Vacation Scheme Student Review

Working at A&O over the past 2 weeks has been an exceptional experience. The type of work, alongside the supportive environment created by Grad Recruitment, the legal team and everyone involved in the firm made this vac scheme unique in all the best ways. Talks, Q&As and socials were also excellent and engaging, highlighting the firm's commercial strengths and welcoming culture.

My team and supervisor made me feel like my work was valued and important and I was able to go beyond my department in search of work that was met with positivity. Even though I am in no way a peer to my colleagues I was treated as such in regard to the work I was conducting. Bottom line: Very valued to say the least :)

Whenever I had a piece of work my supervisors always took the time to explain not just the work I was doing but most importantly the way that task fits into the wider commercial matter we were grappling with. Any questions I had were always answered clearly and positive re-enforcement was a crucial part of working here.

Skills like time-management, project management and team building/cooperation are invaluable and A&O created plentiful opportunities for such skills development. Key information such as that of building a network, commercial understanding and the importance of interjurisdictional work was presented effectively and clearly.

The vac scheme was structured very well. I appreciated the fact that I was able to spend 2 weeks in 1 department rather than split my time in 2 departments (1 each week) and the talks etc flowed nicely throughout the weeks.

As I said before, A&O's culture is incredibly welcoming which was quite surprising when you compare it to the horror stories and tales spun about Magic Circle firms in particular. Hierarchy is of course in place but in terms of actual culture it's nearly entirely absent. Partners and senior associates are more than willing to take the time to grab a coffee or have a chat about a department or a deal that you may find particularly interesting and want to know more about.

Talks on Business Development, Presentation skills etc were great ways that the firm invested time and resources in my development and personal training. All these panels as well as the day-to-day work with supervisors helped further in said development.

The vac scheme is a great opportunity to find out what it's like to be a trainee at A&O in terms of both workload, type of work etc but most importantly in terms of the culture, values and people who work here who make A&O such an excellent place to work at.

See above.

The vac scheme definitely helped in solidifying my interest in international commercial law as a future career path.

Renumeration is excellent.

There were multiple events where you could network with members of the firm across the spectrum, from partners to trainees. Also I was encouraged to try and build my network independently of the events by simply emailing members of teams/practice areas that I found interesting or appealing.

All events were very structured and partners, associates etc were very eager to answer any questions and get to know all the vac schemers a lot better.

There were a lot of opportunities to get involved in/learn more about A&O's groups/activities such as A&Out for LGBTQ employees, the Women's Network and sports.

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