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Stephenson Harwood
An international commercial law firm with established strengths in disputes, asset finance and transportation, alongside corporate, funds and real estate practices.
About Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm headquartered in London, advising companies, financial institutions, investors and individuals. Its practice combines commercial litigation and finance with transactional and advisory work across several sectors.
The firm’s principal sector interests include transportation and trade, energy transition and infrastructure, private capital and funds, technology, and life sciences and healthcare. Its transportation expertise connects shipping, aviation and rail with financing, commercial arrangements and disputes.
For prospective trainees, this creates opportunities to explore how different legal disciplines support the same industry. An interest in shipping, for example, could lead into financing vessels, negotiating contracts or resolving a dispute. A strong application should connect the firm’s specialist work with your own interests and understanding of its clients.
The two-year London training contract comprises four six-month seats. Trainees receive guidance from partners and senior solicitors, alongside formal and informal development reviews. Client and international secondments are available, with overseas opportunities including Dubai, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul and Singapore.
The firm funds the PGDL where required, SQE preparation at BPP and SQE assessments for future trainees who have not started those studies. Maintenance grants are £12,000 for the PGDL and £18,000 for the SQE. Fees are not reimbursed retrospectively.
SQE study also includes a programme tailored to the firm’s practice, covering areas such as finance, commercial contracts, shipping, aviation and dispute resolution.
Practice areas & rankings
Stephenson Harwood has 47 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2027. Its recognised practices include shipping finance, aviation, commodities, commercial litigation, restructuring, real estate and corporate transactions.
The firm holds Band 1 rankings for Asset Finance: Shipping Finance, UK-wide, and Restructuring/Insolvency: Litigation in London. These illustrate its combination of transactional expertise and contentious work.
At the IFLR Middle East Awards 2025, Stephenson Harwood won the Net-Zero Transition award and Project Finance Deal of the Year. The latter recognised its work on the Hafeet Rail project connecting the UAE and Oman. These are regional awards reflecting the wider international practice.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 UK-wide in Chambers UK 2027, Stephenson Harwood advises banks, shipowners and other participants on vessel financing. Its work includes leasing structures, restructurings and financing connected with ship acquisitions. The practice sits within a wider asset finance offering covering aviation, rail and other substantial assets.
Ranked Band 1 in London in Chambers UK 2027, the practice handles disputes arising from financial distress and insolvency. It complements the firm’s wider finance and litigation capabilities, providing scope to explore how legal rights and commercial priorities change when a business encounters financial difficulties.
Ranked Band 3 in London in Chambers UK 2027, Stephenson Harwood represents clients in substantial commercial disputes. Its wider disputes practice includes High Court litigation, arbitration and coordinating proceedings across jurisdictions. Clients include companies, financial institutions and individuals facing complex matters with significant financial consequences.
Ranked Band 2 for Commodities: Physicals, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2027, the practice forms part of the firm’s transportation and trade offering. It connects international trading relationships with shipping, finance and dispute resolution. Applicants interested in this area can explore how contractual arrangements allocate risk when goods move between businesses and markets.
Awards
Net-Zero TransitionIFLR Middle East Awards 2025
Project Finance Deal of the YearIFLR Middle East Awards 2025
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply online for either a London vacation scheme or a direct training contract. Candidates should submit only one application per recruitment cycle and should not apply to multiple offices.
Applications opened on 5 October 2026. The vacation scheme deadline is 4 January 2027. Direct applications for March and September 2029 training contracts close at 10am on 26 February 2027.
The 2027 London schemes run from 5–16 April, 7–18 June and 12–23 July. Scheme participants are automatically considered for a training contract.
Applications are read and marked by people. Reviews begin as forms arrive, but candidates are not progressed or informed of outcomes until after the deadline.
Explain why the firm’s work interests you using a specific practice, client issue or sector development. Connect that research with your motivation and experience. For example, an interest in transport could involve the funding of new assets, changing environmental requirements or the consequences of disrupted trade.
Use examples showing analytical judgement, clear communication and resilience. Explain your own contribution, especially where you improved a process, accepted responsibility or adapted after feedback. Legal experience is not essential.
Stephenson Harwood: quick answers
How much does Stephenson Harwood pay trainees?
Stephenson Harwood pays first-year trainees £50,000, rising to £55,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Stephenson Harwood earn £105,000.
When are the Stephenson Harwood application deadlines?
Vacation schemes close 4 Jan 2027 · Training contracts close 26 Feb 2027 Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Stephenson Harwood take on?
Stephenson Harwood takes on around 25 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Stephenson Harwood use in its applications?
Candidates who pass the application stage complete the Future Potential Assessment. It includes numerical and verbal questions alongside scenario-based reasoning. It is untimed and typically takes approximately 45 minutes. Prior legal knowledge is not required. Practise interpreting figures, identifying the limits of written information and evaluating possible responses to workplace scenarios. Focus on understanding the evidence and instructions before reaching a conclusion. Allow enough uninterrupted time and follow the guidance supplied with the invitation. The current question count and scoring thresholds are not published.
What grades do you need to apply to Stephenson Harwood?
To apply to Stephenson Harwood you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. At A-level, Stephenson Harwood asks for ABB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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