FAQs
London
Am I eligible to apply for a vacation scheme or training contract?
Like most firms, we recruit our trainees two years in advance of their start date. This means you'll need to have time to graduate from your degree and complete the SQE (and PGDL if you're a non-law student) before your training contract start date. First year undergraduate students of any discipline are not eligible to apply for vacation schemes or training contracts; if you will still be studying in two years time in any capacity (undergraduate degree, PGDL, SQE), you should not apply.
Can non-law students apply?
We welcome applications from students of all disciplines. If you are a non-law candidate, you'll need to complete the law conversion course (PGDL) before starting your SQE studies, but this is not a requirement at the application stage.
Do you offer visa sponsorship?
We can offer visa sponsorship to successful candidates who require it.
Can I apply for a vacation scheme and a training contract?
No. Vacation scheme applications are de facto training contract applications, as we recruit some of our trainees from our vacation schemes. Please only apply for one of the two routes to securing a training contract.
Can I apply for vacation schemes in multiple offices?
No. Please only submit one application in each recruitment cycle, and do not apply to multiple offices.
Is there a minimum grade requirement?
Candidates should have secured at least ABB (or equivalent in their A Levels), excluding any grade secured on an EPQ. Candidates should be on track to receive, or have already received, at least a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree. We examine module grades as well as overall grade when reviewing application forms. We take mitigating circumstances into consideration when reviewing application forms, and we use Rare Recruitment's contextual recruitment system in our application portal.
Can I request adjustments during the application process?
Yes. If you have a disability, health condition, caring responsibility or other circumstances that mean you may need adjustments, please let the Future Talent team know. There is space to do this on all of our application forms. We'll discuss your needs confidentially and make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process where practicable.
How will my application form be assessed?
All application forms are read and marked by a human being. We do not use generative AI or any automated reviewing mechanisms in the marking of application forms.
Can I use AI in my application form?
At Stephenson Harwood, we use generative AI to support some of the work that we do. We always use the technology with a 'human in the loop'. This means we have a suitably qualified person carefully review and tailor the output. Often the generative AI provides some clear ideas or a starting point, but the final product is very different from the original output.
We recognise that GenAI might be used to help you draft your application forms and conduct research into Stephenson Harwood. We are looking for answers which are personal and authentic, and rich in specific examples from your own experiences. Answers which have been generated by AI and have had minimal tailoring are easy to identify, and are extremely unlikely to result in a successful application.
As above, please be assured that we do not use GenAI in the review of the application forms we receive.
Can I edit my application once it has been submitted?
No. It is not possible to make changes to a submitted application form.
Will you grant any extensions to the application deadline?
Our application window is open for three months. As such, there are no circumstances under which we will grant an extension. We advise not leaving your submission until the day of the deadline, in the event you encounter any technical difficulties which prevent you from submitted on time.
Do you recruit on a rolling basis?
We begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received, owing to the volume. We do not progress applications to the next stage in the process until the deadline has passed, and we also do not communicate outcomes until after the deadline has passed. We ask that candidates do not contact us requesting updates until after that point.
Do I need to have completed lots of legal work experience to get onto the vacation scheme?
No. Legal work experience is helpful, and we also value all forms of experience, be it part-time work, volunteering, internships or responsibilities at university. We're interested in what you learned and how you've developed the skills relevant to being a solicitor.
Are vacation schemes paid? Do you cover travel and accommodation?
Yes, our London vacation schemes are paid at the London Living Wage. We may also provide support with travel and accommodation depending on your circumstances and the location of the scheme. If you have concerns about the cost of participating, please contact the Future Talent team to discuss options.
How much do trainees earn?
Our year one trainee salary is £50,000 per annum. Our year two trainee salary is £55,000 per annum.
Does the firm offer work experience outside the vacation scheme?
Due to high demand the firm is unable to accept work experience requests.
What is a solicitor apprenticeship at Stephenson Harwood?
Our solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme that combines paid work in the firm with part-time academic study. Apprentices secure an LLB, complete the SQE, and, at the end of the programme, will qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.
How is the apprenticeship structured over the six years?
From years 1-4 of the apprenticeship, you will spend one year in a given department before moving into another one. In years 5 and 6 of the apprenticeship, you will move departments every six months. In the early years of the apprenticeship, you may spend time in our business services teams, for example Risk, Innovation and Business Acceptance. You'll also spend time in a variety of fee-earning departments.
Your protected study day will be Monday, so you'll work Tuesday-Friday each week. You'll be expected to undertake independent study, too.
In years 1-4 of the apprenticeship, you'll be studying for your LLB.
In years 5 and 6 of the apprenticeship, you'll be preparing for and completing the SQE.
Can solicitor apprentices go on secondments?
Yes. Solicitor apprentices can go on secondment to our offices in Dubai and Paris, as well as going on secondment to some of our clients. These are exciting opportunities to broaden your professional horizons and learn about other working cultures, as well as to strengthen relationships across offices and with clients.
How will I be supported during the apprenticeship?
You'll be supported by a supervisor in each department you work in, as well as by the future talent team who will oversee your professional development and your wellbeing. You'll have regular check-ins to review workload, balance of work and study, and to raise any concerns you have. BPP University will support you with skills coaches and personal tutors.
How is a solicitor apprenticeship different from a traditional training contract?
Apprentices usually join the firm on completing of their A Levels or following a gap year, whereas trainees join after completing their undergraduate degree and the SQE.
Apprentices study and work in parallel over six years, whereas trainees complete their undergraduate studies and the SQE first, and then complete a two-year training contract.
