Allen & Overy First Open Day Participant Review

The opportunity to visit the firm and the sessions that were organised were fantastic!

Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, I really felt like each person that I spoke to were more than happy to answer my questions and listen to my thoughts and ideas.

The graduate recruitment team were very supportive, they ensured that we were all aware of the different sessions of the programme and how to get the best out of each one.

I developed some invaluable skills of that I will most certainly use in my applications to law firms as well as later on in my professional career: for example, negotiation skills, presentation skills, commercial awareness skills, networking skills and many more!

The day really was jam-packed with so many different sessions; we were so busy that the day went by so fast, but it was very enjoyable!

The insight was a great opportunity to personally experience the culture and working environment at A&O. The general atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming!

We had a couple of sessions on applications and commercial awareness, I feel like the firm invested a lot of time in explaining the finer details of these notions and how to improve them in the future, which has led to personal development. Additionally, because the programme is ongoing and we have webinars over the next few months and another visit to the offices in September, I think that there is a great sense of personal and professional support from the firm in our development as first year students interested in a career in commercial law and at A&O.

The work shadowing session allowed us to have a true insight into the work of a trainee and to discuss their work life and experiences at A&O so far. Additionally, the networking session with representatives from different departments provided another insight into the work of the different practice areas.

The insight day was extremely helpful as it provided a fantastic opportunity to personally experience the culture of the firm, something which cannot be gleaned from their website or prospectus!

Our travel expenses will be reimbursed.

We had a specific session for networking with the different departments but I also had the chance to network with partners, associates and other support staff whilst I was work shadowing a trainee in Banking.

The networking/social events were really helpful and very varied! They ranged from professionally organised networking sessions with members of the department, to more casual networking whilst work shadowing a trainee, to very informal networking over lunch where we had a BBQ on the terrace.

I spoke to various trainees about the large number of extracurricular activities that are available at the firm, as well as pro bono schemes that the trainees were involved in.

The open day was a fantastic chance to obtain a greater insight into the firm, its culture and its opportunities. The overall A&O First programme is an invaluable opportunity as it provides long-term support to students: the webinars over the next few months on applications, interviews etc. will be very useful!