2024

Please provide details of your main extracurricular interests and achievements. How have these helped you to develop the skills that you will need as a commercial solicitor? (350 words)

I have attended various law-related careers events, insight days and workshops to gain a solid understanding of commercial law. I recently completed the Winter Vacation Scheme where I gained profound insight into disputes, restructuring, legal tech and listed law firms, supplementing my knowledge with case study exercises. Through these vacation schemes and events, I have gained a profound understanding of a wide range of practices and commercial law topics. I enhanced my skillset working through case studies and was able to network with lawyers and aspiring lawyers 

I attended Baker McKenzie’s Open Day in 2023 where I collaborated with six aspiring lawyers on a group project which received positive feedback from associates. I understood the benefit of collaborating to combine strengths and produce greater results through synergistic relationships. This experience affirmed how much I enjoy working with others in team environments to understand a business, explore the problems it faces and develop solutions to overcome them. 

I have a robust sports background, recently participating in a five-kilometre run to support Cancer Research UK and becoming the lead tumbler in my cheerleading team. In 2021, I dedicated a month to learning how to surf in Mexico. I was part of the Oxford Athletics Squad and the gospel choir. I have also represented Newham in the London Youth Games Cross Country. These experiences have instilled in me the values of teamwork, commitment, and discipline - skills crucial to the role of a lawyer. 

I was an Access & Outreach Officer in the Oxford African & Caribbean Society from 2021 to 2022 where I actively contributed to fostering diversity and inclusion. I enjoyed leading discussion panels and workshops about promoting diversity in institutions and the workplace. I was praised for my empathetic communication and ability to stimulate honest conversations and solution-oriented approaches. These skills will prove invaluable when advising HFW’s clients.

I was awarded the Crankstart scholarship in 2018 for my academic excellence despite socio-economic obstacles.

Why do you want to be a solicitor at an international law firm? (350 words) 

I thoroughly enjoy the varied day-to-day tasks of a global commercial lawyer and I am motivated by the prospect of being involved in multi-jurisdictional cases and deals. During my 2022 internship with Trowers & Hamlins in Dubai, I worked closely with a private wealth partner to advise an Emirati family on business restructuring. I have a problem-solving mentality and enjoyed strategizing to successfully implement corporate governance around the business. This experience gave me first-hand exposure to the legal sector, business advisory and English law in the Middle East. I would greatly benefit from the learning opportunities that having exposure to high-calibre international work at HFW would provide. 

Having pursued career opportunities in several countries such as England, Spain, UAE, and Mexico I deeply value learning more about diverse cultures and perspectives. HFW’s internationalism is at the core of its strategy. With a global platform which spans 20 locations, the firm has effective and impressive cross-border capabilities. I am excited to develop my skills and global outlook when working on impactful, multijurisdictional projects at the firm.

My strengths align with the skillsets required of international lawyers. I can read, write, and analyse pieces of text in multiple languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish and Creole, which has developed me into an excellent analyst and communicator with profound comprehension skills. As a former Business Development Manager, I effectively managed relationships with English, Spanish and Portuguese clients. My frequent international travel to network with transport leaders reinforced my ability to take initiative and work seamlessly across borders. I am eager to contribute my language skills to multijurisdictional projects.

Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors? (350 words)

I am drawn to HFW’s specialist approach to supporting clients. HFW is a leading UK firm in construction law and has advised on various trailblazing rail construction projects, such as the £750 million European rail electrification project and metro schemes across the globe. This sector focus aligns with my professional pursuits and my background in the rail industry. During my legal internship in the UAE, I gained practical experience in construction dispute resolution by preparing a briefing note for a $6.7 billion polymer construction project dispute in Oman. I enjoyed learning about EPC packages and the complexities that arise in infrastructure projects. 

Unlike their competitors, HFW lawyers have incredibly detailed knowledge of their client's businesses. The firm's shipping sector niche makes it both unique and highly sought out by high-profile clients such as BP and Tintrade with whom trainees can expect to have some contact. This sentiment was shared by HFW's former graduate recruitment assistant, David Roe at the Oxford Law Fair in 2022. I am excited to work at a firm that will enable me to develop the expertise and specific legal skills required to deliver tailored advice to clients.

