Winter Vacation Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: December 2021
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
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.
Day-to-day, we would have presentations in the morning from different practice areas from across the firm or inspiring speakers, followed by time spent on live deals and cases with our own trainer. There would often be social events in the evenings, giving the opportunity to speak to other vacation schemers, the graduate recruitment team and partners from across the firm. There was also an ongoing Innovation project in a team, which we presented on at the end of the week.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was really interesting to hear from speakers which gave me a flavour of different departments from across Allen & Overy, for example Intellectual Property and Healthcare Transactions.
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 built my team working and presentation skills through the innovation project. I have also gained exposure to real work through time spent with my trainer which built my initiative and attention to detail.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
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?
It was amazing. Everyone I spoke to across the firm, from partners to trainees, were so lovely and happy to help with any questions about the firm or their day-to-day working experience. The graduate recruitment team created a really relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere during the vacation scheme as there was a place for everyone on the training contract.
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 really enjoyed the insight. There was a great variety of time spent doing real work, hearing inspiring talks from people from within and outside the firm (including the managing partner) and networking during social events. We also were assigned a trainee buddy who helped us settle in.
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 and reimbursed expenses
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
Use Jake Schogger's Commercial Law Academy Handbook to prepare for the case study interview. For the scenario-based interview, don't worry too much about your previous experience as they allow you to focus a lot on how you would behave if you were put in a certain situation if you can't think of an example. They are looking for potential, not the finished product. Try to relax and be yourself.
