Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: December 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.
I learnt something new every day - whether that be through the organised talks or through networking with colleagues throughout the firm.
Every day involved a scheduled talk in the morning/early afternoon (usually an introduction of one of the firm's practice areas). The afternoons were then scheduled for us to work on our group presentations, time with my trainer, or an opportunity to organise coffee chats with other A&O lawyers.
Every day involved a scheduled talk in the morning/early afternoon (usually an introduction of one of the firm's practice areas). The afternoons were then scheduled for us to work on our group presentations, time with my trainer, or an opportunity to organise coffee chats with other A&O lawyers.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
I found learning about what challenges A&O is facing as a business, particularly in regards to the firm achieving its ESG objectives, particularly interesting.
Additionally, I particularly enjoyed the presentation from 'Fuse' in demonstrating some of the firm's legal tech initiatives on offer, and how lawyers at the firm are able to get involved in testing out some of these innovative solutions.
Additionally, I particularly enjoyed the presentation from 'Fuse' in demonstrating some of the firm's legal tech initiatives on offer, and how lawyers at the firm are able to get involved in testing out some of these innovative solutions.
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 have been able to develop my skills in networking in a professional environment.
The tight schedule during the scheme also allowed me to hone my skills in time management as I often had back-to-back meetings throughout the day.
The tight schedule during the scheme also allowed me to hone my skills in time management as I often had back-to-back meetings throughout the day.
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?
Very friendly and welcoming. It was clear that the firm made a real effort to help us settle into the unfamiliar environment and everyone I met was always very personable and willing to help.
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 enjoyed the vacation scheme considerably. I felt that the firm was very effective in giving us an overview of A&O as a law firm and I feel a lot more confident about entering the legal profession following the insight.
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
I would tell applicants to really research the firm before they apply. Find opportunities to speak to A&O lawyers through law fairs/ insight days - I found hearing about the experiences of trainees at the firm really helped me realise how my own personal experiences match the culture at A&O, which can then in turn effectively demonstrate your personal interest in working at the firm when writing the application.
