A&O First Participant Review

I enjoyed the insight day very much. I was impressed by the knowledge and confidence of all the A&O employees I encountered, and though they made clear the skills required to become a successful commercial lawyer. Additionally, the ability to network directly with one of the firm's Partners was both valuable and insightful.

I felt valued during my time at the firm, as I think did most of the participants on the programme. I felt valued because all the members of the graduate recruitment team, my 'trainee buddy', and the partners I spoke with all seemed genuinely interested in informing me and providing suggestions for my vacation scheme application. Moreover, the A&O gear/merchandise that was distributed made me feel a part of the Allen & Overy team.

I think the guidance/support provided could not have been imparted any better. The presentation by the graduate recruitment team stressed the specifics that A&O recruiters were looking for, Ms. Claire Wright's question and answer session was equally illuminating, and the personalised advice provided by my 'trainee buddy' was a perfect personalised platform to seek out any further advice.

I don't think what was stressed during the placement were what skills I could acquire from the A&O programme, and transfer back to my studies at university but rather what skills I have cultivated during my studies that are relevant to the work of a commercial lawyer. I came away from the placement confident that many of the talents I have honed as a history student (speed reading, source synthesis, critical thinking, public speaking skills etc.) are highly relevant to the daily role of a A&O lawyer.

The A&O First insight programme was remarkably well structured. The two visits to the office were tremendously packed with helpful presentations and networking socials, interspersed with stimulating activities such as the 'negotiation simulation' or 'business game'. And yet, I still got the impression that I was able to make friends and develop personal connections with some of the other participants. The days were fast paced and this structure made the day both fun and rewarding.

The general atmosphere during the insight was overwhelmingly positive. I was particularly impressed by the attitudes of all the A&O employees I encountered. As mentioned above, they seemed to take a genuine interest providing advice, and appeared very enthusiastic about the firm and its clients. Unfortunately, I did converse with a few other participants who struck me as excessively haughty, and in one case, downright rude. This type of behaviour was, however, the exception not the norm.

The insight day provided me with a very good impression of what it would be like to have a full time position with the firm. I got this impression from my conversations with the firm's employees at the networking events, especially their stories of the challenges they face daily. Additionally, the graduate recruitment team did a very good job explicating the role a student would play on a Vacation Scheme.

There were lots of opportunities for networking and meeting employees of the company or firm. I found the opportunity to speak with trainees, associates, and partners (particularly Mark Ridgway) especially useful. They provided I very good portrait of the work done by a corporate lawyer on a day to day basis by discussing what challenges they face and the the ways in which they look to determine solutions.

The networking/social event opportunities were one of the most useful part of the programme. For me, the best way to develop a good sense of a firm's culture is through personal conversation with A&O employees, particularly the firm's partners. The food and drinks were always tasty and well presented. Furthermore, these opportunities were valuable because I was able to meet participants from other universities and backgrounds different from my own.

I think the activities that employees can get involved in outside of the office were mentioned, but not very comprehensively. I think, however, that with a programme that is only 2 days long, it is most important to stress the key skills and discuss the information that participants want and need to know. As such, I believe the structure of the placement was organised optimally.

I would without doubt recommend the A&O First Insight programme to a friend, because I think that in order to make an informed decision about career choice it is first crucial to try to gain an insight into any industry one has an interest in. This insight does precisely that, and does so in a polished and way. I have been immensely impressed by A&O, and that is one of the reasons I am keenly looking forward to representing them on campus this year.