London
What three top tips can you provide to those participating in an assessment day?
- Take every opportunity to showcase your achievements – try not to repeat yourself and use opportunities to talk about different areas of your life.
- Try to relax and be yourself – the exercises for the assessment day are designed to allow you to showcase your strengths, they are not designed to catch you out.
- Think of some questions that you would like to ask the interviewers – remember this is a two way process and we are keen for you to ensure that you have all the information you need to make your career decisions.
Are there any ways in which I can prepare for the commercial awareness element in the assessment day?
Our commercial awareness exercise has been designed so that all students from a range of backgrounds can do well, either from a law or non-law background.
No legal knowledge is required and all the materials will be provided to you on the day.
Whilst you do not need to prepare anything in advance for the exercise, you may want to think about how you can develop your commercial awareness.
One suggestion for practising this would be to take an article from a business journal or newspaper about an unfamiliar subject. Give yourself a set amount of time to read the article and come to a view on the topic considering, for example:
- What are the issues?
- What is the short term versus long term situation?
- What are the strengths / weaknesses / opportunities / challenges?
When do assessment centres take place?
We hold assessment centres for direct training contracts in late Summer. If you have been successful in securing a place on one of our assessment centres, once we have confirmed our assessment centre dates, we will send you an email with an invitation and further details.
How many vacation schemes are run each year?
We run one scheme in spring and two in the summer each lasting two weeks.
What is the best way to immerse yourself into life at Stephenson Harwood as a vacation scheme student?
During the vacation scheme you will benefit from an organised programme of interactive sessions, talks and social events. You will also get to meet some of our current trainees and ask them any questions you have about life as a trainee at the firm.
Before coming along to one of the scheduled events, have a think about what you would like to gain from the session and think about possible questions you may want to ask the speaker in advance. Being interested and enthusiastic when given a task to complete will ensure that people will want to involve you in more work throughout the placement.
What is unique to Stephenson Harwood?
We pride ourselves on support and development at the firm. We recognise that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to your training contract. When your first day arrives, you'll be given an induction programme that will help you develop the skills that you will need throughout your training contract. During your two year training contract you will have regular catch ups with your supervisor and Future Talent to ensure you are on the right track for success.
Are vacation scheme students considered for training contracts?
Candidates that apply for a vacation scheme with us are automatically considered for a training contract as they are required to attend an assessment centre during the scheme.
When should I apply?
Like most firms, we recruit our trainees two years in advance of the point at which they will begin their training contracts with us, to allow time for completion of the PGDL (if required) and the SQE prior to the start of the training contract. If you will still be studying in two years time, you should not apply in the current cycle.
What are the academic requirements to apply for a vacation scheme?
We look for a minimum of ABB at A Level (or equivalent) and a 2:1 at university. We will take mitigating circumstances into account when reviewing applications.
Does the firm offer work experience outside the placement scheme?
Due to high demand the firm is unable to accept work experience requests.
When should I apply?
Like most firms, we recruit our trainees two years in advance of the point at which they will begin their training contracts with us, to allow time for completion of the PGDL (if required) and the SQE prior to the start of the training contract. If you will still be studying in two years time, you should not apply in the current cycle.
What are the academic requirements to apply for a training contract?
We look for a minimum of ABB at A Level (or equivalent) and a 2:1 at university. We will take mitigating circumstances into account when reviewing applications.
How does the firm's tailored trainee programme affect each trainee's experience?
There are lots of opportunities at Stephenson Harwood; with seats in a range of practice areas, international and client secondments, prospects to be involved in Pro Bono and D&I projects, and the chance to work closely with senior colleagues and partners. We also offer internal secondment opportunities with our Innovation and Pro Bono teams.
Every seat is a different journey, each 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.
What type of work do trainees get involved in?
Every trainee will have access to top quality international work across a range of sectors. Whichever practice you join, you can expect extensive exposure to our clients and stimulating, cutting edge projects. You could find yourself working on anything from a high profile £multi-million financial litigation case to a ground breaking M&A deal.
What international secondment opportunities are available during the training contract?
International secondments are available in Dubai, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul and Singapore.
Are client secondments available during the training contract?
We offer our trainees the opportunity to apply for client secondments. There are usually a couple of opportunities available each seat. Working with an in-house legal team will give you a valuable insight into a client's business and how you can work more effectively as a private practice lawyer to meet the needs of a client.
Is an international secondment or client secondment a realistic opportunity?
We have a high number of trainee secondment opportunities. Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be able to complete an international or client secondment, there is a high possibility that you will be able to do so, providing you are flexible with dates and location.
What are the characteristics of a typical trainee at Stephenson Harwood?
There is no one type of trainee at Stephenson Harwood. All our trainees all have different backgrounds, different interests and different strengths. Working with a diverse mix of people is one of the highlights of working at our firm. We encourage you to bring your unique qualities to the firm and be enthusiastic about the work you will be doing.
What diversity networks do you have at the firm?
Our vision is to be known as an inclusive and diverse firm, where all our people feel they can be themselves and thrive at work.
