First Year Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: May 2024
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
-
Overview of Experience
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
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.
There were multiple workshops and talks provided which allowed for members of the scheme to gain exclusive insight into both the firm and the practice areas discussed.
For example, we were provided talks on banking and commercial law which provided in-depth knowledge on both these sectors and how A&O approaches and deals with issues that may arise in these practice areas.
This coupled with opportunities to network and talk with your mentors formed an enriching experience
For example, we were provided talks on banking and commercial law which provided in-depth knowledge on both these sectors and how A&O approaches and deals with issues that may arise in these practice areas.
This coupled with opportunities to network and talk with your mentors formed an enriching experience
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
At first, I was quite concerned about this as I was not entirely familiar with these roles prior to the scheme. However, I found the solicitors at A&O to be very warm and have a willingness to clarify any misconceptions that we may have had.
The roles were slowly put forward to us and clearly explained with time for questions after each talk, allowing everyone to ask whatever it was that they wanted clarity on.
The roles were slowly put forward to us and clearly explained with time for questions after each talk, allowing everyone to ask whatever it was that they wanted clarity on.
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?
Yes, the main ones are networking and greater research.
Before the scheme, I did not get involved in any networking social media platforms such as Linkedin. However, since joining the scheme I have found out what networking entails and how to be more successful at it.
They also provided extensive knowledge about how to become commercially aware and where to start. This is crucial for anyone who wishes to become a commercial lawyer.
Before the scheme, I did not get involved in any networking social media platforms such as Linkedin. However, since joining the scheme I have found out what networking entails and how to be more successful at it.
They also provided extensive knowledge about how to become commercially aware and where to start. This is crucial for anyone who wishes to become a commercial lawyer.
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?
I was quite fortunate to go for lunch with my trainee buddy at the office restaurant, and therefore I was able to see beyond what was discussed within those talks and see the culture at the heart of the firm.
It was incredibly pleasant, with people laughing and enjoying themselves which is not typically what people envision when they think of a corporate or commercial lawyer lifestyle. The attitude of the people working at A&O toward guests and their colleagues was very nice to see and was incredibly cozy.
It was incredibly pleasant, with people laughing and enjoying themselves which is not typically what people envision when they think of a corporate or commercial lawyer lifestyle. The attitude of the people working at A&O toward guests and their colleagues was very nice to see and was incredibly cozy.
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 thoroughly enjoyed the insight scheme, and I recommend it to any future first-year law students who wish to gain more knowledge about the corporate world.
I found the structure of the scheme to be very well thought out and the all staff that took part in the scheme to very kind and thoughtful. They all went out of their way to ensure that everyone was comfortable and was able to gain a deep insight into both the firm and the practice areas that the firm provided.
I found the structure of the scheme to be very well thought out and the all staff that took part in the scheme to very kind and thoughtful. They all went out of their way to ensure that everyone was comfortable and was able to gain a deep insight into both the firm and the practice areas that the firm provided.
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 not paid and had no 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
A common one is to do your research into the firm and understand what they are looking for in their candidates.
Moreover, do not leave becoming commercially aware to the last minute as it is not something that can be learnt overnight.
Do not let any negative thoughts hold you back from applying. The firm has a very positive culture and they are not there to put you down. You are more than capable of being a member at A&O Shearman so do not pass up this opportunity.
Practice the WGT as you do not want your first time completing the test to be during your application to the firm.
Moreover, do not leave becoming commercially aware to the last minute as it is not something that can be learnt overnight.
Do not let any negative thoughts hold you back from applying. The firm has a very positive culture and they are not there to put you down. You are more than capable of being a member at A&O Shearman so do not pass up this opportunity.
Practice the WGT as you do not want your first time completing the test to be during your application to the firm.
