What we will offer

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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. 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

The Immigration team at Stephenson Harwood is led by experienced partner Jessica Smart, who is supported by an associate with over 10 years’ immigration experience and three paralegals.

The team regularly advises multinational corporations, start-ups, and high-net-worth individuals and their family members on all aspects of UK immigration law. They have particular expertise in sponsor licence applications, management and compliance; Home Office audits and investigations; and Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes. The team also supports HNW clients with personal immigration matters, including economic migration routes; family visas; settlement, and British citizenship and complex passport applications.

With rankings in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for both business and personal immigration work, the team is praised for its technical expertise, commercial approach, and client service.

We are now seeking an associate to join this high-performing and expanding team on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-level associate with experience in UK immigration law to develop their career within a highly ranked and supportive practice, working alongside recognised experts on diverse and interesting immigration matters.

Main Responsibilities

Advising and assisting corporate clients on a variety of UK immigration matters, including sponsor licence applications, management, and compliance; requesting and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship; and preparing and submitting Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility visa applications.
Advising and assisting HNW individuals and family members on a variety of UK immigration matters, including Investor visa, Innovator Founder, Global Talent, EU Settlement Scheme, Settlement, British citizenship and British passport applications.
Advising and assisting offshore energy companies, with the sponsorship and visa applications of crew undertaking projects in UK waters in surveying, O&G and offshore wind.
Attending client meetings / calls and advising on UK immigration options.
Independently managing own client matters and applications.
Supervising and reviewing work done by paralegals.
Liaising with clients, the Home Office, and other stakeholders to progress matters efficiently and professionally.
Drafting legal documents, correspondence, and supporting evidence for applications and appeals.
Legal research and keeping up to date with changes in immigration laws and guidance.
Supporting business development activities, including preparing client updates, presenting on UK immigration topics and attending BD events.
Working collaboratively with colleagues in our Private Wealth, Employment and Marine Trade & Offshore teams.

Attributes/Skills Required

Experience working at a firm with a highly regarded immigration practice and a proven track record in handling relevant matters at the appropriate level.
Experience working with corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.
Strong knowledge on UK immigration law and applications for corporate and private clients.
Strong drafting and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and succinctly to clients.
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
Commercial awareness and a practical, client-focused approach.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
Proactive approach to legal research and professional development.
Commitment to delivering high standards of client service and supporting the team’s business development efforts.

About the Firm

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm, and we're committed to creating 'positive partnerships' with our clients. We represent listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed in a complex and ever-changing world.

Our focus is on five core sectors: Energy Transition, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade.

With more than 1,500 people, including 250+ partners, across eleven offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we combine deep legal capabilities and broad commercial expertise. We have also forged close ties with high quality law firms around the world, blending local knowledge with global savvy for clients in over 100 countries.

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.

250+ PARTNERS
11 OFFICES
45+ LANGUAGES SPOKEN BY OUR PEOPLE

Offices in Al Khobar, Athens, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Paris, Riyadh, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and associated office in Guangzhou

Our brand strengths:

GO FAR, GO TOGETHER

EXPERTS IN MORE THAN LAW

CAN DO PERSONALITIES

ALWAYS READY

About the company

Stephenson Harwood provides legal advice and representation to companies, financial institutions and private clients. Its lawyers handle corporate transactions, financing, commercial disputes, regulation, employment and property matters, preparing agreements and representing clients in negotiations, courts and arbitration. Clients pay fees for advisory work, transaction execution and dispute representation, with teams assembled around the legal needs of each matter. The firm coordinates work through offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia and relationships with local law firms. With roots dating to 1828, Stephenson Harwood is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

City of London, United Kingdom

Founded

1828

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Stephenson Harwood opened Madrid in June 2026 with eight partners, adding a Spanish legal team.
Stephenson Harwood funds qualifying London trainees' law-conversion and solicitor-exam fees, plus maintenance grants.
Stephenson Harwood assigns each London trainee a dedicated partner for regular development reviews.

What critics are saying

Stephenson Harwood's August 2026 results reporting showed FY2025/26 firm profit fell 12% to £105 million.
Stephenson Harwood requires 60% office attendance, limiting flexibility for people seeking predominantly remote roles.
Stephenson Harwood's success-based disputes fees make annual revenue sensitive to case-completion timing.

What makes Stephenson Harwood unique

Stephenson Harwood's formal Virtus Law alliance combines English-law advice with permitted Singapore-law services.
Stephenson Harwood's SHarper AI extracts and analyses contract terms for compliance with EU digital resilience rules.
Stephenson Harwood prioritised roughly 14,000 of 80,000 High Court dispute documents using technology-assisted review.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Gym Membership
Employee Discounts
Wellness Program
Hybrid Work Options

Company News

Ship Management International

Oct 9th, 2026

Marine insurance specialist Dr Jennifer Lavelle joins Stephenson Harwood as Partner.

