Vacation Scheme Student Review

- Attending workshops with the other vacation scheme students covering A&O Shearman's key practice areas, as well as DEI. - Completing work within your allocated department. Vacation scheme students were able to submit preferences in advance. - Having meetings with trainees from departments you are particularly interested in to find out more about life in different practice areas. - Working on a group project with other vacation scheme students culminating in a presentation.

- I learnt significantly more about working life in the department I was allocated. - I gained greater insight into how solicitors attract and interact with clients. - I developed my commercial awareness and knowledge of the legal profession, as well as my skills in analysis, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and innovation.

It was really interesting and highlighted how a solicitor's role is significantly different depending on which practice area the solicitor specialises in. It was also useful to hear about A&O Shearman's core practice areas and compulsory seat requirements during the training contract.

A&O Shearman has a friendly culture and a welcoming atmosphere.

I really enjoyed gaining so much insight in such a short space of time. I found that the sessions were very engaging and the opportunity to ask questions to lawyers at all career stages, from trainees during coffee chats to the London Managing Partner during a Q&A session, meant that I was able to gain a surprisingly wholistic impression of the firm given the fairly short length of the scheme.

Yes

- Attend events at the firm before applying. - Take your time over the application (spending 6-12 hours on it is normal). - Improve your commercial awareness by listening to law firm podcasts and reading commercial news. - Develop a high-level knowledge of trainee tasks in A&O Shearman's core practice areas.