Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2024
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
4.5/5
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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 a daily basis, we had to attend different workshop style presentations from the various practice areas within the firm, in order to understand more about the work which they do and the skills needed. Throughout the week, we sat with our assigned trainers in our practice area and were given a variety of tasks to complete from them. This included: drafting email, reviewing terms sheets and legal research. We were also encouraged to network and reach out to people in the firm.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Understanding the business and potential roles available was highly insightful and it allowed me to truly explore if the firm would be the right place to enable me to grow and be comfortable. It was also helpful to hear about the personal experiences and journeys of people who have different roles within the firm as it exemplified the many options available.
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?
This scheme has allowed me to develop both my communication and confidence and it pushed me to articulate and express my views in group settings and to be able to do this with different types of people. Furthermore, I have learnt to be more analytical when assessing problems and to be able to look beyond the information provided to me and assess the wider implications a problem can have.
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?
4/5
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
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture was very positive, inclusive and friendly. I was able to feel this both from my trainer who I spent a large amount of time with, but also those who I briefly interacted with. I was also told about the friendly atmosphere in the firm from people at all levels, which allowed me to see that this is true despite your position in the 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?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I highly enjoyed the insight scheme as there were a variety of talks and presentations, which was balanced well with the time at our desks. This allowed us to learn a significant amount about the firm. Furthermore, I liked the fact that we were continuously encouraged to reach out to people we want to speak to within the firm, as this enabled me to gain a variety of perspectives.
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
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
I would recommend others applying to ensure that their passion and enthusiasm is coming across in their application. Try to use your personality and skills to stand out as the firm value this highly. Link any experiences which you have had to skills which you think would enable you to succeed in this career. Also, research the firm and the different areas and try to show a genuine interest in the the work and opportunities the firm has to offer.
