Apply now!

Careers with Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood offer a training contract and vacation scheme, with support offered throughout to ensure you become the most rounded trainee solicitor you can possibly be. 

Training Contracts

Even before you start your training contract at Stephenson Harwood, you will attend a variety of different social events, interactive sessions and talks. This allows you to get to know the firm and your future coworkers. 

The training contract kicks off with a week’s induction as well as a comprehensive, post-induction programme. Trainees then get involved in a variety of different tasks, often working on high-profile, multi-million pound cases. The firm recruits 25 trainees in total, meaning you will get plenty of exposure to clients and a great sense of responsibility.

While this may feel intimidating, trainees are supported throughout the process, receiving mentoring from a senior partner and associate and regular development reviews. Trainees get the chance to learn about their strengths and weaknesses and get to discuss their long-term career goals. It’s not a one size fits all programme and every trainee receives advice and support dedicated to them.

Trainees at Stephenson Harwood complete four seats in total, and have the opportunity to complete a seat abroad. International secondments are a valuable learning opportunity for trainees, as they learn to work in another office and understand another culture. This makes trainees more confident in their legal skills. Given that Stephenson Harwood is a multinational firm, international secondments also allow trainees to better understand the firm’s global offerings.

Vacation Schemes

At Stephenson Harwood, vacation schemes are known as placement schemes. They take place during the Winter, Spring and Summer, each lasting 1-2 weeks. Candidates get paid £465 per week. During the scheme, candidates work side-by-side with qualified lawyers, tackling real life work. They also get to note down their preferences and get the chance to experience the practice area they are most interested in.

Aside from legal work, there is an extensive programme of interactive sessions, talks and social events. This allows candidates to learn more about the firm, and get the chance to network with everyone in the firm. Candidates will also take part in a formal assessment day for a training contract.

• Hub home
• Jobs
• Applications
• FAQs
• People
• Video
• Diversity