Meet your Stephenson Harwood Brand Ambassador 

Thinking about a career in commercial law? 

My name is Yaqub Kheyar, I am an LLB2 student and Stephenson Harwood’s Brand Ambassador at City St George’s, University of London for the 2026/27 academic year. 

As part of my role, I’ll be helping students at City find out more about Stephenson Harwood, its people, its work and the opportunities available throughout the year. 

Whether you are a first-year student just beginning to explore your options, or you are already preparing applications for vacation schemes and training contracts, I hope to make it easier to know where to start. 

Who are Stephenson Harwood? 

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm advising clients across a wide range of sectors and practice areas. 

One thing that really stood out to me during my Brand Ambassador training was the breadth of work across both transactional and contentious practices.

Transactional work generally involves helping clients plan, negotiate and complete deals or other commercial matters, while contentious work involves resolving disputes and representing clients when legal disagreements arise. 

The firm’s areas of work include corporate, finance, commercial litigation, technology, intellectual property and maritime, alongside industry-focused sectors including energy transition, life sciences and healthcare, private capital and funds, technology, and transportation and trade. 

For students who are still exploring which area of commercial law interests them, this breadth provides an opportunity to learn more about different types of legal work and consider where their interests might lie. 

Why might City students be interested? 

As a City student myself, I know that one of the most difficult parts of starting a legal career can simply be knowing where to begin. 

There are countless firms, schemes and application deadlines to navigate, and it can be difficult to know which opportunities are worth exploring. 

During my time with Stephenson Harwood, I’ve enjoyed learning about the firm’s approach to early responsibility, professional development and international work. 

The firm’s commitment to responsible business and pro bono work also particularly resonated with me. As President of the City St George’s Pro Bono Society, I was especially interested in learning about the firm’s social impact and access to justice work. 

What opportunities are currently available? 

Stephenson Harwood’s early careers applications are now open, with opportunities available for students at different stages of their university journey. 

London Training Contracts: Applications are open for London training contracts commencing in March and September 2029. Applications close at 10am on 26 February 2027. 

Spring Vacation Scheme: The Spring Vacation Scheme takes place from 5 – 16 April 2027, with applications closing at 10am on 4 January 2027. 

Summer Vacation Scheme: The Summer Vacation Scheme takes place from 7 – 18 June 2027 or 12 – 23 July 2027, with applications also closing at 10am on 4 January 2027. 

There are also a range of other early careers opportunities available, including:

• Solicitor Apprenticeships
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Open Days
• Bright Sparks Social Mobility Work Experience Programme. 

You can explore the full range of current opportunities and find out more about eligibility and applications through Stephenson Harwood’s early careers opportunities. This includes a virtual Training Contract Open Day on 9 December 2026 and a Disability Open Day in London on 14 December 2026. 

What will I be doing as Brand Ambassador? 

Throughout the academic year, I’ll be sharing Stephenson Harwood opportunities and events with students at City, as well as helping students find out more about the firm. 

I’ll also be working with student societies and university networks to make information about opportunities easier to access. 

If you have a question about Stephenson Harwood or its opportunities, you’re welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn or come and say hello if you see me around campus! 

Find out more 

Whether you are just beginning to explore commercial law or preparing an application this year, I would encourage you to take some time to research Stephenson Harwood, its practice areas and its people before applying. 

I’ll also be sharing relevant opportunities and events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for future updates.

Thanks to Yaqub Kheyar for this helpful piece introducing Stephenson Harwood.  Yaqub is an LLB2 student at City St George’s, University of London, aspiring to qualify as a solicitor within corporate and commercial practice. Alongside his studies, he serves as President of the City Pro Bono Society and Partnerships Officer for the City Law Society. He is passionate about widening access to legal education, opportunities and the legal profession, striving to support fellow students in navigating their own career journeys.