Oliver started his solicitor apprenticeship with HFW in 2024 and talks about the first 6 months of his journey below:
“I was specifically attracted to HFW due to several reasons. Firstly, the firm’s involvement in high-profile cases, reflected in their Chambers and Legal 500 Band 1 rankings in Shipping, Aviation, and Commodities Disputes, was a major draw. This is further enhanced by the professionalism and efficiency exhibited by all employees, regardless of level and role. Additionally, the guaranteed secondment opportunity and varied seat options available at HFW set it apart from other firms’ apprenticeship programmes. HFW apprentices spend 18 months within business services, highlighting the importance of this area within the firm’s mechanisms and operations.
In my first month of my second seat, I’ve been exposed to a variety of work. While sitting in the Marketing department for shipping, I’ve worked on client invites for up to twelve thousand two hundred recipients and managed my own pitches to potential future clients. One standout project involved researching individual jurisdictions
and their laws on the arresting of vessels. The work led to a monetary award, which we donated to the Mission to Seafarers charity.
Overall, the apprenticeship has significantly contributed to my growth. I have developed soft skills such as communication and problem-solving, as well as invaluable marketing skills using different interfaces. Apart from professional development, I feel I’ve grown as a person, becoming more confident in my work and public speaking and presentation.
I chose the apprenticeship route for its straightforwardness and the experience gained. Having been in a Law firm for six months, I realised the scarcity of training contracts and the challenges in obtaining them. Because of this, I wanted to immerse myself in a legal environment from day one, ensuring a head start in terms of the experience gained compared to those attending university.”