I am attracted to HFW because of its market-leading dispute resolution and litigation practice. This is exemplified in the firm's 2018 triumph in setting aside a £70 million arbitration appeal against their client, Jiangsu Shagang Group Co Ltd. I appreciate the challenges inherent in contentious matters and I desire to begin my legal career at a firm that is renowned for its success in resolving high-stakes disputes.

HFW’s training programme has further solidified my interest. As a Future Lawyers Winner for international secondments and one of the only firms to guarantee secondments abroad, HFW is truly ahead of its competitors. The firm's small cohort size of just 15 trainees means that it has the resources to truly invest in its trainees, providing them with high-quality work and early responsibility.  

Please identify an issue currently in the mainstream media and explain how this is likely to impact the clients that HFW represents and the type of work that the firm undertakes. (350 words)

The ongoing war in Palestine and Yemen's actions to restrict Israeli ships from accessing the Suez Canal have created a complex and volatile situation for the global shipping industry. This has direct implications for HFW, a leading law firm with clients in the Middle East, including shipping companies and maritime businesses operating in the region. The firm is poised to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges arising from this geopolitical turmoil. 

The conflict in Palestine has heightened regional tensions, creating a more uncertain environment for maritime trade. Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted Israeli commercial vessels near the southern entrance to the Suez Canal, prompting some shipping companies to reroute their vessels, increasing costs and journey times significantly. 

In this complex scenario, HFW's expertise in maritime law and presence in the Middle East positions the firm as a vital resource for its clients. For shipping companies affected by Houthi attacks, HFW can offer immediate crisis management and risk mitigation. This includes assessing vessel damage and coordinating with local authorities and insurers. The firm can also provide route guidance rerouting advice and insurance coverage considerations.

HFW can assist clients in investigating the blockade, gathering evidence, and preparing legal claims against potentially liable parties. The firm's role extends to navigating the complexities of marine insurance claims, reviewing policies, and negotiating with insurers to maximize recoveries. In case of legal disputes, HFW can represent clients in court or arbitration proceedings, pursuing compensation and ensuring their interests are defended.

Moreover, HFW will play a pivotal role in regulatory compliance and risk management by advising clients on sanctions and regulations, reviewing and updating contracts and war clauses, and developing crisis management plans. The firm can also contribute to industry safety and security by participating in discussions and engaging with policymakers to advocate for improved maritime security measures in the region.

As leaders in the industry, this challenge is likely to produce much work for the HFW team. As the disruption in the shipping industry continues, HFW will be a key player in providing legal support, crisis management, and strategic guidance to its clients.

2024

Please provide details of your main extracurricular interests and achievements. How have these interests and achievements helped you to develop the skills that you will need as a commercial solicitor? (350 words)

I have been involved in competitive team environments for most of my life, from playing for my local rugby club from the age of 5, to representing the x university 1^st XV. Competitive rugby is a hugely demanding environment which has taught me how forging meaningful relationships behind the scenes is vital in delivering results. The soft skills I have continually developed have been an asset to me in every working environment I have been a part of. For example, during my first week working in Madrid, I went for coffee with two of the associates in the aviation team. The building of rapport with my colleagues allowed me to establish a support network which fostered a strong line of communication as regards my working capacity. I believe my interpersonal skills leave me well-equipped to both excel in working team environments and build meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients. 

One of my relevant achievements is drafting x firm’s newsletter on EU drone regulations while working in its Madrid office. With no prior drone knowledge, I chose to conduct industry research from a range of legal resources in order to obtain the necessary information. I then had to translate the research into English and draft the piece in conjunction with comments made on a shared document by colleagues in the London office. The multiple components to the task, as well as my lack of experience in the field, made the process challenging but receiving the praise of my supervisor upon completion was hugely rewarding. The experience also compelled me to develop my Spanish language skills in a business context. I found the process of achieving results after having been thrown into an entirely new scenario hugely gratifying. It was also a task that I had to balance with legal translation work and a Spanish course put on by my university as a result of the pandemic. This required me to develop my time management skills, using an electronic calendar to meet deadlines and often involved working late, illustrating how I have the resilience to work in demanding working environments. 

