Insider report Stephenson Harwood LLP
Non-lawgraduate Maansi Dewani completed StephensonHarwood’s placement scheme last summer, followingwhich she gained a training contract.
No of scheme places 40
What did you do while on the scheme? During the two-week placement scheme, we had the chance to work in two different practice areas – I chose corporate and commercial litigation. This meant that I could experience both contentious and non-contentious work. We were assigned a trainee buddy who showed us around and gave us an idea of what the trainee workload would be like. In each practice group I assisted my team members by conducting due diligence, doing research and reading contracts. As a non-law student, it was exciting to experience real legal work. There were also multiple networking and social events with the trainees. What did you feel that you gained from the placement? I gained so much from the placement. As it was my first placement scheme, it was exciting to be working in a law firm. The placement students were included as part of the business, so we were able to be a real part of the action. The scheme gave me the opportunity to experience the reality of working in a law firm and confirmed that this is what I want to do in my career. Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme? I really enjoyed being in a working environment and meeting so many interesting people. Everyone in the firm was very approachable, so it was a brilliant opportunity to ask unlimited questions and gain a deeper understanding of the work and office environment. In addition, the work itself was fascinating and gave me the chance to learn more about the law and particular practice groups that I sat in. The biggest challenge was coming from a non-law background as I didn’t have much legal knowledge before the scheme. But everyone in the firm was open to my questions and willing to help, and I wasn’t expected to know more than I did. I was given appropriate resources to look anything up if I needed to. It was a challenge that was well met by the firm and I felt supported throughout. Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process? There was an assessment centre in the final week of the scheme. It was a day- long process consisting of an interview, presentation and a written commercial case study. I really liked that the firm organised trainees to come and talk to us during our lunch break which made the day less daunting. I found out about my training contract offer the following week and was excited to accept the offer. It’s important to take advantage of every opportunity you’re given, as it’s such a great way to learn about the work that you could one day be doing. I’d recommend talking to as many people in the firm as possible, as that made me even more driven to get a training contract there. Finally, Stephenson Harwood values hard work and the ability to adapt to different situations, so it’s important to reflect this during your time there and show that you are willing to take on new and challenging tasks. Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on as advice to others?
Location of schemes London
Length of schemes Winter: 1 week Spring and Summer: 2 weeks
Remuneration (per week) £380
Dates of schemes Winter: 14 December – 18 December 2020 Spring: 6 April – 16 April 2021 Summer:
14 June – 25 June 2021 28 June – 9 July 2021 12 July – 23 July 2021 Closing date for applications Winter: 8 November 2020 Spring and Summer: 31 January 2021
Application procedure Apply online at www.shlegal.com/futuretalent For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p398
Remember to cite The LawCareers.Net Handbook on your application form if you apply to this law firm.
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WORK EXPERIENCE
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