Broadfield
Overview
Broadfield is a rapidly expanding international mid-market law firm launched in 2024 that combines partner-led legal expertise with an operations and technology platform to deliver cost-efficient, multidisciplinary advice. The firm has pursued fast geographic growth (UK, Hong Kong and New York) while building sector-focused capabilities across corporate, funds, banking, real estate, private client and dispute resolution, and is notable for its strategic partnership with SHP Legal Services (an Alvarez & Marsal company) to integrate legal delivery, technology and operations. Broadfield positions itself as a modern, innovation-focused full-service firm for the middle market, evidenced by sector hires, cross-border teams and multiple innovation awards.
- Headquarters: London, One Bartholomew Close
- Founded: 2024
- Lawyers: 300+
- Offices: 5
Values & Culture
Practice Areas
- Banking & Finance
- Investment Funds
- Corporate & M&A
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation
- Employment
- Real Estate
- Private Client & Wealth
- Intellectual Property
- Fraud & Investigations
- Environment & Planning
- ESG & Sustainability
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Insolvency & Restructuring
- Commercial Contracts
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Technology & Digital
- Public Law
- Charities & Not-for-Profit
- Family Law
- Financial Services & Regulation
- Infrastructure & Projects
Geographic Focus: Broadfield operates across the UK, Hong Kong and the United States (New York), targeting mid-market cross-border mandates. The firm combines local market teams with an operations and technology partner (SHP Legal Services) to deliver coordinated cross-jurisdictional advice, with a particular focus on asset management/funds, private capital, real estate, energy & infrastructure and international private client matters across EMEA, APAC and the Americas.
Training Contract
Trainees follow the SQE pathway and join a two-year training contract made up of four six-month seats. The firm recruits one year in advance so prospective trainees can complete SQE exams prior to starting. Broadfield will sponsor future trainees who have yet to complete SQE exams onto a year-long LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) with the University of Law. Training includes a comprehensive induction, department-specific structured programmes, desk-side mentoring from supervisors, a named trainee supervisor and a Trainee buddy, and opportunities for client secondments and completing seats in other offices where business needs require.
- Academic Requirements: To apply for a training contract starting in 2027 candidates should have completed, or will complete before September 2026, one of: LLB or equivalent law degree; GDL/PGDL; LPC/LLM; SQE 1; SQE 1&2. Strong academics are desired (ideally a 2:1) but the firm considers mitigating circumstances and does not score applicants solely on academic attainment.
- Application Deadline: 2026-03-29
Seat Options
- Real Estate
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation
- Insolvency & Restructuring
- Private Client & Wealth
- Family Law
- Public Law
- Infrastructure & Projects
- Corporate & M&A
- Commercial Contracts
- Charities & Not-for-Profit
- Employment
Sponsorship
For trainees: sponsorship onto the year-long LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) with the University of Law where required. For apprentices: Broadfield covers all tuition and assessment fees for its six-year Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship.
SQE Support
Broadfield will sponsor future Trainees who have yet to complete their SQE exams onto a year-long LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) with the University of Law; the firm recruits one year in advance to enable completion of SQE exams before the training contract begins.
International Opportunities
Trainees may be required or offered to complete a seat in one of the firm's other offices to meet business needs; the firm also offers client secondments for those wanting in-house exposure.
Client Secondments
The firm offers client secondments to provide exposure to working as an in-house lawyer; no published percentage or standard duration is provided.
Mentorship
Each Trainee is supported by a named trainee supervisor, a Trainee buddy, desk-side mentoring from supervisors, departmental structured programmes and oversight from the Training Principal and Early Talent team (including the Early Talent and Development Manager and the EDI, CSR & Early Talent Advisor).
Programmes & Schemes
Paid short programmes (half-term and summer) combining induction, skills development workshops, practical case studies, networking opportunities and insight into law firm life. Students attend practical sessions, talks and may observe client-facing work. The London summer programme runs in collaboration with PRIME and requires PRIME eligibility for that intake.
- Duration: 3 days (dates vary by office: e.g., Reading 17-19 Feb 2026; London PRIME 28-30 Jul 2026; London 27-29 Oct 2026)
- Salary: Paid the Living Wage for the area in which the placement takes place
- Deadline: TBC
A paid, immersive two-week vacation scheme (1–12 June 2026) across the London, Reading and Southampton offices. Attendees experience two practice areas, complete skills workshops, and are assigned a supervisor and Trainee buddy. Strong performers may be invited to the assessment centre and considered for training contracts.
- Duration: 2 weeks (1–12 June 2026)
- Salary: Paid the Living Wage for the area in which the placement takes place
- Deadline: 2026-02-01
A six-year Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship combining four days’ work at Broadfield and one day of study per week to attain an LLB in Legal Practice and to prepare for the SQEs. Apprentices rotate seats annually across a broad range of departments and Broadfield covers all tuition and assessment fees. The programme includes online and face-to-face learning and City of London Law Society #CityCentury modules and SQE Plus modules to align business skills.
