International

Training Contract at Stephenson Harwood

Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.

25 trainees/year
£50,000 (Y1) / £55,000 (Y2) trainee salary
Deadline: Via vacation scheme
Funds SQE

The Firm

About Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood holds Band 1 Chambers rankings for shipping and aviation finance, where it regularly acts on the largest global transactions. The firm has been expanding internationally — including offices in Saudi Arabia — and offers training contracts across London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Paris, unusual at this size. Trainees consistently describe the culture as human and accessible, with no rigid hours culture and partners who are genuinely approachable.

Understanding, forgiving, and human — the words trainees most often use. No lockstep billing pressure culture of the kind found at some US firms, despite comparable sector prestige in shipping and aviation. The firm runs March and September start dates, giving candidates unusual flexibility on timing.

Shipping & Aviation FinanceFinanceLitigation & ArbitrationEmploymentPrivate WealthCorporate/M&A

Key Numbers

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake
25
trainees
Seat rotations
4
seats over 2 years
Trainee salary
£50,000 (Y1) / £55,000 (Y2)
per year
NQ salary
£105,000
on qualification
Min. degree
2:1 (or equivalent)
required
Deadline
Via vacation scheme
application closes
Once you secure your TC, you still need to pass the SQE

Stephenson Harwood funds SQE preparation — SQE course fees sponsored in full. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.

Selection Criteria

What Stephenson Harwood looks for

Academic requirements

2:1 or above in any subject.

Core values they screen for

Commercial awarenessCollaborative spiritIntellectual curiositySector knowledgeInternational mindset

Experience & background

Interest in shipping, aviation, or international arbitration is a genuine differentiator. Multiple international office secondments available.

The Process

Application timeline

Vacation scheme applicationsWinter/Spring 2026–27

Check shlegal-futuretalent.com — March and September start dates both available.

TC offersDuring/after scheme

TCs awarded primarily via vacation scheme.

How to Win

Application tips for Stephenson Harwood

1

March and September start dates are both offered — mentioning this in applications signals you have read beyond the brochure.

2

Shipping and aviation finance are best-in-class globally. If those areas appeal, Stephenson Harwood offers access to work trainees at larger firms might not see until years into their career.

3

The accessible culture is a real differentiator from other firms at this level — explain why a less hierarchical environment matters to you.

SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

Assessment

Interview & assessment format

Process stages

  1. 1Online application
  2. 2Vacation scheme selection
  3. 3Partner interview

Interview tips

  • —Research the shipping and aviation practices specifically — not just generic transport/finance knowledge.
  • —The international offices (Hong Kong, Dubai, Paris) are worth referencing if you have language skills or international experience.

Insider Knowledge

Insider tips

Observations from those who know the firm well.

The Saudi Arabia office openings reflect a genuine Middle East growth strategy — useful context for candidates with Arabic language skills or regional interest.

Stephenson Harwood's private wealth practice is less publicised than shipping but equally strong — worth researching if HNW clients interest you.

Qualification Costs

SQE funding at Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood funds SQE preparation

SQE course fees sponsored in full. Maintenance grant amount not publicly specified — confirm directly with the graduate recruitment team.

SQE Cost Calculator →Compare SQE providers

The Full Picture

The full qualification journey

TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.

1
TC Application
Apply to firms
2
TC Offer
Secure your place

SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →

Next Step

Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.

Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.

Compare SQE Providers →SQE Pass RatesTrack QWE

FAQ

Stephenson Harwood — frequently asked questions

How many trainees does Stephenson Harwood take per year?
Stephenson Harwood takes approximately 25 trainees per year across 4 seat rotations over two years.
What is the Stephenson Harwood training contract salary?
The trainee salary at Stephenson Harwood is £50,000 (Y1) / £55,000 (Y2). Newly qualified (NQ) solicitors earn £105,000.
Does Stephenson Harwood fund SQE preparation?
SQE course fees sponsored in full. Maintenance grant amount not publicly specified — confirm directly with the graduate recruitment team.
What is the Stephenson Harwood training contract application deadline?
The Stephenson Harwood training contract application deadline is Via vacation scheme. Applications are submitted directly via the firm's graduate recruitment portal.
What does Stephenson Harwood look for in training contract applications?
Stephenson Harwood requires a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) degree. The firm values Commercial awareness, Collaborative spirit, Intellectual curiosity, Sector knowledge, International mindset. 2:1 or above in any subject.
What is the Stephenson Harwood assessment centre format?
The selection process involves: Online application; Vacation scheme selection; Partner interview.

Ready to apply?

Applications go directly to Stephenson Harwood's official graduate recruitment portal.

Apply at Stephenson Harwood

Opens in a new tab — you will leave The Qualified Path.

Get SQE updates for TC holders

Exam dates, pass rate data, and funding guidance. No spam.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.