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Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm with more than 1,500 people, including 250+ partners, across 11 offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

London, United KingdomUK rank #29Official website (opens in new tab)

Firm overview

At a glance

A clear starting point for understanding the firm, its opportunities and the information students should check before applying.

Head office London, United Kingdom
Locations 22 office records
Practice areas 12 listed

Available routes

How can students join?

Student opportunities

Opportunities

Vacation schemes, training contracts, apprenticeships, insight programmes, work experience and other application routes.

United Arab Emirates - Dubai Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Arab Emirates: Dubai

  • Programme dates: March and September 2028 commencements.
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Status: no_application

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: March and September 2028 commencements.
  • Who can apply: Dubai Vacation Scheme candidates
  • Eligibility: arabic advantageous: true middle east interest: true
  • Academic requirements: Strong academics, commercial aptitude and a keen interest in the Middle East. Arabic language skills are advantageous.
  • Application process: Application Assessment Vacation Scheme Training Contract assessment Offer Online application Online assessment Assessment stage Dubai Vacation Scheme Dubai Training Contract assessment day
  • Assessments: Online assessment Vacation Scheme performance Training Contract assessment day
  • Progression: Qualification and potential associate role.
  • Funding: Exact Training Contract funding details are not published on the Dubai page. exact amount published: false salary paid: true
  • Travel support: Arrangement specific.
  • Accommodation support: Arrangement specific.
  • Right to work: UAE visa, residency and work-authorisation requirements apply.
  • Disability support: Adjustments may be requested through the Future Talent team.
View United Arab Emirates - Dubai Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

France - Paris training opportunity

Type: Traineeship

Location: France: Paris

  • Programme dates: Six-month placement; dates depend on the live vacancy.
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Six-month placement; dates depend on the live vacancy.
  • Who can apply: Students and graduates meeting Paris requirements
  • Eligibility: route: Paris Six-Month Trainee Opportunity
  • Academic requirements: Excellent academic record, ideally at least a 2:1 or equivalent, plus relevant Paris-office language and professional requirements.
  • Application process: Application or request Review Offer or support arrangement Check live Paris vacancies Submit application Interview Offer
  • Assessments: Vacancy-specific assessment or support review
  • Progression: Potential progression to a Training Contract, qualification or employment where applicable.
  • Funding: No exact financial figure is published. exact amount published: false
  • Right to work: French right-to-work, language and professional-training requirements apply.
  • Disability support: Adjustments may be requested.
View France - Paris training opportunity official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Summer Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Closing date: 2026-01-30 10:00:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: 27 July–7 August 2026
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: 27 July–7 August 2026
  • Programme: 22 June–3 July 2026
  • Who can apply: Eligible students and graduates
  • Eligibility: ideal a levels: ABB ideal degree: 2:1 training contract eligibility required: true
  • Academic requirements: Applicants must be eligible to begin the Training Contract year being recruited for. Ideally ABB at A Level or equivalent and a 2:1 degree.
  • Application process: Application form Online assessment Assessment centre Two-week Vacation Scheme Training Contract decision Online application Amberjack online assessment Assessment centre Vacation Scheme offer Training Contract assessment during or after the scheme
  • Assessments: Online assessment Assessment-centre exercises Quality of legal work and engagement during the scheme Training Contract assessment
  • Progression: Assessment for a London Training Contract.
  • Funding: The firm publishes London Living Wage support, daily lunch and funded accommodation for eligible students living outside London through its social-mobility support information. daily lunch: true eligible non london accommodation support: true exact scheme pay published: false london living wage support described on social mobility page: true
  • Expenses: Daily lunch is provided under the published placement support.
  • Travel support: No universal Vacation Scheme travel reimbursement is published.
  • Accommodation support: Eligible students from lower socio-economic backgrounds living outside London may receive funded accommodation.
  • Right to work: Applicants must have permission to participate in the London scheme.
  • Disability support: Adjustments and alternative formats are available through the Future Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Summer Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Closing date: 2026-01-30 10:00:00 Europe/London
  • Application timing: Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: September 2026 start; six-year Level 7 route.
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: September 2026 start; six-year Level 7 route.
  • Who can apply: School leavers
  • Eligibility: degree required: false school leaver route: true
  • Academic requirements: Excellent academic record expected. Exact minimum entry requirements must be checked in the live application.
  • Application process: Application Online assessment Assessment centre or interview Offer Online application Amberjack assessment Assessment stage Apprenticeship offer
  • Assessments: Online assessment Assessment exercises Interview
  • Progression: Qualification as a solicitor after completing the apprenticeship and SQE.
  • Funding: Paid employment, a £5,000 starting grant and BPP study support are published. annual salary increase: 5000 starting grant: 5000 starting salary: 30000 study day each week: true study provider: BPP
  • Right to work: UK right-to-work and apprenticeship-funding eligibility apply.
  • Disability support: Alternative formats and recruitment adjustments are available.
View United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Stephenson Harwood Scholarship Award

