Stephenson Harwood

Our Bright Sparks programme provides one week of paid work experience for year 12 students in our London office. The work experience is suitable for those interested in a career in law.

It will include workshops on writing your CV, interviewing, time management and developing your personal brand. You will take part in a variety of sessions during the scheme, including a group project working together with other students on the Bright Sparks work experience programme.

When does it happen?
Our 2026 programme will take place 17 - 21 August 2026.

Who can apply?
To be eligible, students need to:
• Be a current year 12 student
• Attend a state (non-fee paying) school
• Should be within commuting distance to the London office
• Should be eligible to work in the UK.

In addition, you must meet one of the following criteria:
• You are, or have been, eligible for free school meals
• You would be the first generation in your immediate family to attend university
• You are a refugee or asylum seeker.

How many spaces are there?
Up to 30

How do I apply?
More details can be found online here.

Applications are now open and will close on 27 February 2026.

Apprenticeships
We also provide solicitor apprenticeships at Stephenson Harwood, recruiting apprentices each year for a 6 year scheme. You can find out more here.

The scholarships will provide up to five students with £15,000 per year of a three year undergraduate law degree, to cover the costs of university fees and contribute to living expenses.

Recipients will also be given a mentor from the firm, invited to insight days and employment workshops, provided with work experience and guaranteed a place at an assessment centre for a training contract.

In recognition that there are both practical barriers (such as the cost of university education) as well as those which are harder to identify (like not knowing anyone who can share their experiences of working in law), our programme has been designed to address both elements.

To be eligible you must successfully apply for a law degree to commence in September/October 2026 (you do not need to have secured your place prior to your application for the scholarship).

You can find more information and apply here.