First Year Programme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
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Skills Development
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.
The programme offered key insights into A&O Shearman through deep-dives into the firm's practice areas, presentations on topics like net-zero finance and legal innovation, and workshops where we worked in groups on case studies. There were also many networking opportunities not just within the cohort but also with our trainees buddies at the firm. The days were very well-organised and covered all bases on what life at A&O Shearman looks like from the firm's culture to the work itself.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Really eye-opening to gain a deeper understanding of the firm and the different practice areas. Hearing about the firm's work in social impact and legal innovation was also really interesting and highlighted all the opportunities available at A&O Shearman beyond the day-to-day legal practice.
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?
I strengthened my commercial awareness through the sessions discussing the firm's work, and improved my teamwork and collaboration skills through working on case studies.
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 was genuinely lovely and welcoming. The atmosphere felt very supportive and it was clear that people really enjoy working at A&O Shearman and feel proud to be there.
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 really enjoyed the programme. It was genuinely fun and I got to meet so many new people. I feel like I learnt a lot from all the workshops and really developed my commercial awareness which was a key takeaway for me.
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
Do your research on the firm and read up about what is happening in the legal industry and the wider global market. Also think about what makes A&O Shearman different and how this aligns with your interests.
