Episodes
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | George Kiladze: From trainee to teamwork at Hogan Lovells
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | Commercial litigation with Lookman Rawat
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | Being a partner in the Birmingham office with Simon Grimshaw
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | Journey into law with Akima Paul Lambert
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | Competition and EU law with Louis Biggs
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | Competition, public, and EU law with Alice Wallace-Wright
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
In this episode of HL Legal Lounge, trainee solicitors Michaela and Aled sit down with competition law partner Alice Wallace-Wright to explore the world of antitrust, competition, and economic regulation. Alice breaks down what it's really like working in UK and EU competition law post-Brexit, how dual qualification plays a role, and what drew her to this fascinating area of law. Ideal for anyone considering a career as a solicitor, this episode offers insider advice on life at a commercial law firm, choosing your seat, and navigating your training contract. A must-listen for law students, future trainees, and those preparing for vacation schemes or assessment centres.
Monday Aug 25, 2025
HL Legal Lounge | Banking and loan finance with Russell Green
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
In Episode 2 of HL Legal Lounge, trainee solicitors Aled and Michaela speak with Russell Green, a counsel in the banking and loan finance team at Hogan Lovells. Russell shares insights into what it’s like to work in finance law, explains key responsibilities in banking transactions, and reflects on his journey into this specialist practice area. If you're curious about what trainee solicitors do in finance seats or want to understand more about loan agreements, security documents, and client relationships in a top-tier firm, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-life experience. Ideal for law students, future trainees, and anyone exploring a career in commercial law.
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
In the very first episode of HL Legal Lounge, trainee solicitors Nick and Anna chat with Jess Morgan from the Graduate Recruitment team at Hogan Lovells. They cover what it's like to apply for a training contract, tips for vacation scheme success, and surprise discoveries from the build of the firm’s new London office. This episode is perfect for law students, future trainees, and anyone curious about the culture, recruitment process, and early careers experience at a top international law firm. Get real insights into what it takes to stand out and succeed in your legal career.

Friday Aug 22, 2025
HL Pensions NewsBeat | Episode 47
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
In this episode of HL Pensions NewsBeat, Hogan Lovells Pensions partner Claire Southern gives a recap of the last two weeks in the world of pensions. This week: thoughts from the Pensions Ombudsman; a look at what the Pensions Regulator has been up to; some developments on transfers; and new PASA guidance.
To listen to more episodes of HL Pensions NewsBeat, click here: HL Pensions NewsBeat: all episodes
To listen to episodes of our other podcast series, HL PensionsPod, click here: HL PensionsPod: all episodes
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