Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: July 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.
Mondays and Fridays were "session" days, where all vacation scheme students gathered to listen to various sessions, including on the firm's practice areas, affinity networks, pro bono opportunities and their innovation hub Fuse. Tuesday-Thursday were spent at desks with our trainers, with some additional morning sessions as a vacation scheme group throughout the scheme. With my trainer, I did a mix of trainee-style tasks like research, proof-reading, formatting and drafting, which I would then get feedback on. Throughout, we were encouraged to meet trainees and lawyers working in areas of our interest for coffee chats and lunch.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Everyone was so friendly, and it was made clear from the outset that there were enough training contract places for everyone i.e. the place was "ours to lose". This meant our vacation scheme cohort were really able to bond, and it did not feel "competitive" which was so lovely! Regarding the business - the group sessions which explained the firm's practice areas in more depth were very helpful, especially for areas where, as students, it can be hard to understand what the work actually involves, like International Capital Markets.
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?
Legal drafting is something I had never done before, so I learnt how to attempt to draft legal documents, and what is expected from a trainee. I also developed my researching skills, and now understand the level of detail that may be required if I were set this as a trainee task. Finally, I learnt how to draft emails to firm standards, and how to condense research effectively by providing an executive summary in the introduction of my email.
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 I met was so, so lovely - I cannot stress this enough!! It is by far the friendliest firm I have experienced. Nothing was too much to ask for - and anyone us vac schemers reached out to was so willing to meet for coffee and answer any questions we had. It felt like everyone had a vested interest in us, and really wanted us to succeed. I know I have found long-term mentors and friends!!
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 scheme. It was the perfect mixture of taught sessions, time with trainers at the desk, and networking opportunities such as a social to meet future trainees, coffee meet ups, and a celebration dinner.
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
Make sure you do your research and know why specifically you want to work for A&O Shearman. For example, you could do their Global Virtual Internship to understand what trainee work and life could be like! The recruitment team are so lovely, so do not be afraid to ask questions. Overall - just be your authentic self!
