Winter Vacation Scheme Participant Review

I shadowed an associate in the antitrust team, so attended meetings and completed tasks like legal research and taking minutes. I also attended talks on different areas of the firm and took part in social activities to get to know the firm and the other vacation scheme students. In addition, I went for coffee with associates and trainees from across the firm to learn more about their work!

I certainly developed my commercial awareness and knowledge of the firm and its work. I also developed my attention to detail and research skills whilst completing tasks with my trainer, and my teamwork skills improved through my work on the innovation project and presentation with other vacation scheme students. The week flew by but was very busy, so it also sharpened my organisational skills.

It was an invaluable experience for learning more about the firm and its practice areas, as I not only got the chance to attend informative talks but I also got to speak to associates and trainees about their experiences across different departments. It also helped me to better understand what a training contract at A&O would look like and how it works in practice.

Everyone was extremely friendly, from the Graduate Recruitment Team to associates at the firm, all of whom were very willing to go for a coffee and talk about their experience at the firm and beyond. A&O also emphasised the importance of mental health initiatives and diversity and inclusion in the workplace, both of which are important to me.

Although the week was very busy and there was a lot to absorb, I had a fantastic time and came away from the vacation scheme feeling more confident than ever that I wanted to pursue a career not just in law but specifically at A&O. The variety of tasks and activities was very enjoyable and I learnt so much about the firm, its work and its culture.

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Research the firm and try to attend online events to learn more about its work and its culture. Make sure you tailor your application to A&O and try to make the most out of any work experience, even if it isn't in the legal field!