Stephenson Harwood

A law firm that runs spring and summer vacation schemes in London for aspiring solicitors.

About Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm that advises companies, institutions and individuals. Its website lists five focus areas: energy transition and infrastructure, life sciences and healthcare, private capital and funds, technology, and transportation and trade. The firm is especially known for shipping and aviation. One vacation scheme student reported working on a Court of Appeal case and researching a point of law for a shipping dispute.

The firm dates to 1875, when William Harwood, back in London after practising in China, teamed up with Henry Stephenson. The firms merged in 1920 to become Stephenson Harwood & Tatham and the name was shortened in 1973 (Wikipedia). Its head office is in London, and its site says it has 11 offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including Paris, Athens, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. It says it has over 1,500 people, including more than 250 partners. Wikipedia reports an earlier count of 10 offices and 230 partners, so the figures have moved.

The About page says the firm wants 'positive partnerships' with clients and lasting relationships. It says it weighs the wellbeing of people, communities and the environment, 'balancing the needs of our business with those of future generations', and aims to be an inclusive and diverse firm where people can be themselves. It describes itself as 'a place of excellence and enjoyment' where 'success is something we build together'. These are the firm's own words.

Wikipedia highlights some of its work: in 2011 it advised the airline Lion Air on a record Boeing aircraft purchase, and its 2002 merger with a shipping specialist brought a Shanghai office. Its practice areas include maritime, trade and offshore, commercial and technology, corporate, disputes, finance, insurance, intellectual property, employment, private wealth, real estate and regulatory work. It also supports pro bono work for people and groups creating social impact.

The London training contract takes two years with four seats and possible client secondments, with 25 trainees a year. The firm describes a 'respectful, friendly culture' with small teams, and each trainee has a partner who manages their development. It usually looks for ABB at A-level and a 2:1 degree, and pays for the PGDL and SQE courses with a maintenance grant. Pay is 50,000 pounds in year one and 55,000 pounds in year two. Vacation schemes in London pay about 485 pounds a week for one or two weeks (an All About Law listing from 2025 gave both 465 and 485 pounds, so confirm). The page gave no deadlines; questions go to the early careers team by email. We found no apprenticeship information.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Spring and summer placements in London, working alongside qualified lawyers.', 'title': 'Vacation schemes'}
• {'desc': 'Two years, four seats, London, with client secondments possible.', 'title': 'Training contract'}
• {'desc': 'Shipping and trade disputes and deals, a long-standing strength.', 'title': 'Maritime, trade and offshore'}
• {'desc': 'Corporate, finance, technology, insurance and real estate work.', 'title': 'Business legal advice'}

Key facts

• Dates to 1875 (Harwood and Stephenson); head office London (Wikipedia)
• 11 offices and over 1,500 people (own site)
• London training contract: 25 trainees a year; 50,000 and 55,000 pounds in years one and two
• Usually asks for ABB at A-level and a 2:1
• Describes a respectful, friendly culture (own claim)

Website: www.stephensonharwood.com