Marine insurance specialist Dr Jennifer Lavelle joins Stephenson Harwood as Partner. Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its Commercial Litigation practice with the arrival of marine insurance specialist Dr Jennifer Lavelle, who joins the firm as a Partner in London. Jennifer advises on coverage instructions and the handling of recovery claims arising from charterparties, bills of lading, marine casualties and salvage. She is widely recognised as a leading adviser for cargo coverage instructions, in London and internationally. Jennifer holds an LL.M. in Maritime Law and a Ph.D. in Commercial Law. She spent two years at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva, advising on a range of maritime matters, including oil pollution at sea and piracy. "Jennifer's market-leading cargo coverage expertise, collaborative approach, and dedication to exceptional client service makes her an excellent addition to our growing insurance practice," said Partner Tal Goldsmith (pictured), Global Co-Head of Commercial Litigation, Stephenson Harwood. "Transportation and trade is one of our key areas of focus, and Jennifer adds depth and breadth to our offering in the sector. Her extensive knowledge of cargo coverage is a clear differentiator, which complements the team's existing capabilities, and further enhances our ability to meet the increasingly complex needs of our clients." "Our dedicated insurance team has experienced significant growth in the last five years, as we have invested in building one of the strongest teams in the sector," said Partner Alex Davis, Stephenson Harwood's Head of Insurance, London. "Adding a lawyer of Jennifer's calibre builds on our position at the forefront of the marine insurance market."

USA Sites

Oct 6th, 2026

Trustees and Mercer speed up bulk annuity deals with teamwork.

Trustees and Mercer speed up bulk annuity deals with teamwork. By Laila Fitriansyah October 6, 2026 Mercer's DB Master Trust executed three bulk annuity buy-ins within weeks this year, a speed that would have been impossible just a few years earlier. Activity in the bulk annuity market has surged. Consultants tracked a record 350 to 375 transactions in 2025, with smaller and mid-sized schemes leading the way. Transactions that once took months now often close in weeks, thanks to improved workflows and shared knowledge. The transactions were overseen by Mercer's risk transfer team, working alongside the master trust's independent professional trustees, PAN Trustees, Independent Governance Group, and Zedra, along with legal support from Stephenson Harwood. The trustees' prior experience with buy-ins allowed the process to focus on critical decisions rather than foundational explanations. A key innovation was conducting a data cleanse before finalizing contracts. This preparatory work, coordinated with Mercer's advisers and Just Group, simplified later stages and provided trustees with immediate clarity on costs, which are usually confirmed only after data verification. By consolidating three fully segregated sections of the master trust into a single transaction, Mercer achieved better pricing and insurer capacity than would have been available for individual schemes. This strategy also shortened the period between buy-in and buyout, accelerating the trust's progress toward winding up. The increased pace has required pension schemes, trustee boards, and advisers to adjust. Stephenson Harwood launched its Derisking Pathway, a standardized framework for faster transactions. The program uses pre-approved disclosure templates and AI tools to accelerate document review, while standardized contracts and benefit specifications minimize redundancy and reduce costs. Estella Bogira, a partner at Stephenson Harwood, described the collaboration between Mercer, Just Group, and the trustees as exceptional. The process emphasized member outcomes, with all parties coordinating closely to optimize the approach. Tim Ball, Mercer's lead for the DB Master Trust, observed that while the master trust was designed for efficiency, this deal established a new pathway for employers transitioning through it toward buyout. Mercer's transactions reflect a broader movement: as more pension schemes approach their final stages, trustee boards face growing options. The consistent factor across all deals remains effective teamwork. Insurers, consultants, and trustees must align their efforts to keep up with a market that operates at an unprecedented speed.

Eat N' Stays

Oct 5th, 2026

Dubai showcases its growing global superyacht proposition at Monaco Yacht Show 2026.

