At Stewarts, we believe that exceptional work is delivered by exceptional people.

We are committed to creating an environment where individuals can thrive professionally and personally, supported by a collaborative culture, meaningful work and a genuine respect for work-life balance.

As the UK’s leading disputes-only law firm, we attract talented people who are passionate about achieving the very best outcomes for clients. In return, we provide meaningful work, opportunities for development and a supportive environment where everyone can build a rewarding career.

Our culture

Culture matters at Stewarts.

People consistently tell us that what sets Stewarts apart is not only the quality of the work, but the way we work together.

Our culture is built around four core values:

Teamwork

We work collaboratively across teams, departments and offices, sharing knowledge and expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Innovation

We encourage fresh thinking and continuous improvement, empowering our people to challenge convention and contribute new ideas.

Manners

We believe that how we work is just as important as what we achieve. We treat colleagues, clients and everyone we interact with courteously and respectfully, creating an environment where people feel valued and supported.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do, maintaining the highest standards of client service, technical expertise and professionalism.

What our people say

Our people frequently describe Stewarts as a supportive, inclusive and collaborative place to work:

• “Stewarts has an excellent culture which I believe sets it apart from other high-end firms.”
• “The friendly, inclusive culture is very apparent when first joining the firm.”
• “There has been much encouragement and praise from the partners and they are genuinely grateful for your efforts. They listen to my ideas and I feel valued for my work.”

We work hard to maintain a professional, respectful and supportive environment where people can perform at their best while enjoying the work they do.

Career development and progression

We are committed to helping our people build successful and rewarding careers.

From day one, employees are given responsibility, support and opportunities to develop their skills. Through regular feedback, training and career development opportunities, we help our people reach their full potential.

Many of our lawyers, paralegals and business services professionals have progressed through the firm, taking on increasing responsibility and leadership roles as their careers develop.

Health and wellbeing

Supporting the wellbeing of our people is a priority.

Our benefits include:

Pension and life assurance – The firm contributes 5% of salary when the member of staff matches that contribution through a salary exchange (sacrifice) arrangement. Death in service benefit is provided.

Healthcare cover – Private medical and dental insurance is available to employees, their spouse/partner and children. Premiums paid by the firm. Optical eye care – Boots voucher from HR or a contribution of £25 towards eye tests. Stewarts staff have access to Aviva’s Digicare+ app which access to a Digital GP.

Employee assistance programme (EAP) – Confidential helpline service offering 24/7 expert telephone and online advice, specialist counselling and support paid for by the firm.

Staff introduction scheme – Referral bonus for the introduction of new staff to Stewarts.

Season ticket loan – Interest-free season ticket loans are available after 3 months service, subject to meeting certain criteria.

Gym discount – Stewarts staff have access to GymFlex and My Gym Discounts which offer membership discounts.

Cycle to work scheme – Available to staff members after 3 months service. You can apply to obtain a bicycle and cycling equipment to predominantly be used for travel to and from work.

Milestone gifts – Staff receive a gift on behalf of the firm for their wedding or upon the birth of a baby.

Birthday leave – All partners and staff are entitled to have the day of their birthday as one day’s additional (non-contractual) holiday within certain criteria.

Supporting families

We understand that people have important commitments and responsibilities outside work. We are committed to helping colleagues balance a successful career with family life and personal wellbeing.

Carer’s leave – Carers can take up to one week of paid carer’s leave per year (in a rolling 12-month period). This can be taken in blocks of half a day up to one full week of leave.

Maternity – We offer enhanced maternity pay of six months at full pay or profit share. Chargeable hours targets on return from maternity leave are scaled over a three-month period. There is no claw back in place should someone decide not to return. We have a parent buddy scheme and coaching is offered to those in certain roles. Chargeable hours targets for fee-earners are adjusted over a three-month period before and after maternity leave.

Paternity – We offer enhanced Firm Paternity Pay (FPP), which comprises four weeks’ full pay or profit share. Paternity leave can start on any day on or following the baby’s birth or the child’s placement date and can be taken in blocks of a week within the 52-week period following the child’s birth/placement.

Adoption – We offer enhanced adoption pay of six months at full pay or profit share. Chargeable hours targets on return from adoption leave are scaled over a three-month period. There is no claw back in place should someone decide not to return. We have a parent buddy scheme and coaching is offered to those in certain roles. Chargeable hours targets for fee-earners are adjusted over a three-month period before and after adoption leave.

Shared parental leave – We offer enhanced shared parental pay, paid at the full rate of your normal basic salary or profit share for the first 13 weeks (inclusive of any enhanced paternity, maternity or adoption pay for the same child).

Parental leave – We offer up to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave for each child up until the child’s 18th birthday. To qualify for parental leave, you must have completed at least one year’s continuous service with the firm.

Fertility treatment – We offer five days’ paid leave in a 12-month period to anyone needing to access fertility treatment.

Pregnancy loss – We provide paid leave for anyone who has been affected by a pregnancy loss.

Neonatal care leave – We offer up to 12 weeks’ enhanced neonatal care pay.

We are particularly proud of the practical support we provide during some of life’s most significant moments and challenges.

An inclusive workplace

We believe that talent comes from many different backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, supported and able to achieve their potential. Through our focus on inclusion, equal opportunity and social mobility, we aim to ensure every individual has the opportunity to succeed and develop their career at Stewarts.

Accreditations

Partnerships