This page provides comprehensive insights into securing a training contract or vacation scheme at Stephenson Harwood, a renowned law firm. It covers various aspects, including the firm’s training contract and vacation scheme, application tips, unique features, history, and what sets the firm apart in the legal industry.
Having a well-crafted legal CV and a personalized cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing a training contract or a vacation scheme.
What is the Stephenson Harwood Training Contract?
The Stephenson Harwood training contract is a comprehensive program designed to develop world-class trainees in the field of law. The contract spans two years and involves four different seats, offering trainees significant responsibility and the opportunity to become integral to complex international deals. The firm ensures that trainees are listened to, encouraged, coached, and stretched to maximize their potential.
Check our training contract deadlines calendar to stay updated with important dates.
Stephenson Harwood offers its training contracts across four global locations: London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Paris. This provides a broad spectrum of experiences in various legal practices and exposure to different cultures and legal systems. Trainees are given the chance to engage in a wide range of legal tasks and are often integral members of small teams working on high-profile cases and transactions.
Feedback from current and former trainees emphasizes the high quality of work, the firm’s non-toxic culture, and the supportive environment provided by partners and associates. During each seat, trainees are expected to take on significant responsibilities, akin to those of a junior solicitor. This hands-on approach is designed to develop their legal skills, commercial awareness, and client interaction abilities. They are not only involved in drafting documents and conducting research but also in attending client meetings and court proceedings, offering a realistic insight into the life of a solicitor.
Stephenson Harwood Training Contract Requirements
The Stephenson Harwood training contract is designed for individuals who are at various stages of their education or career. Here are the key requirements and application details:
- Eligibility: The training contract is open to candidates in their penultimate or final year of a law degree, or those in the final year of a non-law degree. Postgraduates and individuals who have pursued other careers before committing to the legal profession are also welcome to apply.
- Application Periods: The application periods for the training contracts commencing in March and September are from October to July.
- Diverse Opportunities: In addition to the traditional application route, the firm also offers placement schemes, apprenticeships, scholarships, and the Bright Sparks program, catering to a diverse range of applicants at different stages of their educational or professional journey.
What is the Stephenson Harwood Vacation Scheme
The Stephenson Harwood vacation scheme is a key component of the firm’s recruitment process and offers a comprehensive insight into the life and work at the firm. This scheme is available in their London, Dubai, and Hong Kong offices, with each location offering unique experiences.
The firm offers allowances to participants, which vary by location. For instance, in London, participants receive £465 per week and lunches, with accommodation provided for those meeting social mobility criteria. In Hong Kong, the allowance is HKD 2000 per week, and in Dubai, participants receive flights, accommodation, and a daily allowance. Are you applying to placements right now? See our vacation schemes deadlines calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Winter Vacation Scheme at Stephenson Harwood
The winter vacation scheme at Stephenson Harwood offers an invaluable opportunity for students and graduates to gain hands-on experience in the legal field. This scheme is part of the firm’s placement programs, which also include spring and summer schemes.
- Winter Placement Scheme: Mid-December
Spring Vacation Scheme at Stephenson Harwood
The spring vacation scheme at Stephenson Harwood is a two-week program offering insights into the legal profession and the firm’s culture. It provides participants with hands-on experience in different areas of law, working alongside experienced lawyers. The scheme includes a mix of case work and interactive educational sessions, along with social events for networking. This scheme is particularly valuable for understanding the firm’s operations and assessing if it aligns with the participant’s career aspirations.
- Spring Placement Scheme: Early-April
Summer Vacation Scheme at Stephenson Harwood
The summer vacation scheme at Stephenson Harwood provides an immersive experience into the firm’s operations and culture. Participants work closely with qualified lawyers, engaging in real case work and various areas of law. The scheme includes an organized program of interactive sessions, talks, and social events. It’s an opportunity to interact with the firm’s professionals and gain insight into a career in law. Participants receive financial support, including a weekly allowance and, for those in London not residing locally, accommodation arrangements. The scheme is an important step towards a potential training contract with the firm.
