Meet Harriet - Trainee

What is your role, when did you join the firm? 

Hi, I’m Harriet Sherwin, a third-seat trainee at K&L Gates. My first seat was in the Asset Management and Investment Funds team. My second seat was in the Finance department, primarily in the Banking and Acquisition Finance team, although I also had the opportunity to support work in Restructuring and Structured Finance. I am now in my third seat in Commercial Dispute Resolution. I joined the firm in August 2024, having applied for a training contract in the summer of 2022 while still at university. I completed the SQE in 2023/2024 with my K&L Gates trainee cohort and then started at the firm thereafter.

What inspired you to apply to K&L Gates?

I was drawn to K&L Gates for the small training cohort and the hands-on approach to the training contract. The firm’s structure means that trainees are key members of the team, and you get to be deeply involved early on. As a trainee, you get to work very closely with partners which gives you an opportunity to ask questions and directly learn from years of experience. The firm provides a supportive place to develop the essential skills of a lawyer.

Also, the international nature of K&L Gates was a key factor for me when deciding to train here. I was keen to get to work on cross border matters and have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues throughout the various offices spread across the globe. I have had the opportunity to do this on a number of occasions, working with colleagues in the US, Asia, and Australia.

Separately to this, there are strong pro bono initiatives and other community service events that trainees are encouraged to get involved in. The firm encourages all its lawyers to aim to complete 50 pro bono hours a year. It was important for me to choose a place to train that prioritised pro bono work to support the community we live in.

What does a typical work day look like? 

It’s hard to define a “typical” day as it depends on the matters I’m working on and the department I’m in. Usually, I start work around 8:30–9:00 am (or log on at 8:30 if working from home). I submit my time recording from the previous day, review overnight emails, and update my to-do list.

Tasks often include monitoring ongoing projects, drafting and reviewing documents such as board minutes or settlement agreements. Partners frequently ask me to draft or review documents and share my thoughts before we discuss them together. This collaborative approach is a great way to learn how documents function in practice. I also assist with research tasks, which often involve niche areas of law specific to a client’s situation.

Lunch is usually around 1pm, and then I continue with my tasks. The firm has weekly events to break up the work week—for example, “Fika” on Thursday afternoons, where colleagues gather for tea and cake in the canteen.

Your department will also hold weekly team meetings, which are excellent opportunities for trainees to learn about ongoing projects and volunteer to assist.

Across your six-month seat, you’ll likely experience unique opportunities—both in the work you do and in internal and external events. My advice: be keen to get involved in everything you can.

What are your working hours like? Link to The Real Contract

Generally, K&L Gates allows for very reasonable hours. There are times where client work leads to late nights, but these are rare. The culture of the firm is truly very friendly and understanding. The partners are supportive – where you have had to work late, they understand and will ensure you are given opportunity to recuperate in quieter times. Along a similar vein, the firm supports and encourages you to use annual leave to ensure when you are at work you are able to put your best foot forward (and enjoy the opportunities you are getting).

Having said that, the work you get to do is high quality and the culture fosters an associate and trainee pool that are keen to work and deliver to the highest standard possible. Therefore, I believe K&L Gates to be a very good balance between a good working culture and high-quality work with interesting opportunities.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee? 

The single most important thing I have learned so far as a trainee is the value of being proactive and open to every opportunity. A training contract is a unique chance to experience different areas of law, and the more willing you are to step outside your comfort zone, the more you will learn. Taking initiative, whether by volunteering for tasks, asking questions, or seeking feedback, has helped me to build confidence and develop practical skills that go beyond what university and the technical qualification of becoming a lawyer can provide you. My biggest piece of advice is to embrace every challenge with curiosity and enthusiasm. At K&L Gates, you are exposed to diverse and sometimes niche practices, which is an incredible learning experience. Even when a task seems unfamiliar, approach it as an opportunity to grow and determine if this is something you are interested in. This mindset not only broadens your knowledge but also demonstrates adaptability and commitment; all of these qualities are invaluable in a legal career.

What are your top tips for someone applying to K&L Gates? 

Three tips:

Be your genuine self. K&L Gates has a truly collaborative and inclusive culture, and the firm values authenticity as much as technical ability. They’re not just looking for candidates with excellent academics—they want well-rounded people. Someone who is not only curious and driven but also considerate and humble.

Show enthusiasm and curiosity. Demonstrate that you’re keen to learn and willing to take on challenges. Ask thoughtful questions, engage with the firm’s global outlook, and highlight experiences that show adaptability and initiative.

Do your research. Understand the firm’s practice areas, values, and recent work. Tailor your application to show how your interests align with the firm’s strengths and explain why you’re excited about the opportunities they offer. This does not need to be extensive legal experience – all experience is useful experience! Demonstrating soft skills such as problem solving, working in a team, and communicating effectively is just as valuable.