Stephenson Harwood (Hong Kong)

The training is thorough, beginning with an induction to help newbies familiarise themselves with the way the firm does business and to get to know the people. There are regular internal and external training sessions and workshops during the training contract as well as dedicated ‘check-ins’ to make sure trainees are receiving the right level of feedback and guidance through their seat rotations. Generally, trainee responsibilities include drafting, due diligence, research, attending court and client meetings, and of course, getting involved in employee social networks. The firm prefers future joiners to be fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and as is the case at most law firms, language skills will be assessed during the recruitment process. That said, the firm “will consider strong applicants without all three languages”.

Trainees praise the “friendly” and “supportive” office environment. They are given close supervision by virtue of sharing an office with either a partner or managing associate, as well as being allocated a ‘buddy’. “What draws me to the firm is our culture,” says a junior associate at Stephenson Harwood. “We have an open-door policy – partners and seniors welcome questions and are more than willing to answer and provide feedback. They are happy to engage trainees in various projects and client events – you feel part of the team. Ties between colleagues extend outside work in our social events such as sport activities, festive celebrations, parties and ad hoc team gatherings.”

The Hong Kong office is located at the United Centre in Admiralty and close to the Hong Kong courts, which is very convenient for the litigators! It’s easily accessible by MTR and connected to various shopping and food hotspots in Hong Kong, such as Pacific Place, via an elevated walkway. The office also boasts an urban garden playground at the entrance lobby which comes complete with a pool table and dart board area!

Stephenson Harwood lawyers have access to a huge in-house pantry (aka ‘RefreSH’) complete with an Italian Elektra coffee machine and plenty of lounge, bench and table spots to have lunch. Hong Kong Park is also not too far away for those wanting to lunch outside.

Highly noteworthy is that the Stephenson Harwood Hong Kong office has been accredited with the Caring Company Award each year since 2018, and which is awarded in recognition of the firm’s commitment to ‘Caring for the Community’, ‘Caring for Employees’ and ‘Caring for the Environment’. They have a vibrant corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme engaged in a range of community and pro bono work, and also a highly active diversity & inclusion (D&I) committee who regularly organise activities for the firm on topics from allyship and reverse mentoring, through to mental health awareness. Charities, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations the firm partners with include Redress, PathFinders, Project WeCan, HER Fund and The Women’s Foundation.

An interesting project the firm recently undertook in partnership with Hong Kong Shifts and Rooftop Republic aimed to promote social inclusion and understanding of social entrepreneurship through a photography project. One of the stories covered the journey of a retired farmer, including why they chose urban farming and how it has changed their life.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a key area of focus for the firm, both in its service offerings and internal environmental and social efforts, and they have been recognised by multiple industry awards for their efforts. For all of these programmes, Stephenson Harwood trainees actively participate in and help drive efforts.