Law firm Hugh James is expanding its flagship employee development initiative, HJ Potential, by offering trainee solicitors international secondment opportunities to support their careers.
Now in its second year, the international secondment scheme provides trainees with in-house experience working with the firm’s clients, as well as the chance to broaden their professional knowledge with the opportunity to work abroad.
Former trainee and now solicitor, Kate Wilson, was one of the first participants in the international secondment program, spending three months in Gibraltar with the firm’s e-sports client, BetVictor, in 2023. Following in her footsteps, London-based trainee Catherine Adamec is currently undertaking a secondment. Meanwhile, BetVictor’s Ruby Duncalf has joined the corporate commercial team at the firm’s burgeoning London office, making the swap from Gibraltar. Speaking of the opportunity, Catherine commented:
“I’ve had a fantastic three months working at BetVictor and have learnt so much during my time here. Working in-house is a completely new experience and comes with many different challenges compared to private practice.
“Being able to lead one-on-one meetings with various stakeholders in the company has been a great way to improve my communication skills and it has been very interesting to gain insight into the gambling sector. It has also been great to be involved in such a wide variety of different contracts, as it has allowed me to really expand my knowledge.”
She added: “While moving overseas to a place where I initially did not know anyone was daunting at first, it has also been a completely unique and amazing experience. This opportunity has been invaluable for both my professional and personal development, and one that I will never forget.”
Reflecting on her time with Hugh James, Ruby described the experience as ‘invaluable’, highlighting the unique insights gained by working closely with the firm’s lawyers. She said:
“My secondment with the firm’s corporate commercial team in London has been an invaluable and enjoyable career experience.
“Throughout an extremely busy time for corporate and commercial deals ahead of the 2024 Autumn Budget, I’ve quickly gained a unique insight into complex transactions, along with the personal satisfaction of knowing that I’ve played a significant part in supporting HJ’s clients with major and time-critical projects. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”
In 2024, newly qualified solicitor Daniel Tedd also benefited from the firm’s annual secondment scheme, completing a three-month placement with large New York’s NASDAQ listed gaming company – Inspired Entertainment Inc. The program has proven to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, fostering knowledge-sharing between in-house legal teams and external counsel.
Aled Walters, Corporate Partner and Head of Commercial who is the lead adviser to BetVictor and Inspired, expressed the collaborative advantages of the initiative, and said:
“Knowledge-sharing between in-house legal teams and external counsel enhances collaboration and supports our commitment to nurturing young talent into the leaders of tomorrow.”
Part of HJ Potential, the Training Contract Plus initiative offers trainees a comprehensive development pathway. Through tailored training and hands-on client exposure, the firm aims to ensure its trainees are well-equipped for long-term success in the legal profession.
