HK Law

Overview

HK Law (Humphries Kirk) is a regional full-service law firm operating across Dorset and neighbouring Somerset from a network of local offices. The firm positions itself as a client‑centric practice serving private individuals, agriculture clients and local businesses, offering core capabilities in family law, real estate, wills & probate, corporate/commercial and dispute resolution. HK Law traces its history to Crewkerne in 1749 and describes itself as one of the longest‑standing solicitor practices in the country — a legacy it combines with a “modern approach backed up by traditional values.” The firm’s distinguishing features are its multi‑office local presence across Dorset towns, sector experience in agriculture & rural matters, and a broad retail and commercial offering for regional clients.

• Headquarters: Wareham, Glebe House North Street
• Founded: 1749
• Offices: 7

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

• Agriculture & Rural
• Family Law
• Employment
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• Real Estate
• Private Client & Wealth
• Corporate & M&A
• Construction & Engineering
• Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
• Tax
• Commercial Contracts
• Intellectual Property
• Data Protection & Privacy

Geographic Focus: Primary strength across Dorset with additional coverage into neighbouring Somerset. The firm operates as a South West / Dorset regional practice with a multi‑office strategy (Blandford, Bournemouth, Crewkerne, Dorchester, Poole, Swanage, Wareham) serving individuals, agriculture/rural clients and local businesses; emphasis on in‑person client service from convenient local offices.

Training Contract

• Academic Requirements: You must have completed a degree (in any field) or be able to verify predicted results. ( 2:1 or above preferred)
• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Apply on the HK Law website →

Programmes & Schemes

What HK Law Looks For

Key Competencies

• Client‑focused advisory skills
• Commercial awareness (especially for local businesses and agricultural clients)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Teamwork and adaptability in small office teams
• Attention to detail and case management
• Resilience and practical problem solving
• Commitment to serving local/community clients

Evidence Signals

• Local or regional work experience (work experience placements at HK Law or similar firms)
• Practical client contact or volunteering demonstrating interpersonal skills
• Experience or interest in agriculture/rural matters for relevant seats
• Commercial or pro bono exposure (conveyancing, family, probate, SME commercial work)
• Progress on vocational routes (LPC or SQE preparation / enrollment)

Benefits & Wellbeing

Awards & Recognition

• 2026: 20 ranked departments in independent rankings (firm listed across multiple practice rankings).
• 2026: 4 ranked lawyers recorded in independent rankings.
• Rankings listed include coverage in Corporate & M&A, Employment, Intellectual Property, Real Estate and other practice areas.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Innovation

Quick Application Angles

• Emphasise regional commitment and client service: reference the firm's multi‑office Dorset footprint (Blandford, Bournemouth, Crewkerne, Dorchester, Poole, Swanage, Wareham) and give examples of how your experience will help serve local/private clients.
• If applying for family, probate or agricultural seats, highlight direct experience (work experience, volunteering or projects) that shows you understand sensitive client work and rural/community contexts.
• Reference the firm’s heritage (history in Crewkerne dating to 1749) to show cultural fit — explain how traditional client service combined with modern working would suit your approach.
• Note your route to qualification: make clear whether you are applying via the SQE or LPC pathway (the firm advertises both routes for 2027 entry) and outline any concrete SQE/LPC progress or study plans.