In 2021, law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP partnered with Swansea University’s Shipping and Trade LLM Programmes to be the exclusive sponsor of its LLM in Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law.
In addition to giving guest lectures throughout the year on legal issues in offshore renewable energy, Stephenson Harwood LLP has awarded internships to two top students. The students will join the firm in September 2022.
The LLM in Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy gives students an in-depth understanding of the complex legal and commercial aspects parties come across daily in the offshore energy sector. These internships will provide the students with the opportunity to work in the firm's marine and international trade (MIT) department, alongside lawyers who have advised on a variety of maritime, offshore and energy projects worldwide.
"We are really pleased to be partnered with Swansea University – known for its wide range of maritime and offshore energy courses – and excited to be able to provide these students with this unique opportunity," said Alex Davis, head of MIT, Stephenson Harwood. "These internships are an excellent chance for them to gain some exposure to the legal industry, and will enable them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting."
Stephenson Harwood has also actively been introducing University students to Stephenson Harwood's clients and contacts. For example, High Speed Transfers, an owner and operator of vessels working in the offshore wind sector headquartered in Swansea, has already employed two graduates from their Shipping and Trade LLM Programmes, since being introduced to the University last year.
"We were delighted to be introduced to Swansea University via Stephenson Harwood," said Bryn Smyth, Commercial Manager, High Speed Transfers. "Since our introduction, we have hired two graduates from the University that now have the opportunity to apply the skills and expertise they have learnt via the course in a commercial setting. It is great to be able to employ such highly skilled local talent who want to work in offshore energy and we look forward to working with the University in the future."
Dr Kurtz-Shefford, Deputy Director of Shipping and Trade LLM Programmes, thanks Stephenson Harwood. “We are both extremely pleased and grateful to the people working in SH for taking such an interest in helping Swansea University to grow our young talent. The students are certain to benefit from their exposure to such a dynamic firm. Their experience is sure to be invaluable.”