We're committed to developing the next generation of leaders through structured talent programmes that provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and career acceleration.
Whether you're a student or graduate, these programmes offer a unique opportunity to work across diverse industries, gain real-world insights, and build a successful career within a leading organisation.
Training Contracts
There's a lot to look forward to as a trainee in our Dubai office.
Top quality international work across a range of sectors is just the start. Our team in Dubai works closely with our colleagues worldwide and regularly work cross-office on multi-jurisdictional matters meaning that our trainees get exposure to our UK, European and Asian offices.
Situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre you will be in the heart of financial district which has often been described as 'a city within a city' and is complete with a range of business and lifestyle facilities.
Our Dubai office will be taking on a maximum of two trainees in 2028.
You will be training to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, so during your time as a trainee you will take part in our professional skills courses and attend regular know-how sessions.
Your structured training will consist of experience in at least three different areas of law. This will include one seat in our London office.
Please be aware of the below deadlines regarding upcoming training contracts.
| Location | Commencement dates | Opening date for applications | Closing date for applications |
| Dubai | March 2028 and September 2028 | Candidates interested in a training contract will need to apply via the vacation scheme. | |
For any enquires regarding training contracts, please email the Future Talent team.
Vacation Schemes
Experiencing our culture and the way we work first-hand will help you decide if we're the right firm for you.
A vacation scheme in our Dubai office will give you a real taste of life at the firm. It's also the only way we recruit trainees for our Duabi office. Typically you'll spend two weeks with us, sitting with qualified lawyers and tackling some case work. It's a great opportunity to talk informally to existing trainees, lawyers, partners and support teams to find out just why law and Stephenson Harwood are such attractive career options.
Our trainee recruitment and summer vacation scheme arrangements are integrated, so if you successfully apply to our summer vacation scheme then you will have the opportunity to take part in an assessment day for a training contract in our Dubai office during your placement.
Your flights to Dubai and accommodation (if not resident in Dubai) will be provided for you along with a daily allowance of AED 150.
Please be aware of the below deadlines regarding upcoming summer vacation schemes.
| Location | Dates of placement | Open date for applications | Closing date for applications |
| Dubai |
22 June - 3 July 2026 |
6 October 2025 | 10am 30 January 2026 |
For any enquires regarding summer vacation schemes, please email the Future Talent team.
Who we're looking for
We look for qualities that make you a potential high-performing associate – possibly even a future partner.
We'll want you to have a keen interest in the Middle East and an aptitude for business. Arabic language skills will stand you in good stead.
Intellectual ability and the ability to quickly assimilate a wealth of information and identify the main issues is critical. That means an excellent academic record (ideally at least a 2:1) and be able to make well-reasoned decisions and have meticulous attention to detail.
Strong, productive relationships with colleagues as well as clients are vital to every area of our work and therefore interpersonal skills are paramount too. You need to be good at expressing yourself clearly and succinctly – both face-to-face and in writing – and you’ll know how to tailor your message to your audience, build rapport and be persuasive.
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.
Have a question?
If you have a question regarding our training contracts, please email us at future.talent@stephensonharwood.com.