Type: Scholarship / Bursary

Location: United Kingdom

  • Closing date: 2026-01-30 10:00:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: Three-year undergraduate law degree commencing September or October 2026
  • Duration: 3 undergraduate years
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: Three-year undergraduate law degree commencing September or October 2026
  • Who can apply: Eligible state-school students from lower socio-economic backgrounds
  • Eligibility: positive action: true route: Stephenson Harwood Scholarship Award 2026
  • Academic requirements: Must apply for a UK law degree starting September or October 2026, not already have begun or completed an undergraduate degree, demonstrate academic potential and attend a state-funded non-fee-paying school or college from age 11, plus qualifying contextual criteria.
  • Application process: Application form Virtual interview In-person assessment centre Award Online application and contextual data Virtual Microsoft Teams interview In-person London assessment centre Scholarship decision
  • Assessments: Contextual eligibility review Motivation questions Virtual interview Written task at assessment centre Academic potential, resilience and initiative assessment
  • Progression: Guaranteed Vacation Scheme and assessment for a Training Contract.
  • Funding: Up to five scholars receive £15,000 annually for three undergraduate years. annual award: 15000 assessment centre travel reimbursed: true guaranteed vacation scheme: true maximum total: 45000 places max: 5 years: 3
  • Expenses: Assessment-centre travel expenses reimbursed.
  • Travel support: Assessment-centre travel reimbursed.
  • Accommodation support: Not published.
  • Right to work: Employment right-to-work rules may not apply to an insight event; underlying route requirements remain relevant.
  • Disability support: Alternative formats and adjustments are available through the Future Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Stephenson Harwood Scholarship Award official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Arab Emirates - Dubai Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Arab Emirates: Dubai

  • Closing date: 2026-01-30 10:00:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: 22 June–3 July 2026
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: 22 June–3 July 2026
  • Who can apply: Dubai-route candidates
  • Eligibility: arabic advantageous: true middle east interest: true
  • Academic requirements: Strong academics, commercial aptitude and a keen interest in the Middle East. Arabic language skills are advantageous.
  • Application process: Application Assessment Vacation Scheme Training Contract assessment Offer Online application Online assessment Assessment stage Dubai Vacation Scheme Dubai Training Contract assessment day
  • Assessments: Online assessment Vacation Scheme performance Training Contract assessment day
  • Progression: Assessment for a Dubai Training Contract.
  • Funding: Flights, accommodation for non-residents and AED 150 per day are provided. accommodation if non resident: true daily allowance aed: 150 flights provided: true
  • Travel support: Flights to Dubai are provided.
  • Accommodation support: Accommodation is provided if the participant is not resident in Dubai.
  • Right to work: UAE visa, residency and work-authorisation requirements apply.
  • Disability support: Adjustments may be requested through the Future Talent team.
View United Arab Emirates - Dubai Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Bright Sparks work experience