Dubai showcases its growing global superyacht proposition at Monaco Yacht Show 2026. Dubai highlights extensive marina infrastructure, a growing maritime ecosystem and luxury lifestyle offering as it strengthens its position as a global superyacht destination Dubai: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has reinforced Dubai's position as a leading global superyacht destination with its participation as part of the UAE Pavilion at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 (23-26 September). DET brought together international and regional yacht owners, captains, brokers, charter companies, investors, family offices and luxury sector stakeholders to showcase the emirate's evolving role in shaping a more connected yachting proposition across the country. In collaboration with industry partners, Dubai's programme at the show highlighted the breadth and growing sophistication of its yachting ecosystem, extending from premium marina infrastructure and yacht management to charter, brokerage, provisioning, shipbuilding, luxury lifestyle and investment. The engagement also reflected the objectives of the newly-formed UAE Yachting Alliance, announced by authorities from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah at the show to support integrated itineraries, joint international promotion and closer coordination across the marine tourism sector. Attendees at the show were able to learn about Dubai's yachting proposition, which is supported by 22 marinas, alongside streamlined arrival processes that allow superyachts to complete entry requirements at the marina. Foreign visiting vessels can remain in Dubai waters for up to six months, while eligible foreign-flagged vessels on a visa permit benefit from exemptions from VAT and customs duties. These measures strengthen Dubai's appeal as a practical, accessible and commercially attractive base for the international yachting community. Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: "The Monaco Yacht Show provided an important platform for Dubai to engage directly with the global yachting community and demonstrate how our destination proposition is evolving. Dubai delivers much more than an exceptional place to berth, combining advanced infrastructure, luxury lifestyle offerings, and a growing network of maritime expertise and services, while providing seamless access to the wider UAE. Through close collaboration with our public and private sector partners, and as the UAE's yachting proposition becomes increasingly connected, our ambition is to make Dubai the gateway through which the global yachting community and their guests can discover more of the country and the region." A series of curated engagements at the show provided a platform to strengthen relationships across the international yachting community and showcase Dubai's proposition beyond the marina. Highlights included a luxury fashion presentation by homegrown brand Carter & White, in collaboration with Sunreef Yachts, bringing together fashion and superyachting as part of a curated breakfast gathering. DET also partnered with Stephenson Harwood LLP on an exclusive reception exploring Dubai's growing economic appeal to private wealth, international investment and luxury asset stakeholders. In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT), DET hosted a dedicated session for leading yacht brokers and charter companies, moderated by Charter Itineraries, examining opportunities to develop richer multi-destination experiences across the UAE. The session highlighted Dubai's role as the gateway and anchor destination, supported by increasingly efficient permitting processes and ease of movement between the emirates. The discussion also explored how Dubai's hospitality, dining, retail, culture, entertainment and events offering can help brokers and charter companies design longer, more commercially attractive itineraries. Together, these engagements demonstrated the depth of Dubai's wider maritime ecosystem, with companies spanning yacht management, charter, sales, marina operations, provisioning, construction, engineering and luxury services. Stakeholders including Phoenix Yacht Management, JLS Yachts, D-Marin, Magnitude, MY OCEAN, Dubai Harbour, AAA Marine, EMS and Grandweld Shipyards reflect the range of expertise supporting the complete superyacht journey, from acquisition and ownership to arrival, operation, servicing and construction. Dubai's proposition is further strengthened by the experiences available ashore, from luxury hospitality, dining and retail to culture, entertainment, sport and international events, offering owners and charterers a destination that extends well beyond the yacht itself. Building on the current momentum across the industry, the city continues to offer yacht owners and charter guests a safe and globally connected destination with the infrastructure, services and experiences expected by high-value travellers. The Monaco Yacht Show engagement reinforces Dubai's ambition to strengthen its position as a globally connected yachting hub, while positioning the wider UAE as a seamless, multi-destination cruising proposition.

Global Legal Insights

Oct 2nd, 2026

Stephenson Harwood locks in Asia IP and tech talent.

Stephenson Harwood locks in Asia IP and tech talent. TMT lawyer Amita Haylock arrives from Mayer Brown to take up post at the helm of the firm's Asia technology and IP practice. Stephenson Harwood has hired Amita Haylock as partner and head of its Asia-based technology and intellectual property (IP) practice, effective 1 October. Haylock, who arrives from Mayer Brown, will split her time between the firm's Hong Kong and Singapore offices. She brings almost two decades' experience in intellectual property, competition, and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) law, with a practice focused on complex multidisciplinary issues spanning commercial regulation, strategy and dispute resolution. In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Haylock said she looks forward to "continuing to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape and build on Stephenson Harwood's well-established platform across Asia, the Middle East and Europe". Haylock joined Mayer Brown as a senior associate in 2016 after three years at Bird & Bird. She quickly climbed the ranks, making partner in 2020 following a 2018 counsel promotion. Stephenson Harwood global IP, technology and data head Dan Holland said Haylock's "valuable combination of skills" will serve to differentiate the firm's services "in a highly competitive Asia market". "Amita is one of the leading TMT lawyers in Asia and we are very pleased that she will be joining us to lead and grow our practice there, in line with our regional and global strategy," Holland continued. "As well as IP, technology and data matters, Amita is able to advise on regulation and competition law, strengthening our ability to advise our clients on their most complex IP, technology and data challenges." Holland added that Haylock's fintech experience will "be of huge benefit" as the firm seeks to "match [its] clients' investments in the growing intersection of technology and finance". The news comes amid rumours that Stephenson Harwood is in the early stages of merger talks with European law firm Taylor Wessing, which split from its UK arm earlier this year.

Legalease Ltd

Oct 1st, 2026

A&O Shearman hires Stephenson Harwood pair as global secondaries co-heads.

A&O Shearman hires Stephenson Harwood pair as global secondaries co-heads. A&O Shearman has hired a pair of partners from Stephenson Harwood to co-lead its global secondaries practice. Sarah de Ste Croix, who headed Stephenson Harwood's private equity practice, is moving with Gabriel Boghossian, who is recognised by Legal 500 as a next-generation partner for private funds in London, as well as their full team. Your limit of 1 article in 30 days is up. Please login for full access or subscribe . Corporate users - click here for simple access (no password needed). For more information, please contact [email protected]

Stephenson Harwood

Immigration Associate

About the job