A&O First Review

Each day, there were several presentations to understand the work that A&O undertook. There were also several networking sessions to get to know the cohort, graduate recruitment team and trainee solicitors. The trainee panels were extremely helpful and willing to answer any questions. You also get to meet your trainee buddy for coffee.

I developed my networking skills enormously throughout the scheme. As more networking sessions went by, the more comfortable I felt with approaching anyone to ask any questions. Consequently, this also developed my communication skills. Also, I developed my commercial awareness skills through the super informative commercial awareness session run by one of the trainee solicitors. This was really helpful because I better understood different frameworks to approach reading news articles.

It was amazing to learn about the business and their merger to become A&O Shearman. We learned more about the daily tasks of a trainee solicitor such as completing due diligence and completing document reviews. Understanding the main areas of Banking & Finance and Corporate was very interesting but also how the other practice areas are given just as much importance to create a balanced overview of the work undertaken. It was great to learn about the potential next steps and roles including vacation schemes and training contracts

The company culture was incredibly friendly and approachable. All of the trainee solicitors were happy for me to ask them any questions that I had which really emphasised the collaborative nature of the firm as well. Associates and Partners giving presentations were more than happy for us to ask any questions as well. The graduate recruitment team were amazing as well as they helped explain the application processes and gave amazing advice for future applications

I found the first year scheme to be incredible. Each day, I left the office with a smile on my face. It was great to experience the culture and throughly enjoyed the scheme. My trainee buddy is fantastic and answers any questions that I have. The social on the first day involving painting was so enjoyable and I have even framed my painting now. I will leave the scheme knowing that I have a greater insight into A&O and life as a commercial solicitor. I have also made some friends for life within my cohort.

Yes

Reach out to campus ambassadors! They are amazing and have great advice on applying to A&O Shearman. Try and use LinkedIn to reach out to trainee solicitors who work at the firm before you apply as most will respond to you. You can use this in your application to show your interest in the firm. Try and attend and on campus event if possible because these are very informative and are great for your applications! Also, enjoy the interview as it a great way for the firm to get to know you and you to get to know the firm.