First Year Scheme Review

The day began with a warm welcome over breakfast and registration, setting a relaxed and friendly tone. This was followed by an introduction to the firm and the early careers team, outlining what to expect from the programme and how to make the most of it.
The morning featured a session on The Role of a Lawyer, where we gained insight into the daily responsibilities, challenges, and skills involved in legal practice. A panel of current trainees then shared their experiences and gave advice on how to fully engage with the programme.
After lunch with assigned trainee buddies, a great opportunity to connect in an informal setting, we joined a workshop on applying commercial awareness as a trainee, with practical tips drawn from real experience.
The day concluded with a relaxed social event, a chance to unwind, network, and get to know fellow participants and some of the team in a more informal setting.

It was enlightening and motivating to learn about the operations and possible positions at A&O Shearman. The sessions provided a clear and comprehensive understanding of the firm's global operations, the connections between various practice areas, and the day-to-day activities of lawyers. Speaking with partners, associates, and trainees firsthand made the roles more relatable, particularly when it came to how trainees make a significant contribution right out of the gate.
Also, learning about the firm’s integration of Fuse into its daily business operations was incredibly eye-opening. It sparked my interest in how AI and legal technology are being used to enhance efficiency, innovation, and client service within the legal sector.
It helped me see how my interests and abilities fit into the firm's larger goals and gave the journey to become a commercial lawyer a more concrete feel.

By participating in workshops and sessions that focused on the Anatomy of a Deal: Finance in the Net-Zero Space and 'How do I use commercial awareness as a first seat trainee?'; I was able to develop a strong commercial awareness through the A&O Shearman First Year Programme. This allowed me to gain practical insights into how legal work fits with sustainability and global business trends.
Also, by actively engaging in trainee panels, lunch conversations, and the evening social, I also improved my networking and communication skills. I was able to network, ask questions, and get insightful advice from professionals at all levels of the company.

The company culture at A&O Shearman felt genuinely supportive, collaborative, and inclusive especially when interacting with the trainees. Speaking with my trainee buddy, I could see how well the firm supported trainees especially when they're onboarded.
There was a strong sense of community and encouragement, with people at the firm highlighting how well everyone gets along.

I thoroughly enjoyed the daily insights throughout the programme, which really resonated with my strengths in adaptability and critical thinking, as well as my enthusiasm for law and AI. In particular, the case studies and the innovation-focused presentations at Fuse truly spoke to my talents.
As a law firm, I think A&O Shearman genuinely exemplifies what a prospective trainee should look for: a setting that fosters development, assists in identifying and enhancing your skills, and provides worthwhile challenges. The most notable aspect of the event was how friendly and grounded everyone was, which added to its enjoyment and motivation.

Yes