Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law, Intellectual Property Law
London
Review Submitted: September 2021
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
4.3/5
-
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.
Attending presentations by lawyers and other professionals at A&O, engaging in group and individual assessed tasks, social events with fellow vacation schemers.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was exciting finding out about the diversity of the work done by and experiences available at A&O and the various ways in which a trainee can contribute.
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?
Yes, I learnt personal skills of interacting with individuals from differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds, as well as professional skills of interacting and working with colleagues in a professional environment. Also learnt some industry-specific skills like drafting definition clauses, legal research and preparing presentations.
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
4/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Very open, inviting, and respectful. Everyone in the firm is approachable and willing to help, especially towards vac schemers, even the senior partners. The firm also encourages personal development outside work, through its sports clubs, social events and local community work.
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?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed it immensely. The work was interesting, my supervisor was extremely sweet and helpful, and he gave me very insightful feedback on my assessed task. The group task was on a topical subject and really brought out our creativity and innovative thinking. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone and would love to go back.
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
It's essential to demonstrate an interest in commercial law. Think carefully about your experiences at university and show how all that points towards a career in commercial law. Also, you must be able to show a keen interest in working at A&O, which requires in-depth research about the firm's work and achievements. It's also important to be yourself - don't try to copy someone else's experiences or way of working/speaking.
