Winter Vacation Scheme Participant Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
4.8/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
I shadowed an associate in the antitrust team, so attended meetings and completed tasks like legal research and taking minutes. I also attended talks on different areas of the firm and took part in social activities to get to know the firm and the other vacation scheme students. In addition, I went for coffee with associates and trainees from across the firm to learn more about their work!
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was an invaluable experience for learning more about the firm and its practice areas, as I not only got the chance to attend informative talks but I also got to speak to associates and trainees about their experiences across different departments. It also helped me to better understand what a training contract at A&O would look like and how it works in practice.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I certainly developed my commercial awareness and knowledge of the firm and its work. I also developed my attention to detail and research skills whilst completing tasks with my trainer, and my teamwork skills improved through my work on the innovation project and presentation with other vacation scheme students. The week flew by but was very busy, so it also sharpened my organisational skills.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
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?
Everyone was extremely friendly, from the Graduate Recruitment Team to associates at the firm, all of whom were very willing to go for a coffee and talk about their experience at the firm and beyond. A&O also emphasised the importance of mental health initiatives and diversity and inclusion in the workplace, both of which are important to me.
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?
Although the week was very busy and there was a lot to absorb, I had a fantastic time and came away from the vacation scheme feeling more confident than ever that I wanted to pursue a career not just in law but specifically at A&O. The variety of tasks and activities was very enjoyable and I learnt so much about the firm, its work and its culture.
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
Research the firm and try to attend online events to learn more about its work and its culture. Make sure you tailor your application to A&O and try to make the most out of any work experience, even if it isn't in the legal field!
