Stephenson Harwood Overview and Practice Areas

Stephenson Harwood is a global law firm with a long history dating back to 1875. Founded by Edward Harwood, the firm has since grown to become one of the largest law firms in the world.

Stephenson Harwood has a strong global presence with offices in major cities such as London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. They have a team of over 1,000 lawyers and staff worldwide.

The firm's practice areas include corporate law, real estate, and disputes. They also have a dedicated team for intellectual property and tax law.

Stephenson Harwood has a rich history that spans over a century. The firm was founded in 1875 by William Harwood and Henry Stephenson, who created the firm of Harwood & Stephenson.

The firm's roots go back even further, to 1828 and the City law firm Tatham & Lousada. This legacy has been a significant part of the firm's identity.

In 1920, Tathams merged with Stephenson Harwood to form Stephenson Harwood & Tatham, which was later renamed Stephenson Harwood in 1977. This merger marked an important milestone in the firm's history.

The firm has been present in Hong Kong for over forty years, making it one of the first UK firms to enter the Asian market. This expansion has been a key factor in the firm's growth and success.

In 2002, the firm merged with City shipping specialist Sinclair Roche & Temperley, giving it a Shanghai office. This move further solidified the firm's presence in the Asian market.

The firm's expertise was put to the test in 2011, when it advised Lion Air on the largest Boeing deal in aviation history, worth US$21.7 billion. The signing of this deal was a significant achievement for the firm.

Stephenson Harwood offers a range of practice areas and services, including corporate law, finance, and tax.

Their corporate law team advises on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate governance, with a focus on the energy and natural resources sector. They have a strong track record in this area, with notable deals in the oil and gas industry.

Their finance team provides expertise in banking and finance, including debt and equity financing, and financial regulation. They also have experience in Islamic finance and sukuk transactions.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are a popular choice for businesses that want the flexibility of a partnership with the protection of a company.

An LLP is a hybrid business structure that combines the liability protection of a company with the tax benefits and flexibility of a partnership.

LLPs are formed by two or more individuals, and each member has limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected in case the business is sued or incurs debt.

In an LLP, profits and losses are shared among the members based on their agreed-upon share of ownership.

LLPs are required to file annual accounts and a Confirmation Statement with the relevant authorities.

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We offer a wide range of practice areas to cater to diverse client needs. Our team of experts has extensive experience in handling complex cases.

In business law, we provide advice on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and contract negotiations. This expertise helps businesses make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Our real estate practice area covers property transactions, zoning regulations, and environmental law. We work closely with clients to ensure smooth transactions and compliance with regulations.

In personal injury cases, we specialize in representing clients who have suffered physical or emotional harm due to negligence or wrongdoing. Our lawyers have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for clients.

We also have a dedicated family law practice area, handling divorce, child custody, and child support cases. Our team of experts works tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.

Our intellectual property practice area protects clients' creative works, inventions, and brands from infringement and misuse. We help clients register trademarks, patents, and copyrights, and enforce their rights in court.

In employment law, we advise clients on labor laws, employment contracts, and workplace disputes. We work to resolve disputes and protect clients' rights in the workplace.

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Sustainability is incredibly important to this law firm, which has signed up to the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance pledge to find more sustainable ways to attract early talent.

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The firm's commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

By joining the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance, the firm is part of a movement that aims to make a positive impact on the environment.

This law firm is dedicated to making a difference, one sustainable step at a time.

The firm's pledge is a promise to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of its recruitment process.

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Stephenson Harwood is a law firm that stands out in several key areas.

Their teams have received top-tier recognition from Legal 500 in areas such as Art and Cultural Property, Commodities: Disputes, and Equity Capital Markets (small-mid cap).

In addition to these team recognitions, the firm has a strong presence in Commercial Litigation, Private Equity, and Employment law.

Over 80 individuals at the firm have achieved international recognition for their work, a testament to their expertise and dedication.

Here are some of the specific areas where Stephenson Harwood's teams have been recognized as Tier 1 by Legal 500:

At Stephenson Harwood, you'll have opportunities to develop your skills through secondments. Secondments are a great way to gain experience in different areas of law, and according to the Legal Cheek Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey 2025-26, secondment probabilities are based on data from over 2,000 trainees and junior associates at leading law firms in the UK.

You can expect a supportive and inclusive work environment at Stephenson Harwood.

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Stephenson Harwood has a strong focus on compliance and governance, with a team of experts who advise clients on regulatory issues. They have a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and can help clients navigate complex rules and regulations.

Their expertise in compliance and governance is evident in their work with clients in the financial services sector, where they have advised on a range of issues including anti-money laundering and financial crime.

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Stephenson Harwood takes professional indemnity insurance very seriously, and each of their offices holds this type of insurance.

Their London practice is covered by Lloyd's Syndicate QBE 1886 (Non-EEA) / QBE Europe SA/NV (EEA) and Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC, which provides worldwide coverage.

The offices outside of England and Wales are also covered by the same insurance providers.

In addition to this, the Hong Kong and China offices have compulsory professional indemnity insurance, as required by the Law Society of Hong Kong.

The Paris office has its own compulsory professional indemnity insurance, as mandated by the Ordre des Avocats de Paris (Paris Bar Association).

This comprehensive insurance coverage gives clients peace of mind, knowing that Stephenson Harwood is protected against potential risks and liabilities.

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The Insider Scorecard is a valuable tool for law firms in the UK, providing a snapshot of their performance. It's derived from the Legal Cheek Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey 2025-26, which gathered insights from over 2,000 trainees and junior associates at leading law firms.

The survey's results are used to assign grades ranging from A* to D, giving law firms a clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses.

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Compliance rating is a measure of how well a company is adhering to regulatory requirements. It's like a report card for your business.

The rating is usually based on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being perfect compliance. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires companies to have a compliance rating of at least 80 to avoid penalties.

A high compliance rating can save your company money and reputation by avoiding costly fines and lawsuits. It can also improve customer trust and loyalty.

The FTC uses a risk-based approach to determine compliance ratings, considering factors such as company size, industry, and past compliance history.

The SRA Transparency Rules aim to increase transparency in the legal industry, making it easier for clients to understand the costs involved in a transaction.

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Transparency is key in building trust with clients, and the SRA rules require law firms to clearly display their pricing information.

By having our pricing publicly available, we're helping to demystify the process for our clients and giving them a clear idea of what to expect.

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Stephenson Harwood has a clear tax strategy in place, which covers the business and all related entities controlled by them. This strategy is required by law and is published annually.

Their approach to UK tax planning is guided by high professional standards and ethics. They intend to use tax reliefs in a fair way, consistent with the reasons they were introduced.

The firm considers both the spirit and the precise form of tax laws when making decisions. This ensures they're not taking a position that's inconsistent with their values.

Their director of finance plays a key role in overseeing the firm's tax affairs, using professional judgment to ensure they're not acting aggressively or unusually.

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Stephenson Harwood is a global law firm with a rich history dating back to 1875, when it was founded by George Stephenson and William Harwood. They established the firm in London, England, and it has since grown to become a leading international law firm.

The firm has a strong presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with offices in key locations such as London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. They have a team of over 1,100 lawyers and professionals who provide expert advice to clients across various sectors.

Stephenson Harwood's expertise spans multiple practice areas, including corporate, real estate, and litigation, among others. Their lawyers have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in these areas, allowing them to provide effective solutions to clients' needs.

The firm is committed to delivering exceptional service to its clients, with a focus on building long-term relationships. They strive to stay ahead of the curve in terms of industry trends and developments, ensuring that their clients receive the best possible advice.

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