SQE Trainee

The Firm

HFW is a sector-focused global law firm with leading capability across shipping, aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and insurance. We also advise across core legal services including disputes, corporate, finance and regulatory. We have more than 700 lawyers across 22 offices in Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. We are dynamic, entrepreneurial and deeply embedded in the industries we serve, combining sector expertise with practical, commercially focused advice for domestic and international clients.

Our APAC business, comprising more than 60 partners, accounts for more than 30% of global revenue and continues to grow. The region is a significant part of HFW’s global growth story, with substantial opportunity to deepen client relationships, build cross-office collaboration and increase market share.

Requirements and Skills

If you are a qualified or soon-to-be qualified Singapore solicitor with a strong interest in commodities, structured finance and related transactional work, we would be interested to hear from you. This is an opportunity to join a top-rated international law firm and develop your career within our Commodities practice, working alongside market-leading lawyers on complex cross-border transactions.

We are looking for candidates with a strong academic track record and the drive and ambition to thrive in a leading international law firm. We are seeking someone who demonstrates the following:

• Recently qualified or soon-to-be qualified Singapore solicitor
• Strong academic track record with a minimum 2:1 degree
• A genuine interest in commodities, structured finance, derivatives and commodity finance transactions
• Strong drafting, research and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and good practical case-handling skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Strong commercial awareness
• Efficient, organised and able to demonstrate excellent time management skills
• A team player with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident, willing to learn and take ownership of assigned tasks, while recognising when to seek support and guidance
• Personable and able to communicate comfortably with colleagues and clients

On Offer

The successful candidate will join a reputable and thriving firm, working alongside a high-performing and supportive team. We will cover the SQE examination fees and provide study leave to support you through the qualification process.

You will join our Commodities team and work on a broad range of commodity and climate related transactions, including structured derivative transactions and carbon finance transactions.

Working alongside experienced practitioners, you will gain exposure to complex cross-border matters and develop a strong understanding of the commodities and trade sectors across Asia and internationally.

Whilst your primary focus will be within the Commodities team, you may also have opportunities to work with other sector groups depending on business needs, providing broader exposure to the firm's international practice.

You will be mentored by lawyers who are leading specialists in their fields and given meaningful opportunities to take on responsibility from an early stage.

If you are looking to develop your career with a leading international law firm and build a specialist practice in this area, we would be pleased to hear from you.