Vacation Scheme Candidate Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: October 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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
4.8/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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Company Culture
5/5
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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 vacation scheme involved talks with different legal departments in A&O, as well as Fuse and AD&S. There was also a group project that candidates had to work on over the duration of the scheme. I also had tasks given to me by my supervisor, one of which was assessed, and conversations with my trainee buddy and other A&O employees.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
A&O did an excellent job arranging an insightful virtual vacation scheme that allowed me to understand all the services the firm has to offer. While it would be impossible to hear from every sub-group at A&O, the talks during the scheme provided a solid overview of the different core practice areas, what they entailed and the clients they work with. I also appreciated the numerous opportunities to speak to trainees, associates and partners about their roles and career journeys.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I gained insight into researching law, drafting clauses and writing reports. The group project was an excellent test in time management, collaboration and presentation skills. I also developed my overall confidence in my ability to succeed in commercial law and be part of such a fast-paced environment.
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?
4/5
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
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Everyone at the firm was very friendly, welcoming and willing to answer questions. A&O's overall culture is very diverse and inclusive, which was highlighted through the diversity of the other candidates on the vacation scheme. I really appreciate the firm providing BAME and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds a buddy through its A&O REACH scheme. The firm's passion to provide spaces for open and honest discussion demonstrates its commitment to D&I as an essential part of its company culture.
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?
Aside from the insights into the firm, which was invaluable, I appreciated the effort graduate recruitment put into making the scheme as social and enjoyable as possible. The different virtual social events we had during the scheme helped all the candidates get to know one another and create shared memories.
A highlight for me was the group project which involved interviewing different employees at A&O. Being able to speak with and learn from people working across A&O was inspiring.
A highlight for me was the group project which involved interviewing different employees at A&O. Being able to speak with and learn from people working across A&O was inspiring.
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
Application: Highlight the skills you have gained from your previous experiences - whatever they may be. Research A&O thoroughly. Be creative. Don't be afraid to share personal stories. Do apply even if you do not have legal work experience!
Interview: Be yourself and try not to stress or overthink. Structure your answer to the case study (e.g. use SWOT, PESTLE or whatever structure works to clearly deliver your advice). Ask questions. Enjoy it!
Vacation Scheme: Get to know the other candidates. Ask meaningful questions and follow up with speakers you want to learn more from. Manage your time wisely. Update all your tech before you start. Enjoy it!!
Interview: Be yourself and try not to stress or overthink. Structure your answer to the case study (e.g. use SWOT, PESTLE or whatever structure works to clearly deliver your advice). Ask questions. Enjoy it!
Vacation Scheme: Get to know the other candidates. Ask meaningful questions and follow up with speakers you want to learn more from. Manage your time wisely. Update all your tech before you start. Enjoy it!!