Why do you want to be a solicitor at an international law firm? (350 words)

From both my time as an International Relations student and as a legal intern for an international firm in Madrid, I have become increasingly interested in international matters. This fascination led me to voluntarily contribute to the blog of sports lawyer x in 2022. I wrote my article on the sanctions imposed on the Russian Football Union by UEFA and FIFA and the ensuing dispute between the parties in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Given that the blog was intended to inform her layperson clients, I tailored the wording of my article to ensure that it was accessible but informative. I found the process of conducting independent legal research from a variety of sources and drafting my findings for a target audience highly intellectually stimulating. The experience also demonstrated to me how law is inextricably linked to politics and business. 

The insight I obtained into the international and interconnected nature of commercial law while volunteering undoubtedly piqued my interest and influenced my decision to pursue an internship within the in-house legal department of an international data management company. While working there, I was regularly tasked with conducting contract review. On one occasion, I was tasked with reviewing the terms of an invitation to tender from a US state pension fund. While conducting the analysis, I discovered that the potential client was looking for various contractual assurances such as a guarantee that the firm would not boycott any oil companies in the future. With the company’s ESG goals in mind, this provision stood out to me as a potentially onerous term as I believed that acquiescence could lead to becoming contractually pigeonholed in the future. As such, I communicated my thoughts to the General Counsel who was then able to communicate her response to the sales team. I thoroughly enjoyed the investigative nature of the task as well as the process of balancing business and ethical considerations. This experience cemented my desire to pursue a career as a solicitor at a firm like HFW with extensive international clients and offices as well as a compulsory international secondment opportunity. 

Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors? (350 words)

HFW’s international outreach, particularly in Latin America, is a real selling point for me. As a Spanish speaker with a degree in politics, I have become increasingly fascinated by the political and business climate in the continent. Given the complex legal landscape, as well as the fact that insurance policies are written in English, Spanish and Portuguese, HFW’s relationships with firms across the continent (such as with Maciel, Norman & Asociados in Argentina) are vital in offering seamless advice on high value claims. Chambers’ ranking of HFW in Band 1 for insurance in Latin America illustrates the firm’s market-leading expertise in the region.

During the recent AllAboutLaw webinar, ‘Life in the Corporate and Commercial Group at HFW’, I asked Associate x about the firm’s dealings in Latin America on a transactional level. I was captivated by x’s comment that although HFW’s dealings in Latin America are mainly disputes related, she has worked on multiple projects in the region and has a current client in Chile, reinforcing how international work permeates all of the firm’s core sectors. X also alluded to the range of opportunities that speaking foreign languages can bring you at the firm, which has reinforced my desire to pursue a career at HFW. As someone who loved volunteering and interning in Madrid, the prospect of working with the firm’s overseas stakeholders and clients as a secondee or otherwise is a hugely exciting prospect.

I am also drawn to HFW by the firm’s lean trainee intake which allows for access to the firm’s senior lawyers. As someone who has the long-term goal of becoming a partner at an international firm, I found observing partners’ dealings and learning osmotically while working as an intern in Spain highly motivating. As then Trainee x explained to me at last year’s Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair, the small intake makes for high levels of industry exposure compared with the firm’s competitors. As someone sociable and gregarious, this aspect also appeals as it makes for a collaborative environment with fellow trainees, rather than one that encourages trainees to compete with one another. 

Please identify an issue currently in the mainstream media and explain how this is likely to impact the clients that HFW represents and the type of work that the firm undertakes (350 words)

One issue that has and will continue to impact HFW and its clients is the rising tensions between China and Taiwan. It is thought that China’s current military assertiveness around Taiwan may eventually become a full-scale invasion at some point over the coming months. Pertinent to HFW’s shipping sector of expertise, events in the region have led major shipping groups to seek to incorporate break clauses into existing contracts with Chinese shipbuilders. These clauses would, in theory, allow western businesses to walk away from deals if western governments were to impose sanctions on China. Sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine were extensive and sudden, so businesses are expressing an eagerness to ensure they hedge themselves against trade regulation risk if similar measures are imposed by western governments on China.  