Our people are our biggest asset. We want Stephenson Harwood to be a place where colleagues can do their best work in a team that values the unique contributions that they bring. That is how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit.
Our employee networks are for, and run by, our people. They support their members in many ways, including creating a sense of belonging by celebrating diversity, connecting people across the business and working with the wider community. Whatever your role or level, you can contribute to fostering our inclusive and healthy culture from the outset by joining one of our employee networks:
In the UK we have the following networks:
- SHout (LGBTQ+)
- Stephenson Harwood Advancing Racial and Ethnic Diversity (SHARED)
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Gender equality
- Christian network
- Enable (Disability and neurodiversity)
- Social mobility
- Family and carers network
- Jewish network
- Muslim network
How do you support health and wellbeing in the firm?
We provide comprehensive access to essential services, expert guidance, and robust support networks, enabling our people to thrive professionally and personally.
We offer a range of preventative benefits to support our colleagues to identify and address physical and mental health issues early. All of our colleagues globally can access:
- comprehensive health screenings to help identify potential health issues early and provide valuable insights to develop personalised plans to maintain their fitness and wellbeing.
- qualified therapists, psychologists, and coaches for online therapy and wellbeing support.
What if I have a question that is not covered by these FAQs?
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact the Future Talent team on future.talent@shlegal.com and we will be happy to help.
Dubai
When should I apply?
Like most firms, we recruit our trainees two years in advance of the point at which they will begin their training contracts with us, to allow time for completion of the PGDL (if required) and the SQE prior to the start of the training contract. If you will still be studying in two years time, you should not apply in the current cycle.
What qualities/attributes does the firm look for?
We look for strong intellect, with good analytical skills, sound judgment, imagination and meticulous attention to detail. Communication skills are vital to be persuasive and build rapport. Plenty of drive and determination is needed, along with a keen interest in business.
What is the recruitment process for training contracts?
- Online application form
- Online future potential assessment
- Online video interview
- Vacation scheme
- Assessment centre
What three top tips can you provide to those participating in an assessment day?
- Take every opportunity to showcase your achievements – try not to repeat yourself and use opportunities to talk about different areas of your life.
- Try to relax and be yourself – the exercises for the assessment day are designed to allow you to showcase your strengths, they are not designed to catch you out.
- Think of some questions that you would like to ask the interviewers – remember this is a two way process and we are keen for you to ensure that you have all the information you need to make your career decisions.
What should I do if there were mitigating circumstances around my academic qualifications?
Please provide details on the application form. If appropriate, explain what you have learnt from the experience and how you have developed your skills or adapted your approach since that time.
Should I include details of non-legal work experience, e. g. business/commercial work, volunteer/charity work?
Yes, this can help demonstrate that you have considered other career options; picked up other transferrable skills; and/or gained an understanding of another sector or industry. You should comment on the skills and competencies you were able to develop, as well as the tasks and responsibilities you were given and any specific learning points.
What three top tips can you provide to those completing the application form?
- Think about where you have gone beyond the usual and take the opportunity to shine. Highlight situations where you have made a contribution beyond what you would expect from a student, i.e. situations where you have made improvements, taken responsibility, etc.
- Research the firm. Demonstrate you have done your research in your application form. Particularly in response to the question, 'why would you like to join Stephenson Harwood?'.
- Check your writing is accurate and professional. It may be useful to draft your application, then review it the next day to check for errors. Make sure you spell the name of the firm correctly.
When can I expect to hear back about my application?
We respond to all applicants to let them know the outcome of their application after the deadline. We understand that you are keen to hear back from us and we try to get decisions to you as soon as possible after the deadline.
What if I have a question that is not covered by these FAQs?
Please feel free to contact us by email at future.talent@shlegal.com and we will be happy to help.
Hong Kong
What is the assessment process?
- Online application form
- Written test for Chinese and English language skills with initial interview
- Further interviews during the course of the internship
What qualities/attributes does the firm look for?
We look for strong intellect, with good analytical skills, sound judgment, imagination and meticulous attention to detail. Communication skills are vital to be persuasive and build rapport. Plenty of drive and determination is needed to meet challenging goals.
Where is the office based in Hong Kong?
43/F, One Taikoo Place,
979 King's Road,
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
What are the culture and values in the Hong Kong office?
In an industry where technical know-how is a given, we differentiate ourselves by our honesty, creative thinking and attention to client care. Our lawyers are bright, fun, commercially minded and have strong inter-personal skills. We achieve this by focusing on talent recruitment and enrichment across all aspects of our human resource management. We aim to ensure that our clients have access to top-notch, consistent and unequivocal legal advice in plain language wherever we operate.
How many places are available for vacation schemes?
There are two schemes which take place in June and July and there are eight places available on each scheme. This makes 16 places in total.
What secondment opportunities are available during the training contract?
International secondments are available in London and APAC offices.
What training and development opportunities are available during the training contract?
- Practical 'on-the-job' training by sharing an office and working with one of our partners or senior solicitors.
- Stimulating work with lots of responsibility early on.
- An in-house programme of legal education and soft skills training.
Continuous review of your career development both during your training contract and after qualification. - An opportunity to complete a secondment in our London or APAC offices.