Describe how you started as a summer clerk and then returned as a law clerk over the winter

I applied for Harmos Horton Lusk in 2020, during the third year of my law degree. I worked as a Summer Clerk at the firm during the summer of 2020/2021, and then continued to stay in contact with the directors and associates through emails or coffee catch ups. In 2022, one of the directors reached out to offer me a part time position as a law clerk during my second semester. From July to November 2022, I worked two days a week while continuing my studies at university.

What team/teams did you clerk?

I had the opportunity to work with every member of the firm at some point throughout both my clerkships. Harmos Horton Lusk very much operates as one team that supports each other, and this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working there.

What makes HHL unique?

Harmos Horton Lusk has a flat structure and I have often been able to work one on one with the directors and senior associates. It has been such an invaluable experience getting to learn from industry leaders and see first-hand how they think and work. They always took the time to answer my questions and explain the transactions and deals. Harmos Horton Lusk truly values and respects every member of the team, regardless of your experience or level.

What has been your favourite experience of working at HHL?

Being able to work with everyone and having the opportunity to learn from such experienced lawyers. The entire team at Harmos Horton Lusk is extremely passionate about the work that they do, and this energy is very contagious. The work is exciting, challenging, and complex, and there is never a boring day in the office.

What surprised you about working at HHL?

From my very first day at Harmos Horton Lusk, I was immediately brought into the deals and work that was being done. I had not expected to be given such hands-on experience right from the start. Everyone was keen to get me involved and teach me everything that they could. I was also surprised by how complex the transactions can be. It makes the work even more exciting and challenging because there are so many different layers.

What were the social opportunities like at HHL?

Harmos Horton Lusk prioritises their culture and their people. There is always someone to have a good chat and a laugh with, and the size of the firm means that I was able to get to know everyone well. Every Wednesday we have a firm lunch which is a great way to take some time away from work and reconnect with the team.

What would you want a prospective summer clerk to know about HHL?

Know that you are going into a firm that is incredibly supportive and will always take the time to teach you, so in return it is important to show that you care and be proactive about getting involved. Due to the smaller firm size, you will always be seen and heard, so make the most of it! Ask questions, form opinions, and get excited about the work you’re doing.

About the firm

Harmos Horton Lusk is New Zealand’s premier specialist corporate law firm. We are market leaders in governance advice, public takeovers, private mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, and public and private capital raisings.

We have an enviable reputation for expertise at the high end of the market. The transactions on which we advise are regularly nominated for, and have won, international and national awards, and members of our team are highly recognised in legal and rankings publications.

For aspiring young lawyers, Harmos Horton Lusk is where you can hone your critical thinking skills, because we’re more than legal experts – we’re creative thinkers and innovative solution finders, known for developing industry-leading strategies for our clients.
Does this sound like something you’d like to be part of?

Working at the firm

If you’re a young lawyer looking to be immersed in high quality, cutting-edge corporate law, talk to us.

Because corporate work is our speciality, we thrive on solving complex and challenging problems to deliver commercially viable outcomes. To do that we think outside the square, so you’ll learn from among the best thinkers and strategists in the business and gain fantastic solution-driven experience along the way.

That experience will come via a rich variety of corporate work which includes complex merger and acquisition transactions, takeovers, capital markets and equity advice, corporate governance and strategic board advice, foreign investment, and a range of other high-profile work. Recent notable transactions include advising NYSE listed Unity Software on its USD1.625 billion acquisition of Weta Digital Limited’s digital assets and advising one of New Zealand’s largest wine companies Villa Maria Estate Limited and its shareholder FFWL Limited (In Receivership) on the sale of all the shares in Villa Maria Estate Limited and the sale of land surplus to Villa Maria Estate’s core operating requirements.

For us, it is not simply about the application of the law – it is about an absolute commitment to achieving the best commercial outcomes for our clients.

This philosophy, and the nature of our work with some of New Zealand’s leading listed companies, private equity firms and corporates, means you’ll be part of a team whose work is constantly stimulating, challenging and dynamic. As a result, we promise your knowledge and expertise as a professional will grow exponentially, while working in a fun and energetic team environment.

A position at Harmos Horton Lusk will prepare you to work in any of the world’s financial centres – we’ve helped our alumni secure positions at leading international law firms in London, New York and Singapore.

Opportunities for students

We’re looking for highly motivated, high achieving candidates, with a passion for corporate law. For more information visit hhl.co.nz/careers.