Talking Law with Hogan Lovells

HL Keeping it Real Estate | Security of Tenure Reform – what next for the 1954 Act?

In the first episode of the Keeping it Real Estate podcast from Hogan Lovells, Ben Willis and Amy Dunn discuss reforms to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, including the Law Commission’s interim statement, what comes next, and what this means for security of tenure in commercial leases.

HL Legal Lounge | Robert Gardener: Law, policy, and Government Affairs at Hogan Lovells

Trainee solicitor Nikita Rajkumar speaks with Robert Gardener, Director of Government Affairs at Hogan Lovells, about his unique journey from the UK Cabinet Office to the Middle East and into private practice. They unpack how legal advice intersects with public policy, how firms influence regulation, and what a legal career in government affairs really involves. A must-listen for law students curious about public law, politics, legal strategy, and careers beyond the courtroom.

HL Legal Lounge | Alice Kent: Trainee support, seat changes, and SQE at Hogan Lovells

Second-seat trainee Saskia Wyld speaks with Alice Kent from the Hogan Lovells trainee development team about the full journey of a future trainee - from accepting your training contract to navigating the SQE, induction, seat rotations, and qualification. Packed with insights on secondments, support structures, and the pastoral care available, this episode is essential listening for future trainees and law students preparing for the SQE route and life at a City law firm.

HL Legal Lounge | Nikki Ogun: From biomedical science to financial services law at Hogan Lovells

Trainee solicitor Teofisto Consistente chats with Senior Associate Nikki Ogun in this inspiring episode of HL Legal Lounge. They explore non-traditional routes into law, transitioning from science and economics backgrounds, and navigating training contract seats - from patent litigation and data protection to financial services. A valuable listen for future trainees, law conversion students, and anyone curious about career flexibility, seat rotations, and life at a global law firm.

HL Legal Lounge | George Kiladze: From trainee to teamwork at Hogan Lovells

Trainee solicitor Nikita Rajkumar interviews Senior Associate George Kiladze in this episode of HL Legal Lounge. They explore career paths into law, life as a trainee at Hogan Lovells, insights into Debt Capital Markets, and tips on finding your fit in a legal career. A must-listen for aspiring solicitors, law students, and future trainees looking for real-world advice on training contracts, legal practice areas, and mentorship in the City.

HL Legal Lounge | Commercial litigation with Lookman Rawat

In the final episode of HL Legal Lounge, Nick and Anna speak with Lookman, a senior associate in the Global Products Law team at Hogan Lovells. With over 24 years at the firm, Lookman shares his journey from paralegal to senior associate, offering reflections on career development, navigating change, and working in a niche but vital practice area. Learn what products law entails, the global scope of the work, and how long-term legal careers can evolve. A must-listen for law students, future trainees, and anyone curious about the breadth of roles available in international law firms beyond traditional practice areas.

HL Legal Lounge | Being a partner in the Birmingham office with Simon Grimshaw

In Episode 7 of HL Legal Lounge, trainee solicitors Michaela and Aled speak with Simon Grimshaw, a partner in the Private Equity team at Hogan Lovells. Simon explains the difference between secondaries transactions and growth capital deals, shares why he was drawn to private equity law, and gives real insight into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of transactional work, and also his life in the Birmingham office. If you're curious about what it’s like to work in corporate law, how to approach your seat choices, or how trainees support complex investments, this episode is packed with first-hand experience and advice. Ideal for law students, future trainees, and anyone considering a career in private equity or transactional practice.

HL Legal Lounge | Journey into law with Akima Paul Lambert

In this episode of HL Legal Lounge, our trainee hosts sit down with Akima, a partner in complex commercial litigation at Hogan Lovells. Akima shares her unique journey from trainee to partner- including time at two US firms - and what drew her back to Hogan Lovells. This candid conversation covers career choices, mentorship, the realities of contentious legal work, and how to navigate the transition from trainee to associate. Perfect for anyone considering a career in litigation, arbitration, or looking to understand the evolving path to partnership at a global law firm.

HL Legal Lounge | Corporate litigation and the role of a graduate recruitment partner with Ardil Salem

In Episode 5 of HL Legal Lounge, second-seat trainees Celine and Hope sit down with Ardil, a partner in corporate and commercial litigation at Hogan Lovells. From high-stakes disputes to contentious restructuring, Ardil gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like working in litigation at a global law firm. Hear how junior lawyers get involved in complex cases, what makes litigation different from transactional work, and why it’s a dynamic seat choice for trainees. Whether you’re preparing for a vacation scheme, eyeing a seat in commercial litigation, or just want to hear real stories from real lawyers, this episode is packed with practical insight.

HL Legal Lounge | Competition and EU law with Louis Biggs

In this episode of HL Legal Lounge, trainee solicitors Aled and Michaela sit down with Louis Biggs, an associate in the Public Law and Policy team at Hogan Lovells. Louis shares what it’s like working at the intersection of law, government, and business, offering insights into judicial review, regulatory decisions, and the legal frameworks that shape public policy. If you're interested in how legal teams influence and respond to government decisions—or considering a career in public law, constitutional law, or policy advisory work—this conversation is packed with advice, reflections, and real-world examples. Perfect for future trainees, law grads, and anyone fascinated by the broader impact of legal work.