Your tuition fees for the apprenticeship are covered by the firm and the apprenticeship levy, and you earn a salary throughout. As such, you'll qualify as a solicitor without any student debt.
I haven't met the academic grade requirement. Can I still apply?
We look for strong A Level (or equivalent) performance, and a minimum of ABB, excluding any grade secured on an EPQ. Applications are reviewed holistically and we consider contextual information using Rare Recruitment's contextual recruitment software, as well as taking mitigating circumstances into consideration.
Do I need to have studied Law at school or college?
No. You do not need to have taken Law as an A Level (or equivalent). We welcome applications from students with a range of subject combinations. We are interested in the relevant skills you have developed and your motivation to study and practise law.
Can I request adjustments during the application process?
Yes. If you have a disability, health condition, caring responsibility or other circumstances that mean you may need adjustments, please let the Future Talent team know. There is space to do this on all of our application forms. We'll discuss your needs confidentially and make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process where practicable.
How will my application form be assessed?
All application forms are read and marked by a human being. We do not use generative AI or any automated reviewing mechanisms in the marking of application forms.
Can I use AI in my application form?
At Stephenson Harwood, we use generative AI to support some of the work that we do. We always use the technology with a 'human in the loop'. This means we have a suitably qualified person carefully review and tailor the output. Often the GenAI provides some clear ideas or a starting point, but the final product is very different from the original output.
We recognise that GenAI might be used to help you draft your application forms and conduct research into Stephenson Harwood. We are looking for answers which are personal and authentic, and rich in specific examples from your own experiences. Answers which have been generated by AI and have had minimal tailoring are easy to identify, and are extremely unlikely to result in a successful application.
As above, please be assured that we do not use GenAI in the review of the application forms we receive.
Can I edit my application once it has been submitted?
No. It is not possible to make changes to a submitted application form.
Will you grant any extensions to the application deadline?
Our application window is open for several months. As such, there are no circumstances under which we will grant an extension. We advise not leaving your submission until the day of the deadline, in the event you encounter any technical difficulties which prevent you from submitted on time.
Do you recruit on a rolling basis?
We begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received, owing to the volume. We do not progress applications to the next stage in the process until the deadline has passed, and we also do not communicate outcomes until after the deadline has passed. We ask that candidates do not contact us requesting updates until after that point.
Do I need to have completed lots of legal work experience?
No. Legal work experience is helpful, and we also value all forms of experience, which might include part-time work, volunteering, internships or responsibilities at school. We're interested in what you learned and how you've developed skills relevant to becoming a solicitor.
What will I earn as a solicitor apprentice?
Solicitor apprentices start on a salary of £30,000 per annum. This rises in increments of £5,000 per annum for each year of the apprenticeship. We also award our solicitor apprentices a one-time grant of £5,000 to support them with the costs associated with their first professional job.
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 in the Dubai office?
Online application form
Online future potential assessment
Online video interview
Vacation scheme
Assessment centre
Please note that we do not offer a direct route to a training contract in our Dubai office. Trainees are recruited solely through the vacation scheme.
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.
Can I apply for vacation schemes in multiple offices?
No. Please only submit one application in each recruitment cycle, and do not apply to multiple offices.
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.
Can non-law students apply?
We welcome applications from students of all disciplines. If you are a non-law candidate, you'll need to complete the law conversion course (PGDL) before starting your SQE studies, but this is not a requirement at the application stage.
Do you offer visa sponsorship?
We can offer visa sponsorship to successful candidates who require it.
Is there a minimum grade requirement?
Candidates should have secured at least ABB (or equivalent in their A Levels), excluding any grade secured on an EPQ. Candidates should be on track to receive, or have already received, at least a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree. We examine module grades as well as overall grade when reviewing application forms. We take mitigating circumstances into consideration when reviewing application forms, and we use Rare Recruitment's contextual recruitment system in our application portal.
Can I request adjustments during the application process?
Yes. If you have a disability, health condition, caring responsibility or other circumstances that mean you may need adjustments, please let the Future Talent team know. There is space to do this on all of our application forms. We'll discuss your needs confidentially and make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process where practicable.
How will my application form be assessed?
All application forms are read and marked by a human being. We do not use generative AI or any automated reviewing mechanisms in the marking of application forms.
Can I use AI in my application form?
At Stephenson Harwood, we use generative AI to support some of the work that we do. We always use the technology with a 'human in the loop'. This means we have a suitably qualified person carefully review and tailor the output. Often the generative AI provides some clear ideas or a starting point, but the final product is very different from the original output.
We recognise that GenAI might be used to help you draft your application forms and conduct research into Stephenson Harwood. We are looking for answers which are personal and authentic, and rich in specific examples from your own experiences. Answers which have been generated by AI and have had minimal tailoring are easy to identify, and are extremely unlikely to result in a successful application.
As above, please be assured that we do not use GenAI in the review of the application forms we receive.
Can I edit my application once it has been submitted?
No. It is not possible to make changes to a submitted application form.
Will you grant any extensions to the application deadline?
Our application window is open for three months. As such, there are no circumstances under which we will grant an extension. We advise not leaving your submission until the day of the deadline, in the event you encounter any technical difficulties which prevent you from submitted on time.
Do you recruit on a rolling basis?
We begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received, owing to the volume. We do not progress applications to the next stage in the process until the deadline has passed, and we also do not communicate outcomes until after the deadline has passed. We ask that candidates do not contact us requesting updates until after that point.
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.