Summer Intern Review

A typical day involved attending a morning session that would be related to one of the practice areas in the firm such as Corporate. Then I would sit with my supervisior, and complete trainee tasks such as filling our documents or completing legal research. I would also be given the opportunity to meet other lawyers within the firm for coffee chats that gave me a better insight into the firm, and law more generally. The day was a 9:30-5:30, but I was able to stay longer if there is something I wanted to get finished.

I have learnt and developed a variety of skills. One would be time management, as I would have to get tasks done within a timely manner. Another important skill I developed was professional communication, both written and verbal. Many tasks where given to me by email, and I had to email my colleagues once I had completed tasks. The morning session helped develop skills such as commercial awareness, and presentation skills. I was then able to put these into practice by doing case studies and given an end of placement presentation with my peers.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility as the placement went on. As I gained more experience, my supervisor would trust me to send of emails to other colleagues without having to check them. Additionally, the work that I was given progressed in difficulty and importance as I spent more time at the firm. Additionally, for group tasks such as the presentation, I had to independently find time to meet with my team and complete my slides and speech in my own time.

My trainer/supervisor was very supportive during my time on the placement. He always thoroughly explained the tasks I was given, as well as giving me the context behind them so I could contextualise the work I was given. Additionally, the HR team running the scheme always ensured that I was feeling okay with the amount/type of work I was given, as well as helping to facilitate any other needs that I had as the scheme went on. All members of the firm that I interacted with were always willing to offer advice regarding the tasks I was doing, as well as any other general queries that I had.

The company atmosphere and culture was second to none. Each and every individual that I interacted with was friendly and made time to get to know me, as well as providing me with support and advice even though they were often busy with completing their own work. Additionally, the HR team running the scheme (BUILD) were friendly and attentive, ensuring myself and the rest of the interns were kept busy as well as happy during our time at the firm.

I massively enjoyed my time at the internship. It provided me with opportunities to prove myself, as well as facilitated both my personal and professional development. I was able to attend dinners with my peers and other members of the firm which allowed me to feel more comfortable with the people I worked with which was another aspect of the placement which I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, I would rate my placement very highly.

Yes

When applying, ensure you have a strong motivation for joining the firm which is specific to A&O Shearman, and ensure this motivation comes across in your interview. When completing written applications, ensure that before you answer the question you have thoroughly researched the firm and the type of work that the firm does. Additionally, it would be best practice to read the news more widely, and anticipate and think about how that may influence both the firm, and the kinds of clients that the firm represents.