and 31 in Asia, along with more than 195 legal professionals working across seven offices in the region (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth).
We have invested heavily in our business in Asia Pacific. The region now accounts for more than 30% of the firm's global revenue and we are continuing to grow.
We are fully integrated with HFW's global network of offices and work collaboratively with our colleagues around the world in support of our clients.
Our specialist lawyers are sector focused and offer a comprehensive range of legal services to our clients in the following sectors:
Our teams across Asia Pacific are the market leaders in several areas including shipping and aviation. We also have strong sector expertise across soft commodities and trade finance, insurance and reinsurance, front and back-end construction and infrastructure, energy and resources, property and real estate, corporate M&A, and workplace relations..
Clerk and Graduate Opportunities
Each year, we recruit seasonal clerks and graduates, giving them the opportunity to work alongside our specialist lawyers on a diverse range of domestic and international client matters.
Our clerkship program is very hands-on, giving you an insight into each of our practice areas and exposure to our clients.
During the clerkship, you will be assigned a mentor and buddy in one of our major sector teams, predominantly Insurance/Reinsurance and Construction in Melbourne or Construction and Real Estate in Sydney, where you will get to work on real matters.
Our graduate offering consists of a 12-month rotational program with three placements, two of which will be in your local office, with the option to have one based in another of our Australian offices.
Australian clerkship opportunities
2024/25 clerkship application dates
- Sydney: Monday 20 May 2024 until Sunday 14 July 2024, 11.59pm AEST.
- Melbourne: Monday 8 July 2024 until Sunday 11 August 2024, 11.59pm AEST.
Clerkship program dates (subject to exam periods, this may change)
- Sydney: the clerkship will run from approx. 25 November 2024 until early-February 2025.
- Melbourne: there are two clerkship periods: Summer (25 November – 20 December 2024) and Winter (23 June – 18 July 2025).
How to apply
Please apply via the 'see our vacancies' link above, create a profile, and include a copy of your CV, academic transcript, and a cover letter addressing why you would like to join the firm, as well as some information about you as an individual; your hobbies, extracurricular activities and what makes you who you are.
Hong Kong trainee and clerkship opportunities
Hong Kong training contracts
HFW Hong Kong is now recruiting trainee solicitors for training contracts that will commence in 2026.
Our work in Hong Kong is international, top-quality, and varied – you could find yourself assisting with the financing arrangements for a new aircraft, working on a cross border fraud or insolvency case, arresting a ship, or attending an international commodities arbitration or a construction dispute mediation. You will be challenged every day to think creatively and solve problems. No day will be the same.
You will work directly with clients and gain exposure to market leading work. You may also have the opportunity to be seconded to one of our many international offices.
Remuneration: We offer our trainees a competitive salary and benefits package and will contribute towards your PCLL studies.
We offer winter and summer vacation schemes each year, which will enable you to experience our work and culture firsthand. If you join us on a vacation scheme, we will also consider you for a training contract.
Key Dates
Hong Kong 2024 Summer Vacation Scheme application due date: Thursday 29 February 2024
- Batch 1: 27 May to 7 Jun 2024
- Batch 2: 10 to 21 Jun 2024
- Batch 3: 24 Jun to 5 Jul 2024
What we look for
We are looking for individuals with strong academics and analytical skills, lots of enthusiasm and a passion for law and commerce. Mandarin language skills are desirable, but not essential.
How to apply
For first year JD students, please submit your cover letter and CV before the application deadline and provide your transcripts as soon as you receive your academic results for the first semester.
All vacation scheme students are guaranteed an interview for the Training Contract. You can also apply for a Training Contract without completing a vacation scheme.
To apply for a Hong Kong training contract or vacation scheme please send your CV, a covering letter and your academic transcripts (university transcript, and HKDSE/IB certificate), together with any other supporting documentation to hk.graduates@hfw.com. We will screen applications and shortlist those individuals who best meet our requirements.
