A&O First (30th March) Review

The A&O First Programme was an invaluable and very enjoyable experience! It was not just an opportunity to get a better insight into Allen & Overy, and the mechanisms of commercial law, but also a chance to network and boost our confidence concerning the application process for vacation schemes and training contracts.

The Insight Day did not just include powerpoint presentations, but also offered us plenty of opportunities to interact, network, and take initiatives. The centre of attention was not the firm itself, but the students attending the event and everyone did their best to accommodate our needs. I really felt as if I was an actual trainee working for the firm!

During every stage of the insight programme, from the presentations, to the workshops and the trainee work shadowing, there was always someone offering us advice and support.

The Insight Day helped me comprehend commercial law a little better, and showed me where to focus when I will be applying for a vacation scheme at the firm next year. The trainee I shadowed gave me valuable advice as to the way I should approach documents and how to critically assess them. The negotiations workshop was a great experience indicating which are my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to bargaining. Overall, every single part of A&O First had something different to teach me!

The organisation and time-management of the insight were second to none. There was not one moment when I felt bored or tired and the whole day ran smoothly. Yet, I would have preferred to have more time allocated on the trainee work shadowing as I feel that was one of the highlights of the day.

Everything was amazing! The people were welcoming and ready to answer all our questions with honesty, which I really appreciated. The group I attended A&O First with was an exquisite mix of people and the chemistry formed amongst us and with the firm itself made the whole day an extremely fun and fruitful experience!!!

The whole focus of the insight day was on our personal development. There were tips about the application process, a negotiating workshop, and a trainee work shadowing opportunity. All of these activities were very useful and contributed to our personal training and development in numerous ways.

The speed networking with associates and the trainee work shadowing were a great way for me to understand the culture of the firm and its mechanisms. The whole programme made me feel like an actual trainee and look forward to working with A&O.

I came into contact with so many different and interesting people, and I could see myself working with all of them in the future. The chemistry between the staff was impressive and the atmosphere was relaxed, yet serious. The company culture offers the perfect working environment!

A&O First helped me better understand commercial law, and the work shadowing I did with a trainee in the Corporate department got me genuinely interested in the particular practice area.

I was not paid or reimbursed expenses yet there was no need to as I live near the firm's offices.

The greatest part of the day involved interacting with other employees of the firm. We met with associates from different departments and had lunch with trainees who were very cheerful and helpful! The best way to learn things about a firm is through the people who work there and A&O First was the best way for me to meet with the people working at the firm.

The trainee I shadowed and some of the associates talked to us about pro-bono opportunities and activities the firm organises.

Definitely!