Stevens & Bolton LLP Stevens & Bolton LLP is an independent UK law firm with around 250 lawyers, approximately a third of them partners, many of whom joined from City law firms.

We work across the UK and internationally with handpicked partner firms for an extensive client base ranging from major international organisations, UK FTSE companies, owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals.

Our vision is to be a thriving independent law firm delivering excellence beyond the City. Our vision and values (empathy, excellence, straightforward and together) are underpinned by our firm promise to make a positive difference for our clients, our people and our community.

Our impact committee brings together initiatives from our ESG group, diversity and inclusion (D&I) forum and corporate social responsibility (CSR) team, and activities across these groups provide lots of opportunities to get involved. There are also numerous social and sporting events to take part in, as well as the firm choir.

To find out what it is like to work at Stevens & Bolton LLP read the firm's Meet the Lawyer profile.

We run two programmes of one-week duration which are open to anyone who is applying for a training contract to start from 2026 and 2027. This year we will be running two vacation schemes around Easter.

As a vacation student you will have the opportunity to get involved in the work of the department you are sitting in, together with arranged project work across several departments.

During the course of the week there are introductions to each department, and an opportunity to meet a cross section of people to enable you to sample our unique culture, which sets us apart from other firms. We also hope you will have some fun along the way!

Applications should be made by completing our online application form which is available from our website from 1 December to 31 January.

Our trainees have genuine responsibility and experience of dealing with clients – and are made to feel part of the team from day one. Trainee seats will be available in most of the key business areas we specialise in, namely M&A and other corporate work, banking/finance, commercial, tax, real estate, IP, dispute resolution and employment. We do our best to maximise your ability to experience as many of those areas as possible and currently operate a four six-month seat rotation.

We offer the opportunity for a rewarding, long-term career fuelled by continuing professional and personal development. We are dedicated to encouraging this development, delivered in a variety of ways to give our trainees the best chance to become rounded, assured and respected professionals.

One key initiative is our foundation training scheme which we have designed specifically for trainees. Led by lawyers from across the firm, the scheme aims to equip trainees with the basics in our key practice areas. Training in technical and business skills and early exposure to stimulating work with a variety of clients is instrumental in providing a solid foundation. In addition, the value to be gained from a unique combination of factors – supervision when you need it, support from colleagues and the opportunity to embrace early responsibility as soon as you are ready – creates a compelling proposition at the outset of your career.

We offer a very competitive salary of £40,000 and a comprehensive benefits package.

At Stevens & Bolton there are regular departmental social events, and we have drinks for all staff every month. We also run other social and client events which include opportunities to get involved in sporting activities. In addition we have trainee dinners for both current and future trainees.

From 2022 onwards, unless a future trainee has already commenced the LPC, we will require all future trainees to pass SQE1 and 2 before commencing their period of recognised training with us. We will sponsor any future trainees to study the preparation courses to pass these exams. 

At Stevens & Bolton we are committed to promoting an inclusive culture that encourages everyone to realise their full potential and be themselves at work, and through that approach, we believe, comes true teamwork and strength.

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is a central tenet of our strategy and vision. It is at the forefront of our minds when we make business decisions, as we understand that inclusivity depends on things that all of us do, all of the time and we embrace this as a firm in our day-to-day culture. 

For further information about our D&I initatives please visit our website.

We pay the fees for the CPE/GDL and SQE at the level set by the University of Law, and a maintenance grant £7,000 for each course of study. Any future trainees who are yet to take their GDL, LPC or the SQE are usually required to attend the University of Law.

• Corporate
• Corporate tax
• Commercial
• Commercial real estate
• Property litigation
• Construction
• Finance restructuring & insolvency
• Tax & trusts
• Private wealth disputes
• Family
• Employment
• Pensions & immigration
• Commercial litigation
• Intellectual property

• Corporate & Commercial
• General Commercial
• General Practice

• Guildford

• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Lawyers Against Poverty
• Legal Advice Centres
• Surrey Law Centre

• Black Solicitors Network
• InterLaw Diversity Forum
• PRIME
• Social Mobility Foundation