Summer Vacation Placement 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

4.1/5
  • About You
    3.9
  • The Company
    4.3
  • Everything Else
    4.0

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

    • It was very enjoyable. It gave me a real insight into the firm and the kind of work it does, but at the same time a lot of fun events were organised for the vac schemers to socialise as a group.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

    • You feel valued because everyone you meet takes the time to talk to you and answer any questions you may have about the firm or life as a lawyer in general.

    5/5
  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

    • The Graduate Recruitment team was always available for any questions anyone had, and we also had the support of a trainer and a trainee buddy. On top of that, the other vac schemers are always happy to help if you find that you do not want to ask anyone else for help.

    4/5
  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • Honestly, the scheme does not really help with your degree, but it does give you a good insight into life at work and what to expect after your degree.

    3/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?

    • It was well structured. There was sufficient time at each seat to get a feel of what the work is like but at the same time there were talks to help you discover the other practice areas, as well as A&O in general. There were also several social events organised in the evenings and these were very fun!

    5/5
  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

    • There was a very jovial atmosphere. Everyone was very friendly, from graduate recruitment to the lawyers to the other vac schemers. Everyone wanted to make sure the vac schemers enjoyed their 3 weeks at the firm and they succeeded in doing so.

    5/5
  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • They invested a lot of time (and money) into training us and giving us feedback.

    5/5
  • 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?

    • It was a very good insight because we were actually given work and talking to other lawyers around you helped too.

    4/5
  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

    • It confirmed that A&O does indeed have a very friendly culture and that it is a very nice environment to work in.

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

    • It helped confirm that a career as a commercial solicitor was indeed what I want.

    4/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

    • £400 a week

  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

    • Yes there were breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

    4/5
  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

    • Very helpful because you can chat to people in an informal setting

    4/5
  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

    • In only 3 weeks it is hard to properly get involved but we were told where we could find out about activities like the choir and sports teams.

    4/5
  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

    • Definitely!

    5/5
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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

August 2015

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