Passport to Paris: Insight into Thiseas' International Secondment at HFW

To make the most of my international and bijuridical background, I made it a priority to gain experience in different jurisdictions. I have had the opportunity to work in Greece, Portugal, France, the UK, and the United States, gaining experience in diverse environments and cultures. These experiences reinforced my belief that an international law firm is the ideal setting for me.

Outside of work, I love going for runs (especially along the Seine during my secondment in Paris), playing tennis, and diving into history books.

I am currently a trainee solicitor in my second seat with the Commodities team in Paris as part of my international secondment. My first seat was with the Shipping Litigation team in London.

I started my training contract in March 2025, after completing a spring vacation scheme in March 2023 and my sponsored SQE/LLM thereafter.

HFW’s sector-focused approach and expertise were key factors. I wanted to combine law with industries I am passionate about, such as shipping and aerospace. HFW’s reputation in these sectors made it the ideal place to achieve that goal.

Global exposure is invaluable. The guaranteed secondment was a major draw because it allows trainees to experience different markets and cultures first-hand while working closely with colleagues in our international offices. For me, returning to Paris meant reconnecting with a city I love while building relationships that will last throughout my career.

I chose Paris and the Commodities team to leverage my French law background and strengthen my bilingual legal skills. It was the perfect opportunity to see how theory translates into practice in a civil law jurisdiction.

My day usually starts by checking in with my supervising partner, followed by focused work on cases, client calls, strategy discussions, or attending hearings. Lunch breaks near the Eiffel Tower offer a refreshing change of scenery.

The Commodities team is split between French and English law. As an English trainee, I mostly work on cases with English law elements (and French connections), as well as purely French legal tasks (sometimes in collaboration with the French trainees).

Unlike in the UK, there is no solicitor/barrister distinction in France, so I have had opportunities to draft submissions, conduct technical research, and assist with court and arbitration pleadings (often tasks that would typically be reserved for barristers in England).

In a globalised legal market, international experience is invaluable. My secondment has allowed me to gain unique insights, build lasting professional relationships, and develop adaptability.

Personally, I have enjoyed living in a city I love, exploring new restaurants, and making great memories.

Professionally, I have expanded my skillset by working on complex cases involving English and French law, assisting in pleadings before the Paris Court of Appeal and Commercial Court, and participating in ICC and ad hoc arbitration hearings. Additionally, exposure to tasks usually reserved for barristers in the England has sharpened my drafting and analytical skills. Finally, I have gotten numerous opportunities to expand my professional network.

Working with a fantastic team, living in the heart of Paris, and reconnecting with friends from my university days. My apartment in the Marais offers endless opportunities to explore, and my morning runs along the Seine past iconic monuments are unforgettable.

Be authentic and show genuine interest in the firm’s sectors. Research thoroughly and make your passion clear—ambition and curiosity go a long way.