Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has announced that it is retaining 92% of its trainees who qualify into the firm’s London office in September 2020, and 83% of its trainees who qualify into the firm’s Hong Kong office in September 2020.

In the London office, eleven of the twelve qualifying trainees were offered, and accepted, positions. The newly qualified lawyers will join the firm's commercial litigation; corporate; employment, pensions and private wealth; finance; and real estate and projects practice groups.

“This was a particularly strong cohort of qualifying trainees, and I am really pleased that so many of them will continue their careers with Stephenson Harwood,” said Lisa Marks, partner and trainee principal, Stephenson Harwood. “These are extraordinary times, and the world continues to reel from the impact of the global pandemic. Businesses are under more intense pressure than ever before, and it’s never been more important that we have the right people, in the right places, to support them as they face the challenges of the coming weeks, months and years. Our newly qualified lawyers form a central part of our ability to do this, and I am confident that we will continue to foster an environment in which they can fulfil their full potential and thrive in their legal careers.”

In the Hong Kong office, five of the six qualifying trainees were offered, and accepted, positions. The newly qualified lawyers will join the firm's commercial litigation and finance practice groups.

“Strengthening our core practices in Greater China is a key focus for us,” said Jamie Stranger, Greater China office managing partner, Stephenson Harwood. “And welcoming the next generation of legal talent, who will play a significant role in this effort, is a fundamental part of achieving this. We pride ourselves on the commercial approach of our legal advice, and on understanding the issues which matter to our clients. These talented lawyers have shown their aptitude for law and business, and I look forward to working with them as they progress in their legal careers.”

The London and Hong Kong training schemes run concurrently. Solicitors qualifying into London do so under English and Welsh law, while those based in Hong Kong do so under Hong Kong law.