Stephenson Harwood

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood recruits had been drawn in by the firm’s ‘Legal 500 Tier 1 ship finance practice’, ‘strong reputation in litigation’ and ‘truly international’ outlook, as well as a ‘good balance of contentious and non-contentious seats’. The smaller intake is another major selling point, with trainees praising the ‘personable approach’ and the fact that ‘partners are supervising juniors directly’.

Several respondents mentioned positive interactions with the firm before joining, from campus events to the interview process, where they found staff ‘approachable’, ‘friendly’ and ‘willing to help’.

Once inside Stephenson Harwood, ‘the people’ remain the standout feature. Colleagues are described as ‘friendly, supportive and sociable’, while partner contact and mentorship are valued across the firm. The international firm also offers serious work early on: trainees cited ‘leading a workstream’ on a large transaction with sustainability elements, and ‘helping bring a consumer collective class action against a major e-retailer’ as career highlights.

Overseas opportunities are another major plus point of training at Stephenson Harwood. One trainee who completed a secondment in the Singapore corporate team praised the exposure to ‘international clients and the wider SH network in Asia and beyond’.

When it comes to improvements, respondents would like to see more consistent seat-specific training, faster IT support, a more modern office space and more NQ roles. Demanding hours are also a downside, especially in transactional seats, where one trainee said they can be ‘as long as US and Magic Circle firms’.

For trainees seeking a genuinely international firm where shipping finance pedigree, a true balance of contentious and transactional work, and close partner supervision all sit side by side, Stephenson Harwood’s offering is hard to beat.

About the firm

The firm: Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm, and we’re committed to creating ‘positive partnerships’ with our clients. We represent listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. Our focus is on five core sectors: Energy Transition and Infrastructure, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade.

With more than 1,500 people, including 250+ partners, across 11 offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we combine deep legal capabilities and broad commercial expertise. We have also forged close ties with high-quality law firms around the world, blending local knowledge with global savvy for clients in over 100 countries.

Partner in charge: Eifion Morris

Other offices: Al Khobar, Athens, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Paris, Riyadh, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore

What we do: The clients we work with are hugely varied. Whether they’re corporations, institutions or individuals, we assemble teams of bold thinkers to match our clients’ needs and ensure they receive the right advice, from the right person, at the right time. Our experience encompasses: corporate; commercial litigation; employment, pensions and private wealth; finance; marine and international trade; and real estate and projects.

We pride ourselves on supporting our people to reach their full potential, so as a trainee you can expect to work in close-knit teams, where associates and partners will take responsibility for ensuring that you get in on the heart of the action on the matters on which you work.

What we’re looking for: We expect the 25 trainees we take each year to be dedicated, driven and ambitious. If we choose you, it’s because we see qualities that make you a potential high-performing associate – possibly even a future partner. We look for four key characteristics.

The ability to quickly assimilate a wealth of information and identify the main issues is critical. You’ll have an excellent academic record (ideally at least a 2(1)), be able to make well-reasoned decisions and have meticulous attention to detail.

Ambitious, driven and inquisitive, you’ll love a challenge and have the resilience needed to respond well to feedback and adapt to working in a changing environment. As someone who always keeps the end result firmly in mind and is enthusiastic even under pressure, you’ll be able to show us you know how to get a job not just done, but done brilliantly – to the very best of your ability.

Lastly, you won’t be afraid to question and challenge, or to put forward practical solutions and ideas that are well thought through. We’re known for sound commercial judgement and our international outlook, so you’ll need the potential to develop the same skills.

What you’ll do: You could find yourself working on anything from a high-profile, multimillion-pound financial litigation case to a ground-breaking M&A deal. You could even spend time on secondment at a client’s office, absorbing a totally different business culture first-hand.

Although every seat is a different journey, each is designed to give you a broad balance of commercial awareness and practical legal experience, plus the flexibility to move between projects and pick up new skills. There will be plenty of challenges along the way, but also lots of support. At every stage you’ll be coached and mentored by a partner or senior solicitor who’ll give you regular feedback, advice and guidance on everything from your day-to-day responsibilities to your long-term career decisions.

Perks: Benefits include subsidised membership of heath clubs, private health insurance, pension, dental health scheme, private GP services, critical illness cover, health screening, life assurance, season ticket loan and subsidised café.

Sponsorship

PGDL grant – £12,000; SQE grant – £18,000.

Seat options

• Commercial litigation
• Corporate
• Employment
• pensions and private wealth
• Finance
• Intellectual property
• Commercial
• Data and tech
• Maritime
• Trade and Offshore
• Real estate and projects

Tips from the recruiter

1. Triple check before submitting! Ask someone to proofread your application and ensure that you haven’t missed any spelling or grammar errors.
2. Include as much work experience as possible. This does not just have to be legal experience – we want to hear about any volunteering/extra-curricular activities/any work you’ve been doing.

Diversity and Inclusion