Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Corporate Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2025
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
-
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.
A typical day consisted of talks and workshops in the mornings and time with our trainers in departments in the afternoon. Tasks were wide-ranging. The day was usually 9.30-5.30 but you could stay longer or get in earlier if there were other things you wanted to do. Overall, the schedule was busy but this was good because it allowed us to get a real insight into life at A&O Shearman.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
We were given lots of insight into the business and what it would be like to train there. Speaking to a wide variety of people helped me to understand the aims of the business and its goals, as well as how a trainee helps to contribute to the working environment.
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 definitely learnt and developed skills during my time on the vacation scheme.
My attention to detail has definitely improved, and I feel that my communication skills have significantly improved too (especially when under pressure).
In terms of learning new skills, I would say that I have learnt how to approach drafting professional documents and apply commercial awareness to my work.
My attention to detail has definitely improved, and I feel that my communication skills have significantly improved too (especially when under pressure).
In terms of learning new skills, I would say that I have learnt how to approach drafting professional documents and apply commercial awareness to my work.
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?
My time here could not have been more welcoming.
Everybody was lovely and was super willing to help answer any questions or show you how to do something.
The HR & Early Careers Team were amazing, as well as my supervisor and team.
Everybody was lovely and was super willing to help answer any questions or show you how to do something.
The HR & Early Careers Team were amazing, as well as my supervisor and team.
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 had such a great time during the vacation scheme.
I have learnt so much both personally and professionally, have made some excellent connections and some lovely friends, and have overall come away with nothing but good things to say about my time there.
Would definitely recommend to anyone considering.
I have learnt so much both personally and professionally, have made some excellent connections and some lovely friends, and have overall come away with nothing but good things to say about my time there.
Would definitely recommend to anyone considering.
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
It is a very unique firm, especially after the merger, so make sure you research it before applying.
I would say put as much detail into your application as possible (particularly the work experience section) and try to think of some real life scenarios where you have used or developed the skills that they look for.
Obviously be polite and friendly too!
I would say put as much detail into your application as possible (particularly the work experience section) and try to think of some real life scenarios where you have used or developed the skills that they look for.
Obviously be polite and friendly too!
