What we will offer

If you require this document in an accessible format (e.g. large print), please contact hr.recruitment@shlegal.com or call 020 7809 2711

We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.

Team Structure

Stephenson Harwood has one of the world\'s leading shipping and trade law practices, offering a breadth of services to clients in the admiralty, dry shipping, insurance, offshore and commodity sectors that few other firms can match.

From our offices in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul we frequently act in high profile disputes involving complex legal and commercial problems. We often have to advise on cross-border and jurisdictional disputes which has resulted in a considerable pool of experience relating to the majority of important maritime jurisdictions. Our clients include many of the world\'s largest ship owners, shipyards, banks, insurers, P&I clubs, energy services companies and commodities traders.

The size of the team globally and the depth of its experience means we are well positioned to advise on any shipping or trade-related concern, from the most complex marine incident or financing structure to the more straightforward cargo claim or sale and purchase dispute.

Due to continued growth, the practice is seeking talented experienced associates across the areas of dry shipping commodities in particular but experience on admiralty and marine insurance matters would be helpful. You can expect to work with high profile clients, receive continuous development and gain a high degree of involvement in business development as well as significant client exposure.

Dubai Office:

The Middle East is a significant part of our network. Our multi-disciplined team advises on a range of issues that arise under both English law and UAE law. This includes advising on some of the most complex transactions in the region. Over the years we have also nurtured strong relationships with regional law firms, key government agencies and regulatory bodies.

Our Dubai office advises clients carrying out in-bound and out-bound transactions concerning the Middle East as well as Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The experienced team at Stephenson Harwood\'s Dubai office provides legal advice on a broad range of finance and business matters to financial institutions, corporates, and governmental entities. Sophisticated and perceptive legal advice is coupled with a creative, commercial, and service-oriented approach to legal services, carried out to the highest standards.

Main Responsibilities

• Clear, concise and unambiguous preparation and drafting of documentation
• Matter management, to include prioritising tasks within and between matters
• Liaising with clients and other third parties, by telephone and in writing
• Managing experts and counsel efficiently and proactively
• Developing own informal internal and external network of contacts
• Building excellent working relationships with clients and peers within SH
• Attending business development and profile raising events
• Managing more junior experience level staff where applicable

Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.

Attributes/Skills Required

• Qualified English lawyer with at least 3 years (or equivalent) experience in litigation and with exposure of and an interest in the marine and international trade sector.
• Ability to acquire, consolidate and apply fundamental and up-to-date knowledge of the law
• Excellent academic and professional qualifications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good housekeeping and file management practices; manages and records time promptly and accurately
• A good understanding of the Firm\xe2\x80\x99s position in the market and how it distinguishes its services from its competitors
• Organised and able to work to strict deadlines with the ability to prioritise realistically
• Resilient with the ability to handle setbacks and pressure
• Cooperative and collaborative in approach and able to develop excellent working relationships at all levels and roles
• Able to operate professionally and proactively at all times

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm\'s strategy and business needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

About the Firm

With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.

Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.

We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients\' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our values:

Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent

Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard

Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships

Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say

These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.

Our vision into 2026

To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.

This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character \xe2\x80\x93 the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That\'s how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.

Stephenson Harwood