Summer Vacation Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: September 2021
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.
The week long virtual vacation scheme consisted of a series of Q and A sessions, workshops as well as a group project and research task. The days typically ran from 9-5.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
This was very well explained through workshops with lawyers at the firm who talked through what working in different practice areas was like. Moreover, HR was very transparent about what the process would be like once securing a TC.
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?
As a non-law student I have definitely developed my drafting skills, as well as learning how to put together a legal research report. Developing skills such as team work, through working creatively together, was also a great experience.
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?
A and O’s environment is incredibly inclusive and welcoming, and there is truly a drive to see their incoming trainees develop and thrive. This was best exhibited by the time taken by the Managing Partner to speak to us. He provided insights into his own career development, gave pieces of encouraging advice as well as highlighting how the firm is continually making efforts to improve by implementing feedback given by lawyers at all levels.
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 very much enjoyed the insight, as our schedules maximised the time we could have to actually interact with lawyers at the firm and get a feel for what it would be like working at A and O. Vacation Schemes are a very stressful time for most students because of the pressure many people feel, but A and O did a great job at not making the environment feel competitive or stressful.
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
Ensure that you take a look at the firms core values, as these will help guide your application and help you work out whether the firm will be a good fit for you. Ultimately, be yourself - there is no cookie cutter version of what the lawyer of the future will look like!