- Summer Placement Schemes: Late-June and mid-July
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Stephenson Harwood
The application process for the training contract and vacation scheme at Stephenson Harwood involves several stages:
- Eligibility: The scheme is open to candidates at different stages of their education, including penultimate and final-year law students, final-year non-law students, postgraduates, and career changers.
- Online Application: The application process starts with an online form, requiring details about education, work experience, and motivations for applying.
- Assessment and Interviews: Following the online application, candidates may undergo the firm’s Future Potential Assessment, virtual interviews, and a final assessment centre involving presentations, interviews, and commercial awareness exercises.
- Consideration for Training Contract: Participants in the placement schemes are automatically considered for a training contract. Their performance during the scheme, feedback from supervisors and buddies, and their involvement in tasks are key factors in this consideration.
You are likely to be asked a lot of questions during the application process. Find out how to perfectly answer why study law and why this law firm questions.
Why You Should Apply to Stephenson Harwood?
Applying for a training contract or vacation scheme at Stephenson Harwood offers several advantages. As a trainee, you’ll be given substantial responsibility and become an integral part of complex international deals. The firm emphasizes developing world-class trainees by providing attentive listening, encouragement, coaching, and stretching of abilities. Trainees also get to work across four global locations – London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Paris – experiencing diverse legal practices and cultures. This training experience is designed to equip you with the necessary tools to make a significant impact in your legal career.
History of Stephenson Harwood
The history of Stephenson Harwood dates back to 1875 when it was formed by William Harwood and Henry Stephenson in London. The firm’s origins can be traced further back to 1828 with the City law firm Tatham & Lousada. In 1920, Tathams merged with Stephenson Harwood, and in 1977, the firm was renamed Stephenson Harwood. The firm expanded internationally, notably entering the Asian market, and by 2002, it had established an office in Shanghai following a merger. Stephenson Harwood has played significant roles in major global events and deals, including the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis and a record-breaking Boeing deal in 2011.
What Makes Stephenson Harwood Stand Out
Stephenson Harwood is notable for several key features:
- Expert Teams: Emphasis on forming specialized teams tailored to clients’ specific needs.
- Diverse Practice Areas: Wide range of legal services across multiple sectors.
- Focused Training: A smaller intake of trainees ensures more personalized and in-depth training.
- Supportive Culture: Known for its friendly and supportive work environment.
- Work-Life Balance: Promotes a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
- International Opportunities: Offers international secondments, enriching trainees’ global legal perspectives.
- Strong Arbitration Practice: Recognized for its robust arbitration capabilities.
- Balanced Legal Work: Equally strong in contentious and non-contentious legal services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Stephenson Harwood.
How much do Stephenson Harwood trainees get paid in London?
Stephenson Harwood’s trainees in London are paid a salary of £48,500 in their first year and £53,500 in their second year. Learn all about solicitor salaries in our guide.
What is the future potential assessment for Stephenson Harwood?”
As for the future potential assessment at Stephenson Harwood, it includes a Future Potential Assessment involving numerical and verbal questions, as well as scenario-based reasoning. This is part of the firm’s application process for training contracts and is designed to evaluate candidates’ intellect, creativity, and response to typical trainee scenarios.
What type of firm is Stephenson Harwood?
Regarding the type of firm, Stephenson Harwood is classified as a City Law Firm. They are known for handling a diverse range of sectors and providing trainees with exposure to international work and an opportunity to participate in secondments. Although City law firms are not in the Magic Circle of law firms, they are very prestigious to work at.
How much do partners at Stephenson Harwood make?
Partners at Stephenson Harwood can earn significantly varying amounts based on their performance and equity status. The firm recently increased the top of its equity points by almost 40%, which means that top-performing partners could receive around £2 million. However, this figure is at the higher end of the spectrum and does not represent the average earnings for all partners. The average profit per equity partner (PEP) at Stephenson Harwood has been reported to be around £708,000, indicating a substantial range in partner earnings.
