Post by Hogan Lovells

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. On 24–25 June, we brought together senior associates from across EMEA in Munich for Becoming a Trusted Advisor: Senior Associate Intensive 2, part of our HL Lead & Learn program. Across two days, the program focused on strengthening the mindset and capabilities that underpin effective client relationships. Participants explored how trust is built in practice – from demonstrating credibility and commercial awareness to navigating client conversations with clarity and confidence. Through interactive sessions, peer collaboration, and insights from partners and in-house counsel, the intensive combined practical learning with real client scenarios. Associates applied commercial thinking to pricing and profitability, developed client-ready proposals, and strengthened their approach to legal project management and value delivery. The program also created space for open dialogue on career progression, with candid discussions on expectations at counsel level and the skills required for long-term success. Thank you to the program sponsors Imogen Fowler and Daniel Simons, our contributors Katie McConnell, Dr. Christian, Mark Brennan, Volker Geyrhalter, Matthias M. Schweiger, Dr. Marion Fischer, Katharina Bickel, Dr. Stefan Mayr, LL.M., Thiemo Woertge, Jean-Bernard COLONNA, Jenny Hughes-Webb, Zoe Conlin, Tom Dowdall-Platt, Gavin Stoneham, Leon Russell, Manuel Cuiller, Matt Corcoran, and to our HL coaches and HL Lead & Learn team for organizing and facilitating the program – alongside colleagues across Munich, London, Birmingham, and Johannesburg who supported delivery of the program.