Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: October 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 was filled with different sessions involving insights into each practice area, as well as talks by Partners themselves. These were very insightful and informative and told me a lot about what being a lawyer involves and the culture of the firm. The assigned supervisor and trainee buddy provide support throughout the week and they provided me with tasks to do which were always followed up with constructive feedback and opportunities to learn more.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The firm really gave you the opportunity to learn about all the roles available through the various Q&A sessions following all the sector talks from various speakers. Being assigned a supervisor also allowed me to ask more questions on what I wanted to learn about the business and potential roles available in the firm.
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?
Throughout the week I developed on my research and written skills. This was following the feedback given to me on my Research task, which was very helpful and specific. I also developed my communicative skills in having the opportunity to speak to so many different trainees, associates and partners. Presenting a presentation at the end of the week before a panel of lawyers with my team enhanced my teamwork skills and more importantly my confidence.
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?
The culture was amazing! The partner talks were so relaxed and very down to earth and it was so easy to ask them questions without feeling uncomfortable or fear of judgment. All questions were appreciated and the lawyers made sure everyone had the opportunity to ask the question they wanted to. The socials organised also showed us how the lawyers are really just ordinary people who also love a drink and pizza!
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 thoroughly enjoyed the experience. From the start I was able to get involved in all the sessions and make the most of my opportunity to learn more about working in a commercial firm. I was also able to make some really good friends and networks which I know will be with me for a lifetime.
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
Definitely apply if you have the time to. I would recommend looking at the qualities that the firm are looking for and making sure you reflect these in your application answers. Reach out to trainees if you can for advice on the process or any general questions about the firm culture or practice area insight; networking will help with your research. Do your research - know why you’re applying to the firm.