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Closing date: 2026-02-27 10:00:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 27 February 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: 17–21 August 2026
  • Duration: 1 week
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 27 February 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: 17–21 August 2026
  • Who can apply: Eligible Year 12 state-school students
  • Eligibility: positive action: true route: Bright Sparks Work Experience 2026
  • Academic requirements: Current Year 12 student at a state non-fee-paying school, within commuting distance of London, eligible to work in the UK, and meeting at least one published social-mobility criterion.
  • Application process: Application Selection Participation Online application Selection Programme offer
  • Assessments: Programme-specific selection
  • Progression: Career insight and preparation for future applications.
  • Funding: London Living Wage, travel expenses and lunches are provided. london living wage: true lunches provided: true travel expenses paid: true
  • Expenses: All travel expenses and lunches provided.
  • Travel support: All programme travel expenses covered.
  • Accommodation support: Not published.
  • Right to work: Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
  • Disability support: Alternative formats and adjustments are available through the Future Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Bright Sparks work experience official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Spring Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Closing date: 2026-01-30 10:00:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: 13–24 April 2026
  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 30 January 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: 13–24 April 2026
  • Who can apply: Eligible students and graduates
  • Eligibility: ideal a levels: ABB ideal degree: 2:1 training contract eligibility required: true
  • Academic requirements: Applicants must be eligible to begin the Training Contract year being recruited for. Ideally ABB at A Level or equivalent and a 2:1 degree.
  • Application process: Application form Online assessment Assessment centre Two-week Vacation Scheme Training Contract decision Online application Amberjack online assessment Assessment centre Vacation Scheme offer Training Contract assessment during or after the scheme
  • Assessments: Online assessment Assessment-centre exercises Quality of legal work and engagement during the scheme Training Contract assessment
  • Progression: Assessment for a London Training Contract.
  • Funding: The firm publishes London Living Wage support, daily lunch and funded accommodation for eligible students living outside London through its social-mobility support information. daily lunch: true eligible non london accommodation support: true exact scheme pay published: false london living wage support described on social mobility page: true
  • Expenses: Daily lunch is provided under the published placement support.
  • Travel support: No universal Vacation Scheme travel reimbursement is published.
  • Accommodation support: Eligible students from lower socio-economic backgrounds living outside London may receive funded accommodation.
  • Right to work: Applicants must have permission to participate in the London scheme.
  • Disability support: Adjustments and alternative formats are available through the Future Talent team.
View United Kingdom - Spring Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - Ethnicity Pathway Programme

Type: Access Programme

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Application timing: Current application dates and the partner application route are not published on the reviewed Stephenson Harwood source.
  • Programme dates: A recurring access pathway; exact cohort dates are not published.
  • Status: unknown

Published application and programme dates

  • Current application dates and the partner application route are not published on the reviewed Stephenson Harwood source.
  • Programme: A recurring access pathway; exact cohort dates are not published.
  • Who can apply: Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Black heritage students aspiring to enter the legal profession
  • Eligibility: Positive-action programme for Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Black heritage students.
  • Application process: The programme is run with an external access partner; the current official Stephenson Harwood source does not publish a direct application window.
  • Progression: Mentoring, skills development, placement opportunities and guaranteed assessment-centre places support progression towards a training contract.
View United Kingdom - Ethnicity Pathway Programme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

Hong Kong - Hong Kong Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

  • Programme dates: Four six-month seats; exact intake date is not published on the standing page.
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Status: unknown

Published application and programme dates

  • Programme: Four six-month seats; exact intake date is not published on the standing page.
  • Who can apply: Hong Kong legal trainees
  • Eligibility: hong kong training eligibility: true
  • Academic requirements: Strong academic record and eligibility for Hong Kong legal training. Exact qualification requirements should be checked in the live application.
  • Application process: Application Assessment Vacation Scheme Training Contract decision Online application Assessment or interview Vacation Scheme Training Contract selection
  • Assessments: Application assessment Interview or assessment Scheme performance
  • Progression: Qualification and possible associate role.
  • Funding: No exact Hong Kong salary or placement payment is published on the standing page. exact amount published: false paid route: true
  • Right to work: Hong Kong visa, right-to-work and professional training requirements apply.
  • Disability support: Adjustments may be requested.
View Hong Kong - Hong Kong Training Contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

Hong Kong - Hong Kong Summer Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

