Louis Huglin: My Journey into Law and Life as a Film, TV and Theatre Associate at Harbottle & Lewis

I grew up in North London and studied History at the University of Warwick.

During my final year, I applied for vacation schemes and training contracts, and I was fortunate to receive an offer from Olswang after completing a vacation scheme with them. After graduating, I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at The College of Law in Guildford and then the Legal Practice Course at BPP Holborn.

Why I chose to train as a solicitorI studied History because it was the subject I loved most at school.

The analysis of language, critical thinking and persuasive writing were central to my degree, and those skills naturally pointed me towards the law. I have always thrived when surrounded by bright people who know more than me, and I knew that the legal profession would give me that environment.

I wanted a career that would challenge me, keep me alert and require constant development. The law is always changing, and that appealed to me.

The training contract application processComing from a non-law background, I realised early on that research was essential. I made sure every application was tailored to the firm I was applying to, and that approach helped me reach interview stages.

One memory stands out. In the summer of 2010, I was on a vacation scheme at a Birmingham firm. The second week ended on the same Friday that training contract applications for other firms were due. Every evening after work I went to a café that stayed open until late, using their WiFi to finish my applications.

It was intense trying to meet deadlines while also trying to impress the people at the firm. Looking back, it was excellent preparation for the workload I would later face as a trainee.

The best advice I receivedDuring university, I spent a week at a high street Real Estate firm. The solicitor I worked with, along with Warwick’s careers service, gave me two pieces of advice that stayed with me.

First, make every application specific. Tailor it to the firm. Look at recent deals or stories in the press and mention them. Show that you understand their practice areas and current affairs.

Second, pay attention to detail. It sounds simple, but it is often ignored. A small mistake may seem insignificant to you, but it can be obvious to the person reading your application.

How I chose Film, TV and TheatreThroughout school and university, I found success by following what interested me most. During the LPC I chose the Intellectual Property elective because I was fascinated by the subject. I am at my best when I am working in an area that genuinely interests me.

During my training contract, I kept my options open. I wanted Media and Technology to be one of my seats, but I knew I had to impress in every seat to secure a job. I also took a secondment at Dentsu Aegis Network, a global advertising agency. It gave me a different perspective on commercial legal work and remains one of my most valuable learning experiences.

After qualifying, I joined Olswang’s Media and Technology team and spent two and a half enjoyable years there.

When the CMS merger was announced, I began thinking about my long-term career. Around that time I heard about an opening at Harbottle and Lewis in their Film, TV and Theatre team. It felt like the perfect fit, and everything became clear. I knew I had to pursue it.

My day-to-day workI advise clients across the Film, TV and Theatre industries at every stage of the production process.

I help producers acquire rights, source finance and negotiate contracts with on-screen and off-screen talent. I also help clients bring their work to market, whether that is for stage or screen.

I work with established global clients such as Universal and Monty Python, and I also work with emerging talent who are just beginning their careers.

My favourite part of the roleI genuinely enjoy going to work every day. The people I work with, both clients and colleagues, stand out. I am always learning from those around me.

The work itself is a privilege. Producing a movie or a show involves a huge variety of legal issues, and I like that each day brings something new. I spend a lot of time speaking with clients, drafting agreements and negotiating on their behalf. I am fortunate to work in industries I care deeply about. It is not all parties, opening nights and premieres, but it is always interesting.

What I wish I had knownAt school, university and even during my training contract, life was divided into clear phases.

There was always an end to the term or an end to the seat. Once you qualify, those phases disappear. You are responsible for your own development. You have to be bold and step outside your comfort zone. Although that can seem daunting, it gives you the freedom to set your own goals and shape your own career.