Helen Kimberley

• Degree: Law with European Law (LLB), University of Nottingham
• Joined: Autumn 2005
• Practice area/group: Commercial and Regulatory
• Office location: London
• Favourite book: ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenegger

I joined the firm as a trainee in 2005 and, having completed a seat there during my training contract, I qualified into the Commercial and Regulatory team. I advise clients in the consumer, communications, retail and life sciences sectors on a wide variety of commercial arrangements. My work varies from day-to-day contracts to complex strategic commercial arrangements including supply of goods and services arrangements, endorsement agreements, agency relationships and copy clearance. I work for a great deal of household names and I find it really interesting learning about how different clients run their businesses. I enjoy being involved in commercial decisions as well as advising on the strict legal issues and consequently I get to work on some very interesting and challenging projects.

I spent six months on secondment to the John Lewis Partnership legal team as a trainee and have advised John Lewis and Waitrose on a range of commercial activities since qualifying, including advising Waitrose on its new ten-year deal with the online grocer Ocado, which was widely reported in the press. There are also opportunities to go on client secondments once you qualify. Client secondments are a wonderful experience and give you the opportunity to really understand a client’s business and what they look for in their external lawyers.

One of the things I truly enjoy about Hogan Lovells is the people who work here. Since my first day as a trainee I have been offered support and assistance from people at all levels of the firm, from PAs to partners. I enjoy working as a team and learning from others in my immediate team and in other departments and offices within the firm. I am also very involved in supporting newly qualified associates and trainees, and in November 2010 I became a trainee supervisor, which I find very rewarding. Of course, it isn’t all about work, and there are plenty of opportunities to socialise from team building exercises and sporting events to drinks after work. As you become more senior you become more and more involved in business development activities and client events. These are a great way to get to know your clients in a more informal setting.

When applying for work experience or a training contract in a law firm it is integral to think about the type of firm that you want to work in. If time permits, spend time at several different types of firms so you can compare your experiences. When you visit law firms talk to as many people as possible in order to find out if the atmosphere and people are a good fit for you.