Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: September 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
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.
An excellent insight into the culture at the firm and the work that the lawyers do day-to-day. Each day would comprise 3/4 interactive presentations with group project work between them. The project involved speaking with staff across the firm to understand their role or practice area. There were a few tasks set during the week which had clear instructions and guides.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The group project provided a platform to speak with many people from across the firm in different roles and practice areas which gave me a great understanding of the culture at the firm as well as some typical cases they work on. There were lots of opportunities to speak 1-on-1 or in small groups.
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 learnt some basics of contract drafting and how to undertake and present legal research during the 'Trainee Task workshop'. The group project helped to develop my teamwork and presentation skills. I also learnt a great deal about the various practice areas that I interacted with (Banking, Intellectual Property, Employment and M&A).
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?
4/5
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?
I deeply enjoyed my time at Allen & Overy, everyone that I spoke with was kind and spoke highly of the firm and all the staff were open with asking questions. Graduate Recruitment was very friendly and made sure that everyone had an opportunity to ask questions and my vacation scheme cohort were very friendly.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
4/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I had a fantastic experience over the week, my group were very responsive and friendly and it was nice to speak with them at the end of each day. The Graduate Recruitment team put on multiple socials (Pizza-making, cocktails and evening tea). Despite it being online it felt highly interactive and I would recommend everyone to apply.
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
Write a detailed application that emphasises why you are a good fit for the firm and shows genuine interest. It will involve interviews and an assessment centre although this took place virtually this year.
