The five new recruits will mark the first time ever that Goodwin has taken on trainees in London. According to reports in Lawyer2B, the firm has applied for validation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to take on its first trainee cohort. It is understood that the trainees are following in the footsteps of former KWM head of investment funds Michael Halford, who made the switch to Goodwin together with three other partners at the end of November. Several other firms have expressed interest in taking on training contracts already awarded by KWM, though no hires have yet been confirmed.