However, industry experts have emphasised the difficulty of this process. Many of China’s shipbuilding companies are state-owned including China State Shipbuilding Corporation; one of the largest and most influential in the world. This makes the process of incorporating clauses that allow companies to walk away from deals nearly impossible as the government simply won’t agree, especially given that many businesses are already contracted into long-term deals.  

In light of the issues facing shipping companies in relation to China, I believe it represents an exciting opportunity for HFW to meet the demand for advice in this area. Following the broad interpretation of sanctions clauses in Lamesa Investments Limited v Cynergy Bank Limited, the firm can assist clients by incorporating sanctions clauses into contracts which will enable them to operate in line with domestic law without breaching contractual terms. Although it may be difficult to implement clauses that allow companies to rescind contracts, there is also scope for HFW, through its trade sanctions expertise and market-leading shipping practice, to negotiate alternative solutions for clients. This could include incorporating contractual provisions that allow for compensation in the event of domestic sanctions, for example. Clients seeking sanctions clauses will require a focus on careful and precise drafting which HFW is undoubtedly well-equipped to offer. 

2021

Please tell us about your extracurricular activities and interests. What transferable skills have you gained through these that will be directly relevant to a legal career? 350 words

I was an adviser at the University of Bristol Law Clinic. Throughout this role I advised oftentimes vulnerable clients on litigious civil matters. Specific tasks which I undertook, included: interviewing clients; contacting bodies and opposing parties on clients’ behalves; undertaking legal research; and advising clients regarding potential actions. The interpersonal skills which I have honed through performing these tasks will be relevant to a legal career. I will be able to frequently apply these skills in the context of written and oral communication with clients and other solicitors. Moreover, I will be capable of empathising with diverse clients, whilst remaining objective when giving advice and carrying out tasks on clients’ behalves.

I was the captain of the University of Bristol Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Club. I have initiated a successful marketing platform for the Freshers Fair, which resulted in doubling the club’s membership numbers. Furthermore, I took a leadership role in creating a sense of camaraderie within the club by collaborating with the club’s secretary to create team equipment. Finally, I organised the club’s participation in the UK’s first ever inter-university BJJ competition. The treasurer and I applied to the Students Union for a grant and I organised a bake sale to raise the funds necessary to rent a bus for the competition. Additionally, the Students Union would not grant the club extra funds for coaching, nor allocate time for supplementary competition-oriented training. I thus thought creatively, knowing that the taekwondo club was not occupying all of their training space, I persuaded their captain to allow our competition team to utilise half of their training space. I also devised and personally coached extra competition-oriented classes. I believe that the leadership, team work and problem solving skills which I gained throughout this role are directly transferable to a legal career. Firstly, these skills will enable me to confidently and efficiently make challenging and time sensitive decisions on a daily basis throughout my career. Secondly, I will be equipped with skills required when working on complex cross-departmental cases, which require consideration of concerns pertaining to other legal service teams alongside wider commercial concerns.

Why do you want to be a solicitor at an international law firm? 250 words

I want to be a solicitor at an international law firm for two reasons. Firstly, it would enable me to work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients. I have learnt to excel in diverse environments after having had the privilege to study, compete and work in a variety of countries. Being a solicitor at an international law firm compels working with colleagues from varying educational and cultural backgrounds. If one is unable to adapt to diverse environments, cultural and language barriers may arise which have the potential of leading to conflicting working styles and the misinterpretation of professional communication. After completing an article for Jits Magazine, in conjunction with a Spanish architect who had limited English language skills, I understand that alongside such risk, there is also a greater variety of perspectives present. Such diverse cultural perspectives frequently inspire critical creative approaches throughout collaboration. I aspire to continue to utilize my global commercial knowledge and ability to collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds in a work context.

