Summer Vacation Scheme Participant Review

There were frequent opportunities to assist members of the corporate team that I was sitting in with live matters and I was able to work on a range of research-based tasks. There was also a group project to complete together with a team of other vacation scheme participants, which required teamwork, good planning and strong communication. There were a range of panel events and workshops to attend, which provided opportunities to learn about some of the most unique aspects of A&O Shearman, such as Fuse, as well as the firm's culture and different practice areas.

I had a lot of freedom to organise my own timetable (for example setting up meetings with people in the firm), which taught me independence, developed my confidence (in terms of messaging people I had never met) and also improved my time-management skills because there was a lot to balance over the two weeks. I also had incredible insight into, for example, the importance of English law globally, while having the opportunity to work in a professional environment was excellent for my presentation skills and also taught me to work more efficiently.

The scheme gave me a very clear insight into the life of a trainee at A&O Shearman, but also offered opportunities to learn about the firm's business strategy, which were particularly valuable. The presentations about the training contract were incredibly clear and the chance to speak to trainees about the firm's culture, the work they had done so far and also their plans for the rest of their training contract was really illuminating.

The culture was welcoming and inclusive. While being a lawyer naturally requires a lot of dedication and very hard work, the firm had a collegial culture and it was obvious that the lawyers in the team where I sat enjoyed working with each other. The commitment to DE&I was exemplary and formed an important part of the vacation scheme.

It was a fantastic experience - illuminating, exciting and full of opportunities to learn.

Yes

I'd give two main pieces of advice - firstly take the time to fill in the application form as perfectly as you can, because it's the one stage in the process that you have almost complete control over. Secondly, if you have the opportunity to visit the firm in-person before you apply, then definitely take it, because it will really bring everything you know about the firm to life.