A&O First Review

Very enjoyable insight. We gained a unique insight into Allen & Overy in a way which was not only beneficial but also interesting and fun. Throughout the scheme we were looked after extremely well. You have the chance to return to the office after the initial visit and this was fun because you meet individuals you have networked with previously.

Considerable effort and expense had obviously gone into the scheme by Allen & Overy. This included each student on the scheme being given a mentor. Having a mentor not only made us each feel very valued but provided us with a friendly and useful source of information. Furthermore Graduate Recruitment set up a Facebook group allowing us to keep in contact directly with other participants on the scheme.

The office visits involved various workshops. In all these workshops we were given considerable guidance on what was expected from us. Furthermore after undertaking tasks (such as a negotiation exercise) we were given feedback. Finally, at the end of the scheme, we were given application tips for vacation schemes/ training contracts.

The scheme was focussed towards the practical skills required to be a lawyer as opposed to the skills required to do well in a law degree. However these skills were very useful and would hopefully be particularly beneficial at an Assessment Centre. The application tips for future applications were very useful as ultimately they came from those who would review our application!

We received regular contact prior to attending the first office event. After this we were invited to join a Facebook group for those participating on the scheme. In this group, graduate recruitment gave regular updates allowing us to know in advance what would be happening on our return visit to the office.

Everyone on the scheme got on well. It was also good that on the return visit to the office we got to meet other participants who had their first visit on other days. In addition everyone got on well (I think) with employees of Allen and Overy. I have kept in touch with some on the scheme.

Allen and Overy spent considerable resources on us. They went to great length whilst planning the workshops. The trainee buddy scheme was invaluable and continues to be a useful contact to have at the firm today. The scheme was obviously well thought out and succeeds with the intention of allowing us to experience a leading international law firm.

We spent an afternoon shadowing our trainee buddy. This allowed to gain an insight into the type of work they would do on a daily basis. We were given a task by our trainee to undertake and this was of similar type to the standard of work they would be expected to undertake.

By networking with trainees, associates, partners and graduate recruitment I gained an insight into the culture of the firm which I could not have achieved through simply reading Allen & Overy’s website. We were given considerable networking time and thus received an insight into the culture of the firm from a great variety of perspectives.

Hugely useful for gaining an insight into whether you want to pursue a career with an international law firm (it convinced me that I did want to). Spending the afternoon shadowing a trainee was incredibly beneficial. My intention is to apply for a vacation scheme to completely confirm my aspiration to be solicitor at a top international firm.

Travel expenses up to £150 were reimbursed.

On the return to the office the day finished with drinks with all fellow participants and our trainee buddies as well as other representatives from the firm.

The networking opportunities were useful as on the office return visit we were able to re-establish networking relationships we had created on the first visit. Through these I managed to make numerous contacts in addition to my trainee buddy. Allen and Overy have made a real effort to keep in contact with us after the scheme.

Yes. A lot of the trainees play in the firm's sports teams and they also have socials as trainees and within departments.

Without a doubt I would recommend the scheme. The scheme was well organised, informative and interesting. Allen and Overy First has allowed me to gain an incredible insight into how a leading international law firm works. It also gave me the opportunity to apply to be a Campus Executive; a role which I was ultimately successful in getting. This has further developed my insight into the firm.