Hassans' Training Contract Scheme 2026
Hassans has been servicing and developing personal relationships with our local and international clients for over 80 years. In this time our firm has grown significantly and has had an important part to play in Gibraltar’s growth.
We know that our junior lawyers are the future of our business, and we are proud of our track record in nurturing industry leaders. We pride ourselves in recognising and recruiting the right individuals and providing them with an environment in which they can be innovative, influence change and thrive personally and professionally.
We believe that our business flourishes by ensuring that our lawyers feel valued and are provided with the right tools to facilitate their growth. Not all training contracts are the same. Get ahead and secure a training contract with us.
The application window is now open with applications being accepted until Monday 17th November 2025. Click here to read more about the scheme and to apply.
You can also learn more from some of our past trainees here, all of which have been recognised by one of the leading legal directories as a leader in their field in last year.
Louise Federico, Partner
What was your route to becoming a lawyer?
Wanting to keep my career options open, I chose a four-year joint honours degree in Law and Accounting at the University of Leeds. This gave me a strong foundation in both disciplines and ultimately led me to pursue law more seriously. I graduated with an LLB and went on to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law in London. After this, I worked as a paralegal for a couple of years at two different firms in Central London, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This period helped me refine my interests and solidify my commitment to becoming a solicitor. I then returned to Gibraltar to undertake my training contract with Hassans, where I was able to apply my UK experience to a new jurisdiction and develop my skills further. This route gave me a broad perspective and a well-rounded start to my legal career.
What’s the most valuable skill you developed as a trainee during your Hassans’ training contract?
During my training contract at Hassans, I developed strong relationship-building skills by working across departments during my seat rotations. Collaborating with colleagues from different practice areas gave me a broader understanding of the firm and the value of cross-team cooperation which continues to be invaluable to this day. I also completed the Gibraltar law course, which deepened my appreciation for the jurisdictional differences between Gibraltar law and the English and Welsh law I studied at university.
What do you wish you’d known before starting your training contract?
The fact that no one expects you to know everything from day one. Being curious shows initiative whilst being proactive in your role is essential to your progression and helps the team you are working with deliver effectively for clients.
What opportunities are there to get involved in pro bono, CSR, or firm initiatives?
Hassans actively encourages involvement in pro bono work, CSR initiatives, and charitable giving within the community. The firm’s strong culture of social responsibility creates meaningful opportunities to support local causes and contribute beyond the legal sphere. Inspired by this, I’ve taken on a role as Trustee of GibSams, a mental health charity dedicated to suicide prevention and emotional support in Gibraltar. This experience has allowed me to engage with the community. Hassans’ support makes it easy to align professional life with personal values.
Sam Marrache, Senior Associate
Why did you choose Hassans to do your training contract?
During the first year of my law degree at UCL I explored several options for my legal career. I knew from day one that quality of work and work culture were two factors which would be at the centre of any decision I took. That summer I joined my first of several Hassans Summer Student Programmes and quickly realised that I wanted to secure a training contract at the firm. Everyone I met was welcoming, easy to work with and always willing to invest time in helping students and trainees develop. As for the work, it is no exaggeration to say that practitioners take on the highest quality of work, leading the way in many areas of law in Gibraltar. My decision was therefore easy to make.
What surprised you most about being a trainee and what advice would you give to someone applying for a training contract?
My biggest surprise was the level at which I was involved in challenging, but rewarding work from early on in my training career. I always knew that I wanted to be a litigator, but I expected my involvement in real, complex cases to be limited until I was more experienced. Instead, within my first month I had been involved in a wide range of serious tasks, including attending a trial with the Partner on my team, helping to draft witness statements and preparing research notes. I was also immediately involved in client meetings, something which I always enjoy.
As for advice, I would say to try to take in as much as you can from everyone you work with. At Hassans we are lucky to have practitioners who lead in their respective fields and have so much to teach. Being a team player and having that insatiable desire to learn more, will set you up well for the rest of your career.
What excites you about the future of Hassans?
Hassans keeps going from strength to strength, adapting to the times and building on its past successes, and this is what excites me about the future. I am excited because its track record of excellence – top-tier rankings, robust training programmes and strong reputation, all mean that it will continue to attract the best quality work and the best upcoming talents in the Gibraltar legal scene. Being part of that success is fulfilling and makes me look forward to continuing to build on it in the future.
Karl Ghio, Partner
Was your route to becoming a lawyer relatively linear?
Far from it. I studied pharmacy at university and practiced as a pharmacist in the United Kingdom for 8 years. During this time, I decided to retrain as a lawyer. I did the part-time Graduate Diploma in Law course at Nottingham Trent University so that I could continue working whilst I studied. After I attained the GDL, I did the part-time Bar Vocational Course from BPP University Law School in Leeds. I was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2011, and the Gibraltar Bar in 2012.
What do you specialise in today?
I specialise in large real estate financings and construction law. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to advise on the legal aspects of most major real estate developments in Gibraltar in the past ten years.
Did you do any kind of internship or Summer Programme at Hassans, or any other law firm?
Unfortunately, I did not; as a mature student with a young family, I was not able take time out of work to do this. It is something that if I had my time again, in a different scenario, I would 100% have applied to do, I think the experience and insight gained during the programme is invaluable.
