Matthew Towers

• Degree: History and Politics, University of Nottingham
• Joined: Spring 2008
• Practice area/group: Employment
• Office location: London
• Favourite quote: ‘I’m easily satisfied with the very best’ – Winston Churchill

Choosing the right law firm is a difficult task. When I first started looking, all the firms appeared to be remarkably similar. Each one claimed to be international in scope, with offices around the world and a capacity to provide top-end legal advice to the most high profile clients. In the end my decision was rather simple, as two key factors seemed to distinguish Hogan Lovells from the rest.

First, everyone I met during the interview process was warm, accommodating and genuinely enthusiastic about working together at the firm. I had heard that Hogan Lovells fostered a friendly, supportive working environment, and as partners and associates took the time to answer our questions this reputation seemed wholly justified. When I was offered a training contract, a partner even invited me out for a coffee so we could discuss the offer in detail. Secondly, Hogan Lovells has a breadth of practice areas. This was particularly important to me at the time because, like most prospective trainees, I was uncertain which area of law I wanted to qualify in. The opportunity to explore and choose from a number of different practice areas, all with excellent reputations, was a major plus point.

I started at Hogan Lovells in February 2008 and my training contract seemed to fly by. My first seat was Corporate Insurance, followed by Project Finance, Construction Litigation and finally Employment, where I ultimately qualified. Like most newly qualified lawyers I was able to take some time off after my training contract. I took the opportunity to do some skiing in North America and visit Jordan.

Since qualifying I have advised clients on various employment issues including unfair and wrongful dismissals, discrimination, redundancies and TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations). The highlight since qualification has been receiving a few bottles of very nice wine from a grateful client after negotiating an employee’s exit. Since joining I have also helped manage the rugby team and had the opportunity to take part in a variety of pro bono and charity initiatives. It is a credit to Hogan Lovells that such initiatives are accepted as part of your work.

I highly recommend Hogan Lovells to anyone considering a career in an international legal practice, and especially if you value an atmosphere that is open, collegiate and intellectually stimulating.