Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2023
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
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Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
On Mondays and Fridays the days comprised of sessions to improve commercial awareness (such as learning about ESG and how it relates to the Firm).
The rest of the time was spent completing work in a department. Tasks included taking meeting notes; legal research and the opportunity to present to the rest of the department in a meeting.
There was also a group innovation challenge to work on throughout the two weeks.
The rest of the time was spent completing work in a department. Tasks included taking meeting notes; legal research and the opportunity to present to the rest of the department in a meeting.
There was also a group innovation challenge to work on throughout the two weeks.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was fascinating to learn about how the business functions - particularly the insights granted by the Managing Partner.
The detail provided about further roles at the business inspired me to strive to join Allen & Overy one day.
The detail provided about further roles at the business inspired me to strive to join Allen & Overy one day.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
My commercial awareness has greatly improved from insight sessions such as the insight to ICM; my ability to write concise and accurate meeting notes has developed further and my time management has improved.
Originally, clarifying and presenting meeting notes took about two and half hours; by the end of the two weeks, I could do it within an hour and a half.
Originally, clarifying and presenting meeting notes took about two and half hours; by the end of the two weeks, I could do it within an hour and a half.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The culture was extremely welcoming and friendly. Everyone was patient and open to providing feedback as soon as they were available to do so. I was often greeted with a smile by anyone at the workplace and was amazed by the amount of employees who would enthusiastically take me to coffee and talk about the business.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I could not have enjoyed the insight more. My time at Allen & Overy was phenomenal - the work was engaging, the culture was inclusive and friendly and I felt highly valued and like a member of the team.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid and reimbursed expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at A&O Shearman
5/5
Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to A&O Shearman
Don’t be afraid to mention insight days and networking events on the work experience section of the application - this helps your enthusiasm for Allen & Overy shine.
Take your time completing the application - there is no need to rush.
Finally, take a look at Allen & Overy’s core values and see if they align with your own personal values - this helps you decide if Allen & Overy is the right fit for you.
Take your time completing the application - there is no need to rush.
Finally, take a look at Allen & Overy’s core values and see if they align with your own personal values - this helps you decide if Allen & Overy is the right fit for you.
