Insight scheme participant Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
City of 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
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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.
The two days spent at the firm involved talks from various partners and trainees from different industry sectors. Panels were also hosted by trainees, in addition to one-on-one chats with trainees. Talks were also hosted by non-legal departments, such as DEI department. Finally, there was an opportunity to talk personally with the graduate recruitment team, time was also set aside to chat and connect with other participants.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Plenty of information was provided during the scheme by both lawyers and graduate recruitment as to what life as an A&O trainee may potentially look like, including the structuring of the trainee contract, the SQE, seats, secondment, mentorship, and beyond. A great deal of detail was further given regarding A&O as a business, its values, and its plans for growth.
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 scheme certainly highlighted the skills necessary to be a successful trainee at the firm via panels and the many opportunities provided to ask questions. The scheme itself further fostered communication and networking through the provision of networking time with both A&O lawyers and other participants.
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 firm came across as one that was competitive and ambitious, yet one that placed great emphasis on employee collegiality and inclusivity. The atmosphere was incredibly friendly - not what I originally expected from a magic circle firm!
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?
The insight was an incredible opportunity; despite only being two days in length I feel I managed to learn a great deal about the firm and its culture. The graduate recruitment team were very warm and approachable which made for a relaxed experience.
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 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
Consider how you can tailor your application to A&O specifically; avoid making any sweeping non-specific comments. Prepare for the interview thoroughly by reflecting on personal achievements and experiences using the STARR method, so as to be ready to answer competency-based questions expertly.
