Winter Vacation Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
-
Overview of Experience
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
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.
Each morning we would participate in a workshop focusing on a key practice area of the firm. We would then spend the bulk of our day working with our associates with some other talks fitted in. We had the onus/freedom to manage our own time within this structure, taking initiative to arrange meetings with other employees at the firm and spend time working on our group projects.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The morning workshops were great for gaining an understanding about the different areas of the business. Each workshop provided an overview of a key practice area, with examples of the work done being shown and students were given the opportunity to ask questions throughout. Information was given in clear, simple explanations, allowing students from a range of backgrounds to gain a strong understanding. Arranging coffee's with trainees allowed us to learn even more about specific areas of interest.
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?
The shadowing created a great opportunity to get to grips with real legal work and become familiar with a range of legal documents. The innovation (group) challenge allowed us to work creatively for an important cause. Networking skills are developed throughout the week, with the firm emphasising the importance of reaching out to people at the firm to learn more about the role.
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?
Everyone at the firm is very friendly and that massively helps settle nerves on the first day. Everyone I reached out to to arrange a coffee meeting was willing to make time to meet and offer valuable insight despite their busy schedules. Among the cohort, there was no sense of toxic competition which you hear about at other firms - everyone got on very well.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
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?
It was an incredibly enjoyable experience. As my first vacation scheme, I wasn't sure what to expect but the experience left me excited for a career at A&O.
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
Be yourself and do your research.