Any top tips for those starting out in a career in law?
Just one: take full ownership of the work assigned to you.
To find out more as to whether Hassans is the right firm for you, check out our FAQs below which provides you with all you need to know about the firm, what skill set and characteristics we are looking for, as well as insights from lawyers who started out as trainees at the firm, and what their experience has been.
Hassans’ Trainee Recruitment FAQs
- Why Hassans?
-
We are entrepreneurial.
We are committed to fulfilling Gibraltar’s potential, and have been a driving force within the local economy, at the very forefront of those industries for which Gibraltar is known internationally, including gaming, fintech, and blockchain. If you are passionate about new industries Hassans is the right place for you.
We are bold.
Being entrepreneurial requires courage. We embrace challenges and learn how to manage them. We understand that achievements are the result of relentless pursuits, and find confidence knowing that we are all driven by the will to make an impact, and improve things.
We are human.
The need for community is paramount, and defines our very nature as human beings. A large part of our ability to keep true with our entrepreneurial spirit, and to boldly take on new challenges, stems from knowing that we can find support and guidance. Whilst we have an international attitude, and proudly embrace the very highest standards of service, we never let go of our more personal side. We treasure relationships, and look out for each other.
- What can you expect from Hassans?
-
Experience.
At Hassans you will gain exposure to a wide range of practice areas. We advise high-profile local and international clients on a broad range of issues, giving you the opportunity to work on exciting, novel and challenging matters. Working with international clients also means that you will experience working with lawyers in other jurisdictions and across multiple-time zones.
Expert learning.
You will learn from leading lawyers that are recognised as experts in their fields. Our Trainee Training Programme will provide you with the opportunity to learn from senior lawyers that have developed and continue to shape the industries that they work in.
Self-development.
We can only improve as a business if our lawyers do as well. This is why we encourage our lawyers to develop their technical expertise as well as their personal skills and have established the Hassans Academy, through which all lawyers are given ongoing training suited to each stage of their careers. We also financially support our lawyers who undertake further studies.
Social.
You will find a diverse group of individuals whom all contribute to a hard-working but collegiate and enjoyable working atmosphere. At our core is a vibrant group of junior lawyers who appreciate the importance of striving for excellence to maintain the Hassans reputation, whilst achieving a good work-life balance and promoting a positive working environment for all.
- What we are looking for?
-
Ambition.
Our trainees are given responsibility from the outset to deal directly with clients, provide support to their teams and become involved in important matters. We look for people who thrive off this responsibility and seek out opportunities.
Commercial drive and entrepreneurial spirit.
Our business is to support our clients’ businesses. An understanding and awareness of commercial issues is crucial. Trainees should also be commercial in their approach to dealing with clients, getting involved in marketing the firm’s services and building new business.
Strong interpersonal skills.
We are a collaborative firm with a varied and diverse client base.
The ability to work in a team and communicate appropriately and efficiently is key.
Motivation to learn and develop.
We believe we can all learn from each other and never stop learning.
We look for trainees who are inquisitive and also willing to share their experience, ideas and opinions with others.
Academic achievement.
We expect a demonstrable strong academic history however we are equally as interested in your non-academic achievements and experiences.
To be eligible to apply for a training contract candidates must have successfully completed the Bar Training Course (BTC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or be currently undertaking one of these courses with an expected completion date of no later than the 31st of August 2026.
- What is our diversity policy?
-
Our clients come from all corners of the globe and all walks of life and so do we.
We celebrate the fact that we are all equally different and we welcome enquiries from everyone. A commitment to promoting diversity and developing a workplace environment where all staff can be themselves and feel empowered to succeed is central to our recruitment process.
If you have any disability-related queries or would like to have a conversation with our experienced team regarding adjustments, please contact our Head of Human Resources, Richard Mor on richard.mor@hassans.gi
- What does the training contract involve?
-
During your training contract, you will spend time across the four main departments of the firm: Corporate & Commercial, Private Clients, Property and Litigation. You will also attend the Professional Certificate of Competence in Gibraltar Law and the Professional Skills Course at the University of Gibraltar.
The Hassans’ Trainee Training Programme will help you navigate through the many activities and responsibilities of your role as a Hassans’ trainee.
During your first few weeks, you will be briefed on your role and introduced to the different tools which form part of your day to day work. You will learn about how the firm is structured and how it operates and, will be introduced to different departments and practitioners.
Following this induction, you will receive ongoing training covering substantive aspects (such as contract drafting) as well as soft-skills (such as research and communication) which we firmly believe form a core part of any successful career in law.
We want to empower you, and the Trainee Training Programme is our way of giving you the best tools to unleash your potential and prepare you to face the many exciting challenges which will arise during your career.
- How can I apply for a training contract?
-
Most of our trainees are recruited from our Summer Programme however, we are always keen to hear from quality candidates that have not previously attended our Summer Programme.
The deadline for applications is Monday 17th November. To apply click here
Gibraltar Office
Spain Office
Contact Us
Located at the gates to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is in the Central European Timezone.
Our professionals can be reached directly by email, contact details of which can be located in our People section. If you’re uncertain of the best person to speak to, please email us at info@hassans.gi or complete the confidential form and one of our team will direct your enquiry.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Get in Touch Today
Fill in your details below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. All enquiries are handled confidentially.
