Harbottle & Lewis

Whether its media, sport, music or real estate matters, you’ll be cracking one open when you see this firm’s (Har)bottle-popping list of elite entertainment clients!

Harbottle & Lewis training contract review 2026

About the firm

While the legal industry often conjures up images of a formal atmosphere, tailored suits and strictly corporate affairs, you may be surprised to hear the reality can actually be somewhat different. Truth be told, there are a multitude of practices within the law that wouldn’t immediately spring to mind; Harbottle & Lewis is one such firm that hosts an array of hidden gems.

With practice areas described as “more interesting than M&A times five,” it’s a firm that has specialities across the film and TV, theatre, publishing, music, sport and gaming industries. “I was thinking about going into the industry” generally, one trainee reflected, “but then, someone told me that film law was an option and I’d never considered that!” They weren’t the only one. “I’d also decided to do law before finding out that media law existed!” a colleague resonated.

“…dealing with high net worth clients like celebrities and other notable people like politicians!”

The client base provided an almighty attraction too. As one insider highlighted, “they’ve got that historical media, film and TV client base” in addition to “dealing with high net worth clients like celebrities and other notable people like politicians!” Needless to say, “that certainly makes things more interesting.”

But also, it was “the small cohort that really stood out to me”, one source revealed, pointing out that the more intimate nature resulted in a greater “sense of autonomy” and ability to “get stuck into the work.” As another explained, accordingly, “It’s really easy to get integrated and I felt that was important for my career.” In fact, that cultural feel of the place stood out from the beginning: “Every time I reached out to people through LinkedIn and attended events, people were open, approachable and the flat hierarchy is something that the firm embraces,” one source summarised.

This combination of the interesting work and high-level vibes has resulted in the Chambers UK guide bestowing 15 honours on H&L. Our colleagues over at Chambers High Net Worth couldn’t help themselves either, awarding the firm with a further six honours. These include defamation/reputation management, media and entertainment, tax and family/matrimonial finance (ultra high net worth).

Training Contract Structure

Interviewees explained that “you don’t need to do anything before you join!” as the first seat for newbies is assigned automatically, often taking in to account any previous experience to date. We heard that its typically property, private client or another “one of the main teams.” Thereafter trainees submit preferences for each seat. Ranking all the seats up front from one to nine seemed the way, and while that may seem a little daunting, those we spoke with assured us that “it’s a constantly evolving process.” As such, “you can change your thoughts and feelings,” trainees explained, “You can revisit the list later if you realise you’re interested in something else.”

To further assist with the decision-making process, trainees undergo an induction week at the beginning of their training contract “where partners and associates give an intro to what they do.” As for secondments, trainees are sometimes able to partake in a part-time client secondment, although it’s “not a guaranteed thing.”

Seat Experiences

Trainee Life

“…to switch off for an hour and do something good for your brain.”

With the office located on the Strand next to the Savoy, trainees noted how H&L is very well geographically placed “for what we do as a firm.” It’s “in and around lots of theatres!” one insider enthused, which “really fits us and our culture as a firm.” Sources revelled in the fact “it’s an area that doesn’t feel too corporate.” Perhaps the pick of the bunch, interviewees beamed when speaking of the free lunch at H&L, resoundingly described as “amazing.”

With “really nice, healthy food” available every day, the perk offers both a chance to save money and be sociable with others. With fitness classes, Pilates, yoga and circuit training on offer too, insiders relished the opportunity “to switch off for an hour and do something good for your brain.” Hot-desking was the only slight blemish amongst those we spoke to – particularly as trainees are expected to be in four days a week – though interviewees nonetheless appreciate the chance to sit with lots of different people within the firm.

One interviewee summed up the culture at H&L as a place where people don’t take themselves too seriously, but when it comes to work, they do. As such, trainees explained that partners aren’t intimidating and everyone at all levels are friendly and approachable, amidst the non-hierarchical vibe. There’s a “mix of introverts and extroverts,” noted one trainee, adding “people tend to have lots going on outside of work too, which is really valued.”

In addition to the lunch perk, trainees raved about the firm’s social calendar thanks to a very active social committee. While a sports day, an annual quiz, end of the month drinks, and the classic Christmas and summer parties formed the core of the firm’s official social events, we also heard of ad-hoc socials organised by the trainee cohort, including drag bingo and pottery painting! With an active inclusion network too, trainees made sure to credit the huge emphasis the firm places within the space. The firm has different groups supporting women, ethnic minorities, neurodiversity and endometriosis, and sources highly praised the number of external speakers invited in to discuss different topics.

“They’re keen on bringing the best out of you and making sure you’re okay, whether work-related or not.”

As for support, H&L pairs up each newbie to the firm with a designated mentor, and supervision was praised for being a “nice and transparent” system. With each supervisor allocated within each team, trainees explained that “you can really take control of that relationship.” They continued, “you work closely with them regarding how you’re feeling and how to manage your workload. They’re keen on bringing the best out of you and making sure you’re okay, whether work-related or not.”

Some described their catch- ups as weekly, while others preferred a once-a-month approach. Training too consisted of department specific know-how sessions on practice related tasks, with firm-wide sessions provided additionally to supplement softer skills and business development expertise. Although pro bono isn’t the biggest deal at the firm per se, trainees nonetheless praised H&L’s work in the charity space and with legal clinics. One example sources enjoyed was the firm’s work with Key4Life, a charity scheme aimed at rehabilitating young male offenders, explaining the added benefit of an opportunity for rookies to develop certain skills outside the immediacy of their practice.

While the hours were described as “nothing crazy,” most sources described a 9am to 6-7pm day as the typical trainee pattern. Some of course prefer to get in earlier “to give myself a head start and get my inbox together.” Longer days are required when it gets to “crunch time,” but generally as a trainee the hours were said to be "pretty balanced.” As a result, H&L pays first years a salary of £47k, with the pay packet going up to £50k for second years.

While pay jumps yet further to £80k for NQs, interviewees did note that it’s perhaps a little under the market rate. With the cost of living duly mentioned and the fact “that living in London can be difficult” financially, most recognised that “we’re not a magic circle or US firm, so you can just leave and switch off on evenings and weekends” – as such trainees determined that it’s “probably a balanced reflection.” Others also pointed out that “the free lunch saves a lot of money” too!

Qualification

Trainees reported that the qualification process was somewhat murky. While some described it as “an informal process” based on conversations rather than interviewing, others were in the dark hinting at a preference for a little more transparency. In 2025, H&L kept on 4 out of 4 qualifiers.