Summer Vacation Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
Spitalfields
Review Submitted: June 2022
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
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Company Culture
5/5
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Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
On Monday and Friday sessions concerning different practice areas took place. This gave me the opportunity to learn more about the firm’s ICM department, litigation department and affinities networks. In my first week in IP litigation I have been given numerous exciting tasks to complete such as reading cases, drafting a letter of advice and research tasks. It also involves involved working in groups on our innovation challenge.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The workshops have developed my knowledge on the practice areas of the firm and developed my understanding of how work is conducted in those areas. Networking with trainees, associates and partners across the firm has helped develop my understanding of the different roles and tasks delegated to each position and the interaction between practice areas. Looking more about FUSE and AOConsulting allowed me to understand what value the different platforms contribute to 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?
I have developed my existing skills of research and using legal databases such as Westlaw and Practical Law. I have also improved my ability to analyse arguments and identify key issues within a legal scenario. It has developed my ability to network with others within the legal sphere and develop connections.
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 atmosphere is very friendly and I felt welcomed as soon as I walked into the firm’s lobby, despite my nerves! Everyone at the firm is welcome for a chat which makes it easy to reach out to people and learn more about their career journey. The culture is inclusive, demonstrated by the firm’s affinity networks and speaking to the firm’s DE&I members.
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 loved the insight and would recommend for everyone to apply who is considering a career in commercial law! The firm attracts intelligent, forward-thinking people, promoting an environment you can have engaging conversations. I have felt valued and involved throughout the scheme.
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
Answer your questions that show a true understanding of the skills needed to be a good commercial lawyer and the values that align to A&O more specifically. Not every firm is the same so answers need to be tailored.
