Summer Vacation Student Review

by A&O Shearman

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.6/5
  • About You
    4.8
  • The Company
    4.8
  • Everything Else
    4.3

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I thoroughly enjoyed my insight at Allen and Overy and couldn't recommend it highly enough. It was a great opportunity to experience life as a commercial lawyer and I was given the chance to see some of the great work they were involved in, chat to people in all areas of the profession and understand what it takes to become a lawyer in a top law firm.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • I felt extremely valued. Right from the initial interview and application process, right the way through receiving an offer and working at the firm itself. I had constant interaction with the graduate recruitment team and the feedback was extremely positive. They found the perfect balance between supervision and allowing you to experience life at the firm in your own way. I always felt like email communication was personal and the team were on hand to answer any questions I had in a very frank and open way.

    5/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • I never felt like I was alone during the insight and the support network around me was superb.

    5/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I genuinely believe that I have developed my skills further and understand better what law firms are looking for when they recruit students. There was a range of practice area talks, skills development workshops and information available to assist me in researching my career options.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The firm achieved a good balance between commercial and legal opportunities, networking events and social occasions. Every day had a well thought out programme and it was obvious how much thought and effort had gone in to planning the scheme.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The atmosphere was genuinely the most impressive thing for me. I was nervous coming to the city into a competitive environment with some of the impressive university students around the country. However, everyone was approachable, friendly and honest. The vibe around the office was great and regardless of seniority or position, everyone made time to answer questions and make you feel welcome. Amongst some of the top law firms it can be hard to distinguish between them but I can honestly say the culture and environment at Allen and Overy sets it apart and make for a very pleasant place to work. Would love the opportunity to work there!

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • The firm invested an incredible amount of time and money into my personal development and training. Senior Partners gave up time to come and talk to us, we were treated with respect throughout the scheme and came away from it feeling like you had progressed and developed as a person.

    4/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • During the scheme we were exposed to all the day to day work the lawyers would be involved in and in that regard the insight helped me fully understand what a full time role would be like. All the trainees, associates and partners were very candid about the hours involved and commitment expected of a lawyer at the firm which was refreshing.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • The insight truly conveyed the firms culture in a way that one could never really grasp without spending some time at the office. Truly invaluable.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • 5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • I was paid for the duration of the scheme and reimbursed expenses that I incurred throughout the application process.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • There were plenty of opportunities to meet people in every position across the firm in a variety of settings, whether it be at talks, around the office or in social environments. Networking was actively encouraged.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • There were plenty of opportunities to meet people in every position across the firm in a variety of settings, whether it be at talks, around the office or in social environments. Networking was actively encouraged.

    4/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes, we were sent a mailing list on the first day of all the sports societies, societies and support groups.

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • 100%, cannot recommend an insight at Allen and Overy highly enough. I have done a few insight schemes at firms and this ranks highest out of them all!

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Scotland

August 2014


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