- Duration: 6 years
- Salary: Paid salary (amount not specified); apprentices are paid throughout and in years five and six will be paid a Trainee salary (figures not published)
- Deadline: 2026-02-15
Notable Matters
Broadfield acted for Digital Voices (founder Jennifer Quigley-Jones) on the sale of the global influencer marketing agency to PMG. The corporate team led negotiations and transactional execution, coordinating tax and employment advice across the transaction (tax partner and employment partner involvement noted).
Corporate & M&A
Broadfield’s Residential Development and Planning Law teams (led by Legal Director Chris Holmes and Of Counsel Gemma Bullard) negotiated a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and drafted the legal agreements enabling a 16-hectare off-site Biodiversity Net Gain habitat bank at Purns Mill, Gillingham, Dorset.
Environment & Planning
Broadfield advised Premier Marinas on its acquisition of Dart Marina Group (corporate transaction support across the deal lifecycle and integration matters).
Corporate & M&A
The Banking & Finance team advised British mattress manufacturer Hypnos Beds on arranging a new finance facility (debt/refinancing work led by the finance practice).
Banking & Finance
Broadfield drafted and negotiated BNG and related commercial agreements for developers and promoters to enable residential development while creating nature-rich habitats and BNG unit sales.
Real Estate
What Broadfield Looks For
Key Competencies
- Commercial awareness
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Confidence and communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving and innovation
- Resilience and adaptability
- Organisational skills
- Client service orientation
Evidence Signals
- Relevant commercial or legal work experience (e.g., internships, vacation schemes, paralegal work)
- Participation in PRIME or other targeted access programmes for summer placements
- Demonstrable commercial awareness and experience of sector-specific projects
- Evidence of mentoring, pro bono or community engagement
- Academic achievement combined with broader experiences that show commercial judgement
Benefits & Wellbeing
- At least 25 days holiday per year
- Matching pension contributions up to 7%
- Cycle to work scheme
- Medical screenings
- Employee assistance programme (EAP)
- Payroll giving
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Private medical insurance
- Income protection insurance
- Sports teams
- Interest free season ticket loans
- CSR day
- Life assurance
- Paid Living Wage for vacation scheme and work experience participants
- Sponsorship of year-long LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) for prospective trainees where required
- Apprenticeship tuition and assessment fees covered for Level 7 Solicitor Apprentices
Wellbeing
Employee assistance programme, medical screenings, sports teams and CSR activities; broader wellbeing support is provided through the firm's EAP and local wellbeing initiatives.
Awards & Recognition
- Winner: Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards 2025 - Innovation in Strategic Direction
- Winner: Legal Insider Awards 2025 - Best Mid-Market Client Legal Services Provider (15 December 2025)
- Winner: InsuranceAsia News Institutional Asset Management Awards 2026 - Best Legal Services Provider (6 May 2026)
- Broadfield Lawyer: Lifetime Achievement Award at Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2026 (14 May 2026)
- Achieved top-tier rankings in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 (as noted on site)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The firm highlights initiatives focused on developing and retaining female lawyers through mentoring, training and diversity awareness programmes; publishes an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and a Gender Pay Gap Report.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (firm policy page)
- Gender Pay Gap Report 2025 (published)
- PRIME partnership for London summer work experience
- City of London Law Society #CityCentury collaboration (apprenticeship modules)
Pro Bono
Broadfield promotes pro bono legal work and community engagement as part of its CSR activity (the careers pages and news reference pro bono support and CSR days); no firm-wide hours targets or partner pro bono commitments are published on the referenced pages.
Innovation
Broadfield integrates legal operations and technology through a strategic collaboration with SHP Legal Services (a subsidiary of LSS Strategic Partners / Alvarez & Marsal). The firm invests in AI-enabled workflows, bespoke legal technology and data analytics to improve efficiency across transactions, funds, ECG, and investigations. Innovation is central to the firm's strategy (winner of the FT Innovative Lawyers award) and trainees are exposed to department-specific technology tools and AI-enabled processes as part of their seat experience.
- Strategic partnership with SHP Legal Services (SHP LS) to provide integrated operations, technology and talent support
- Use of secure, AI-enabled workflows and AI-driven analytics across practices
- AI-driven ECG data analytics and regulatory technology in Environmental & Corporate Governance work
- Firm-wide investment in technology and bespoke AI customisation
Quick Application Angles
- Highlight your commercial awareness with reference to the firm’s mid-market deals (for example private equity and fund work) and recent matters such as the Digital Voices sale or the firm’s fund and asset-management capability.
- If applying for apprenticeships or training contracts, mention your interest in the SQE pathway and that Broadfield sponsors the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) at the University of Law — explain why the SQE route suits your career plan.
- Demonstrate fit with a partner-led, collaborative model: give examples of times you worked in small teams, had client contact, or took early responsibility — Broadfield emphasises early responsibility and desk-side mentoring.
- Reference the firm’s innovation and operations model (partnership with SHP Legal Services and AI-enabled workflows) if you have experience with legal tech, process improvement or data/analytics projects — this aligns with a clear strategic priority for the firm.
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