  • Closing date: 2026-01-31 07:45:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 31 January 2026 at 15:45.
  • Programme dates: 6–24 July 2026
  • Duration: 3 weeks
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 31 January 2026 at 15:45.
  • Programme: 6–24 July 2026
  • Programme: 8–26 June 2026
  • Who can apply: Hong Kong-route candidates
  • Eligibility: hong kong training eligibility: true
  • Academic requirements: Strong academic record and eligibility for Hong Kong legal training. Exact qualification requirements should be checked in the live application.
  • Application process: Application Assessment Vacation Scheme Training Contract decision Online application Assessment or interview Vacation Scheme Training Contract selection
  • Assessments: Application assessment Interview or assessment Scheme performance
  • Progression: Potential Hong Kong Training Contract.
  • Funding: No exact Hong Kong salary or placement payment is published on the standing page. exact amount published: false paid route: true
  • Right to work: Hong Kong visa, right-to-work and professional training requirements apply.
  • Disability support: Adjustments may be requested.
View Hong Kong - Hong Kong Summer Vacation Scheme official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom - London training contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: London

  • Closing date: 2026-03-27 10:00:00
  • Application timing: Applications closed 27 March 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme dates: March and September 2028 commencements.
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Places: 25 London training contracts each year
  • Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

  • Applications closed 27 March 2026 at 10:00.
  • Programme: March and September 2028 commencements.
  • Who can apply: Eligible students and graduates
  • Eligibility: eligible to start in 2028: true final year non law: true graduates: true ideal a levels: ABB ideal degree: 2:1 penultimate year law: true
  • Academic requirements: Ideally ABB at A Level or equivalent and a 2:1 degree. Applicants must be eligible to begin the 2028 Training Contract.
  • Application process: Application form Online assessment Assessment centre Offer Online application Amberjack online assessment Recorded or live assessment stage as directed Assessment centre Training Contract offer
  • Assessments: Online assessment Commercial and analytical exercises Interview and assessment-centre exercises
  • Progression: Qualification as a solicitor and possible NQ role.
  • Funding: PGDL and SQE preparation and assessment fees are funded. PGDL maintenance grant £12,000 and SQE maintenance grant £18,000. Course fees are not covered retrospectively. nq salary: 105000 pgdl fees funded: true pgdl maintenance grant: 12000 provider: BPP University retrospective course fee reimbursement: false sqe assessment fees funded: true sqe maintenance grant: 18000 sqe preparation funded: true year one salary: 50000 year two salary: 55000
  • Expenses: No separate application expenses policy is published.
  • Travel support: Secondment and business-travel support is arrangement specific.
  • Accommodation support: No general accommodation grant is published for London trainees.
  • Right to work: Applicants must meet UK right-to-work requirements. Any sponsorship position must be checked in the live application.
  • Disability support: Adjustments and alternative formats are available through the Future Talent team.
View United Kingdom - London training contract official opportunity page (opens in new tab)

United Kingdom support

UK Visa and Funding

UK qualification funding, maintenance support and published visa-sponsorship or right-to-work information for joining the firm in the United Kingdom.

Areas of work

Practice areas

The legal services and capabilities listed by the firm.

Commercial Litigation

Official service group.

International Arbitration

Official service group.

Marine and International Trade

Official service group.

Aviation

Official service group.

Corporate

Official service group.

Finance

Official service group.

Employment, Pensions and Private Wealth

Official service group.

Real Estate

Official service group.

Competition

Official service group.

Intellectual Property

Official service group.

Projects and Infrastructure

Official service group.

Restructuring and Insolvency

Official service group.

Offices

Locations

Office locations and the student opportunities available in each location where confirmed.

Career paths

Roles

Early-career routes, legal careers, knowledge and innovation roles, legal support and specialist leadership titles.

Managing Associate

Confirmed via industry commentary on the firm's pay structure

Barrister

Confirmed via a named individual — described as "a barrister with 30 years' experience" on the firm's own Legal 500 lawyer profile

Solicitor Advocate

Confirmed via a named individual with Higher Rights of Audience since 2016

Partner

Salaried Partner

A distinct partner tier below equity partnership, confirmed via industry commentary

Associate

Access and inclusion

EDI

Recruitment adjustments, disability support, disability-specific programmes, mentoring, networks, partnerships and wider inclusion work.

Community and legal access

Pro bono

The firm’s published pro bono work, community projects, access-to-justice programmes and official partnerships.

Verified information for this section is being checked.

Firm research

Firm highlights

Published awards, sectors, notable work, clients and other information that helps students understand the firm.

Verified information for this section is being checked.