Secondly, at an international law firm I would have the opportunity to be involved with commercial work encompassing international dimensions in sectors which interest me. I thoroughly enjoyed working on a finance deal at Eversheds Sutherland LLP, involving Iraqi and Jordanian cross-jurisdictional elements. Specifically, I enjoyed the constant problem solving that was present when engaging with unique cross-jurisdictional situations. Through an international law firm’s wide-reaching practice, I would have the opportunity to frequently engage in such work with international dimensions.

Why do you think you are suited to HFW? 400 words

Firstly, I am attracted to the sectors which HFW advises within. Subsequent to working in the Shipping department at Birketts LLP, I developed an interest in shipping and logistics. I worked on cases ranging from a ship high jacking in the Indian Ocean to a claim for a period of off hire for a time charter in the Indian Ocean. This work spawned my desire of ensuring that I work at a firm which provides a wide array of expertise on shipping and logistics matters which interest me. HFW does this by advising on dry shipping, commercial disputes and crisis management. Being Band 1 for Shipping and for Transport: Logistics, the caliber of work which HFW attracts, including acting for Bonny Gas Transport on what was the largest-ever refinancing of LNG ships, appeals to me as I know my ambition will be sated.

Secondly, I align with HFW’s approach of organizing the firm around its clients. Beyond in-house workshops and regular reviews, I admire HFW’s complete sector focus, enabling its teams to truly focus on the field of clients’ businesses rather than on their own broad-brush services. The collaboration of combining knowledge between different individual teams which is compelled by this approach, ensures the efficient and tailored delivery of services and advice to the totality of clients’ projects. As the captain of the University of Bristol’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club, I have utilised a similar approach. I encouraged collaboration between different arms of the committee in order to meet diverse member demands. Moreover, I believe in the effectiveness of HFW’s around the clock availability in providing confidence to clients in case of emergencies. This is especially the case considering HFW’s internationalism. As an adviser at the University of Bristol Law Clinic, on my final case I similarly provided such confidence to a vulnerable client who was in Asia due to urgent family matters. In order to maintain my client’s confidence, I called her at 3am GMT on multiple occasions so that she could provide me with passwords which she did not feel comfortable emailing.

Finally, the training programme at HFW is one within which I would flourish. HFW’s efforts to continue trainee development through its structured in-house training programme appeals to my eagerness to continue my professional development. Furthermore, the opportunity for consistent work with international dimensions, along with overseas secondment opportunities, aligns with my enthusiasm for bolstering my international outlook.

Please identify an issue currently in the mainstream media and explain how this is likely to impact the clients that HFW represents and/ or the type of work that the firm undertakes. 300 words

An issue currently in the mainstream media concerns the impact and challenges posed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR applies to all companies processing and holding personal data of those residing in the EU, regardless of the company’s location. GDPR has had the effect of restricting the fashion in which businesses can deal with customer information along with giving more control and rights to individuals.

Many clients of HFW will be affected by GDPR due to numerous of their dealings being within Europe and because of GDPR’s wide-reach across many industries. GDPR will impact clients of HFW in two main ways. Firstly, all clients subject to GDPR must become and remain compliant with GDPR in order to avoid the sanctions for breaches of data protection imposed by the directive. Therefore, relevant businesses which have missed the GDPR enforcement date, or are undergoing internal changes, must ensure they are compliant. Such businesses, who are processing data, will need to ensure that they comply with the directive’s higher threshold of consent. They must, among other obligations, require positive opt-ins for consent, while also making clear the process for withdrawing consent. Moreover, such clients will need to have up-to-date records demonstrating compliance. These stringent data protection requirements will continue to increase demand for HFW’s Data Protection and Cyber Security practices. Clients will require compliance advice regarding data processing practices and advice ensuring the compliance of any developments in information handling policies and record keeping.

Secondly, clients of HFW may require advice and litigation support in the case of a data breach. The increased sanctions and potential reputational damage resulting from a data breach can lead to significant problems for many clients. This may lead HFW’s Dispute Resolution practice to engage in more litigation on behalf of clients throughout the enforcement process.