Future Talent Adviser (12 Month Contract)

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 and early involvement in growing the business. 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 HR and L&D function comprises of 40 people globally and is responsible for the management of all matters concerning the employment and development of our people. This involves guiding and supporting partners, managers, and all employees alike, as well as supporting the creation of an inclusive and diverse environment, enabling our people to thrive. This includes:

• Implementing our people and talent strategy in line with business objectives
• Resourcing, talent and career management
• Reward (financial and non-financial) strategy
• Policy, procedures setting and the practical application of these across the business.

Main Responsibilities

The post holder will report to, and work closely with, the senior Future Talent manager. They will also work closely with the other members of the Future Talent team including the other Future Talent Adviser and Future Talent assistant and the wider HR team and develop relationships with partners and colleagues across the business. The Future Talent Adviser will primarily be responsible for:
Future talent recruitment

• Supporting on the recruitment of all our graduate and school leaver Future Talent opportunities including trainee solicitors, solicitor apprentices, scholars, placement schemes and open days.
• Delivering sessions for open days, insight sessions, skills workshops and placement schemes and participating in law fairs.
• Leading on our media and communications to students.
• Managing a range of the firm's Future Talent social impact programmes, including Bright Sparks work experience.
• Working with diversity partner organisations to attract and support diverse talent (partners include Aspiring Solicitors, Rare Recruitment, City Century Apprentices).
• First stage application screening, first stage interviews and participating as an assessor in assessment centres.
• Coaching sessions for students, and providing feedback to candidates
• Co-ordinating international training contract recruitment.

Future talent development

• Onboarding for Future Talent including co-ordination of financial assistance, facilitating events prior to commencement of employment, building relationships and liaising with our Future Talent.
• Managing new joiner processes, certificate of sponsorship applications and inductions.
• Providing generalist HR support managing the employee lifecycle of the Future Talent including straightforward employee relations issues (such as sickness or attendance) and assisting with regular 1:1 catch ups.
• Responsibility for seat change process, co-ordinating logistics for international and client secondments and visa processes.
• Co-ordination and administration of NQ and admission process
• Data inputting, checking, reporting on Core HR.

Policies, knowhow and developing the HR function

• Developing and maintaining standard documents, know-how and HR guidance documentation.
• Participating or leading the firm's and department's projects to support the firm's strategy to implementation balancing the day to day workload with project work
• Keeping up to date with regulations and practices.

Working with others

• Build on our presence at networks and forums to seek out best practice.
• Share ideas, contribute to know how and make suggestions for improvements.
• Contribute to team development and the wider HR team.

Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.

Attributes/Skills Required

• Relevant experience in Future Talent
• Flexible approach and proactive manner to all work and tasks
• Ability to work as part of a team and across all levels at the firm, approachable and able to build rapport quickly
• Excellent organisational skills, planning and prioritisation, and time management of self and others
• Accuracy and a strong eye for detail
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and information confidentially and discreetly
• Commercial understanding and approach
• Interest in own professional development and keen to put forward own ideas and suggestions
• Experience of an HR information system/database

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm's strategy and business needs.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

About the Firm

With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.
Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.
We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.
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.
Our values:
Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent
Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard
Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships
Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say
These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.
Our vision into 2026

To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.
This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character – the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That's how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.