A&O First (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
-
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.
I was one of 45 students to get selected for the First Year Insight Scheme. Over 2 days, through interactive presentations and workshops, we gained insights into multiple practice areas, including Disputes, ENRI, Global Financial Markets, Markets Innovation Group, and delved into the intricacies of A&O Shearman’s unique in-house secondment to their legal tech incubator Fuse. Furthermore, we were tasked with analysing case studies about ESG deals, identifying key risks and pitching legal advice, such as to include a force majeure clause, covenants, indemnities and warranties, particularly given factors such as stock volatility and evolving ESG regulations. Overall, it was an invaluable experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in applying!
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was extremely useful as it gave me insight into different pathways into the legal profession, and helped me understand that the roles at A&O Shearman are extremely diverse, particularly given its broad-ranging international, client and even legal tech secondments. The information it provided will prove invaluable when evaluating my future career choices!
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?
Commercial awareness, public speaking, networking, attention to detail when analysing case studies, and more.
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?
Extremely friendly, supportive, and inclusive - everyone made me feel like I belonged. From observing the trainees, associates and partners interacting with each other, I could tel that there was no toxic, hierarchical dynamic at A&O Shearman, but rather a collegiate environment where everyone is seeking to raise each other up to reach greater heights, not pull each other down.
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 enjoyed the insight day so much that I am genuinely considering applying for the A&O Shearman brand ambassador position!
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
Give it your all at the interview stage! Even if you are not sure your answer is correct, showing that you attempted to answer shows you are eager to learn and that you will be able to thrive at A&O Shearman's training sessions. Also, ask previous cohorts of A&O First attendees if they have any advice/tips on the application. The advice I received was truly helpful in formulating my application and really getting to know what the scheme entailed to give a more genuine answer about why I wanted to apply.
