Legal Interns
Our Legal Intern Programme is a method by which we can offer individuals a pathway to gain experience in the Legal industry and apply for a Training Contract.
Our Intern Programme
Our aim of the Legal Intern Programme is to offer individuals a pathway to gain experience in the Legal industry and apply for a Training Contract with the Firm. We have historically encountered many individuals at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level who are seeking real-world industry experience. Our Legal Intern Programme is designed to give this experience, it is an evolution of the traditional ‘Vacation Scheme’. The Programme empowers individuals from universities in the skills needed to be successful in a Training Contract.
Programme Structure
To replicate the environment that individuals can expect as a Solicitor, we offer both two-week and three-week Programmes of full-time on-site employment at our Farnborough Head Office. Involving learning and development opportunities and exposure to real world legal work.
Practice Area Exposure – Interns will experience 2 -3 differing practice areas across our Corporate, Property and Private Client teams. This variety gives Interns a good insight into the differing skills required for each practice area to inform their own career pathway.
Mock Drafting Exercises – They are assigned department specific exercises to test legal knowledge and skills. These exercises are designed to give them the exposure to the type of work they might expect to complete, should they choose to work within that practice area in the future.
Legal Work – Some of the work Interns will undertake during the programme, includes conducting research, observing and note-taking during meetings, drafting articles and handling initial client enquiries. If they demonstrate their aptitude for legal tasks, they may have the opportunity to create 1st drafts of client advice or organise court bundles.
Programme Support – All Interns will have dedicated Supervisors from amongst our Solicitor ranks to guide their work. Additionally, our pool of Trainee Solicitors will be assigned to Interns for friendly support and guidance. Our Training team will be a primary point of contact throughout the programme for questions and advice.
Programme Events – There will be several opportunities to attend our internal ‘Ask the Experts’ training sessions with subject matter experts from across our Fee Earning and Operations teams. There will also be opportunities for socialisation with our Trainee Solicitors, to help Interns to see the culture and environment of the Firm.
Intern Programme FAQs
What are the requirements and qualifications I need to apply?
Our Legal Intern Programme is a pathway for individuals to gain experience with the Firm and subsequently apply for a Training Contract. We will only accept individuals on our Legal Intern Programme who are studying Law and seeking a Training Contract following their Postgraduate qualifications.
Undergraduate Candidates: We consider Law students who have completed their 2nd or 3rd year of study and are on track for a 1:1 or 2:1 degree qualification. We do not consider 1st year students or non-Law students.
Postgraduate Candidates: Completion of Undergraduate as above, and either completed or are actively enrolled and studying toward the LPC or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Or are enrolled on a PGDL Postgraduate Diploma in Law, conversion course. Our Legal Intern Programme is a pathway for individuals to gain experience with the Firm and subsequently apply for a Training Contract.
All our Training Contracts are based in our Head Office in Farnborough. We only consider candidates within the counties we operate, which are Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Sussex.
Where is the Programme located?
Our Legal Intern Programme is based in our Head Office in Farnborough on-site every day. There is no remote working option for this Programme. Therefore, we only consider candidates within a reasonable commuting distance.
When is the Programme scheduled?
There will be 1 x 2- week programme and 2 x three-week programmes running Monday – Friday during April, July & August 2026. A working day will typically be 09:00-17:30.
Programme 1
- Monday 13th April – Friday 24th April (2 Weeks)
Programme 2
- Monday 6th July – Friday 24th July (3 Weeks)
Programme 3
Monday 3rd August – Friday 21st August (3 Weeks)
How many spaces are available on the Programme?
We are offering a maximum of 15 total spaces for the Programme. 5 each for the 3 programmes listed above. We receive a high volume of applications for our Programme – therefore prior to reaching Interview stage, factors such as location and qualification results are key in our decision-making process.
What is the recruitment process?
We complete an initial screening of all candidates and those shortlisted will be invited to complete an online aptitude test. If successful, this is followed by an online interview stage, an assessment centre and then final outcomes communicated.
What practice areas may be experienced during the Legal Intern Programme?
Our Programme provides the opportunity for Intern’s to gain exposure to multiple practice areas. Typically, this is across 2 – 3 differing practice areas across the 3 weeks of the Programme. Preferences may be requested at interview stage, and the Programme is tailored based on this information as well as business need. Preferences stated at interview stage are not guaranteed.
- Commercial Property
- Corporate
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Family
- New Build Conveyancing
- Residential Property Conveyancing
- Private Wealth & Inheritance
Is the Programme paid?
Yes, Interns are paid for the entirety of the Programme and rates are discussed at interview stage.
What happens after the Intern Programme?
Once the Programme concludes we will conduct a Training Contract Interview with all Legal Interns. We will then issue feedback, so that Interns can understand how they have performed during the Programme and reflect for their own future learnings. We will also ask Interns for feedback to help us continuously improve the Programme for future years.
We will issue outcomes for the Training Contract interview; we have a track record of hiring several successful candidates from the Legal Intern programme for these opportunities and are excited to engage with more future lawyers!
HC's Intern Feedback
A day in the life of an HC Legal Intern:
"I usually started with any exercises assigned by my supervisor before fee earners invited me to meetings throughout the day. I like to get prepared for the meetings, so I would spend time reviewing any documents necessary. After meetings there are usually follow up tasks for me such as drafting agreements and writing to clients. The interns get lunch together which is a good time to catch up and share experiences and tips. On a Friday afternoon, I met with my supervisor to get feedback on my week including the mock exercise. Friday afternoons also include a meeting with HR to catch up and give my feedback on the week."
The Application Process
“The application process was made smooth by Kate and Tom who were always on hand to answer questions and guidance. Meeting Kate and Tom at my University’s careers fair gave me vital insight what the firm values in an applicant.”
The Firm
“I most enjoyed the atmosphere in the office, everyone was so friendly and willing to help. I also enjoyed the experience of getting to work on actual cases meaning I got to have a really interactive learning experience!”
Client Interation
“Meeting with clients is rewarding as I had the opportunity to see my work and preparation in application. Also, experiencing how the fee earners interact with clients and operate was a great learning opportunity for me to take into my career.”
The Programme
“The difficulty of the mock exercises was a good level. I found them challenging enough, whilst still being able to complete them and achieve positive feedback.”
Meet our Trainee Solicitors
