Careers
At Haldanes, we’ve learned over 50 years what it takes to build a law firm that lasts.
It’s not just about long hours, though we’ve had plenty, from those early days with the broken air conditioner and the abacus for accounts. Those stories add character, but real growth comes from something much tougher: delivering results for our clients, year after year. That’s what moves a firm forward.
To achieve that kind of legal excellence, you need the right people. Our lawyers have earned recognition from peers and the wider legal community for their work ethic, innovation, and results. They’re driven, adaptable, and always ready to rise to the challenge.
That’s why, each year, we look for only a handful of interns and trainees, not those who want to coast, or just add another line to their CV, but those who are ready to push themselves and collaborate with the best.
Our success is built on the unique team we assemble at Haldanes.
Many apply, but few are chosen.
Are you ready to prove yourself among top-tier lawyers? Do you have what it takes to be part of a legacy that’s lasted half a century? If you’re looking for an environment where you can truly thrive and grow, we want to hear from you.
You might just be what we’re looking for.
- Trainee Solicitors
The recruitment process
- We look to recruit four top-quality trainee solicitors a year.
- The recruitment process: (i) written test; (ii) 1st round of interviews including an oral Mandarin and Cantonese test; (iii) 2nd round of interviews; (iv) selection; and (vi) offer.
- The recruitment process runs from the latter half of May through to late August.
Interviews
- Interviews are carried out between May and June every year for training contract to commence the following year – we recruit at least one year ahead of our actual requirements.
- It is a two-round interview process.
- Candidates who are invited for a first interview will have to undertake a written test and demonstrate their language abilities.
- Only those candidates placed on a short-list will be invited for a second interview.
Selection criteria
- We require excellent command of English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
- All candidates must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws in Hong Kong and offers will be conditional on their passing the examination.
- Offers of post-admission employment with the Firm depend upon the trainee solicitor’s performance and the Firm’s requirements.
Rotations
- Our Traineeship Programme usually starts in August of each year.
- To comply with the requirement of the Law Society of Hong Kong, trainee solicitors will be rotated through four legal departments within the Firm; Civil, Corporate & Commercial, Criminal and Family.
Application deadline
- We accept applications throughout the year.
- The cut-off date of application for traineeship is 31 March of each year for the following year’s intake.
- For example, if you wish to apply for a Traineeship 2027-29, your application must reach us by 31 March 2026.
How to Apply
- All applications should be sent by email to career@haldanes.com.
- Your application should include (i) a cover letter; (ii) your detailed CV; (iii) your academic certificates/transcripts; (iv) reference letters; (v) any other information relevant to your application.
- Please state clearly on your curriculum vitae your exact dates of availability, level of studies and language skills.
- Internships
The recruitment process
- We offer placements to a few selected law students from June to August and occasionally from December to January based on a strict review of applications.
- For summer internships: The review takes place in April and May each year and those candidates who are offered a place will be contacted between May and June.
- For winter internships: Details to be announced.
- No interviews are required.
Selection criteria
- For those undergraduates studying law, preference is given to those who are in the penultimate/pre-penultimate year of their course.
The internship experience
- Our Summer Internship Programme runs from mid-June to late August; and our Winter Internship Programme, if applicable, runs from early/mid-December to early January.
- Students will spend two weeks with us and have a chance to work in one of the following legal departments: Civil, Corporate & Commercial, Criminal and Family.
- By working closely with our professional staff, students get to learn about the working culture and environment within the Firm and the different practice areas under the mentorship of an experienced practitioner.
- It is also an opportunity for us to get a better understanding of students who may wish to be considered for training contracts with the Firm in the future.
Application deadline
- We accept applications throughout the year.
- If you apply for the Summer Internship Programme, your application must reach us no later than 31 March of the internship year.
- If you apply for the Winter Internship Programme, your application must reach us no later than 30 September of the internship year.
How to Apply
- All applications should be sent by email to career@haldanes.com.
- Your application should include (i) a cover letter telling us why you apply for internship at Haldanes and the law practices that you are interested in; (ii) your detailed CV; (iii) your academic certificates/transcripts; (iv) reference letters; (v) any other relevant documents.
- Please state clearly on your curriculum vitae your exact dates of availability, level of studies and language skills.
- Legal Secretaries
We recruit legal secretaries from time to time. Please state clearly on your curriculum vitae your availability, working experience in law firms (and elsewhere), language skills and salary expectation. Candidates must be proficient in audio-typing.
All applications should be sent to the Recruitment Partner by mail to 7th Floor, Ruttonjee House, 11 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong or by email to career@haldanes.com.