Vacation Scheme Review
by A&O Shearman
Rating
-
Skills
5.0
-
Business Insight
5.0
-
Culture
5.0
-
Your Impressions
5.0
- 1. Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
- How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
- How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
- Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
- 3. What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
- Please rate how insightful you found the insight
- How would you rate the structure of the insight
- How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
- 4. What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
- How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
- How would you rate the networking opportunities?
- Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
- 5. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
- Please rate how your experience met your expectations
- Please rate the future employment prospects at A&O Shearman
- 7. Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?
- 8. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to A&O Shearman
Overview
A typical day would entail a few talks in the morning (including one from the managing partner!) before shadowing the lawyer that you were assigned to in the afternoon. There were also many social events that were brilliantly organised and gave you a great opportunity to get to know the other people in your cohort, who you will hopefully be working alongside in a few years.
Skills
The shadowing was absolutely brilliant as it gave you the opportunity to receive assessment on genuine work relating to an ongoing case, giving you a great taste of what life as a lawyer is like. The talks were highly informative and covered important topics such as the work of the firm and its various practice areas, insight into current affairs and how they relate to law, ESG and DE&I, and self-growth.
Business Insight
Especially as a non-law student, it was very useful to learn about the intricacies of the various practice areas. Aside from the talks, the lawyers at A&O were more than willing to meet you for a coffee during the day and explain a bit about what they do. Although I was sat in pensions, my ‘buddy’ organised coffee meetings with people across the firm in practice areas I was interested in.
Culture
The culture and atmosphere is, in my opinion, what sets A&O apart from other firms. There is a noticeable friendliness about the firm and everyone you encounter is so willing to drop what they’re doing and assist you in any way. Every single person we were introduced to, from the managing partner to the ‘buddy’ we were assigned, made us feel incredibly welcome from the start.
Your Impressions
I had an absolutely fantastic time! Not only was it very educational and insightful, but it was also great fun. Everyone in my cohort was incredibly friendly and we all got along really well, which made the week fly by.
Yes
I think my main piece of advice would be, if you’ve reached the interview stage, treat preparation for the interview like revision for an exam. It goes without saying that it’s unbelievably competitive so the best way to set yourself apart is to work incredibly hard! Also, I think it’s important to try and relax as much as is possible and just be yourself in the interview.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
April 2024
