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Trainee Solicitor Review

at A&O Shearman

Graduate Job

Corporate Law, Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: November 2025

Overall Rating

4.7 /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!

4.8/5 - Overview of the Role
4.6/5 - Experience & Company Culture
5/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at A&O Shearman?
I've had a very positive experience at the firm so far. The work is varied and intellectually stimulating, which keeps things interesting and ensures that every day is a new learning experience. It's a steep learning curve, but there is support available in a variety of mediums, whether through structured training sessions (both in-person and recorded) or the ability to speak to my designated trainer/other team members, including a PA.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
In my current seat, Corporate M&A (C4), I undertake a mixture of administrative and legal work. On the administrative side, this includes maintaining document trackers, organising logistics for client board/shareholder meetings, and streamlining our internal document management system. On the legal side, I have been involved in legal research, proofreading and drafting, preparing Takeover Panel checklists, and collating precedents (and analysing their provisions). I've enjoyed the full breadth of the work, particularly the opportunity to develop my legal drafting skills.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I feel that my role gives me a strong opportunity to contribute meaningfully and be genuinely valued by the team. I receive consistent, positive and public recognition for good work that I've carried out, which has reinforced my confidence and encouraged me to take on greater responsibility. I am regularly pulled onto important tasks on live matters, invited to join client calls and trusted to email clients directly, which signals clear confidence in my judgment. This level of visibility and responsibility has made my contributions feel purposeful.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
The base salary is very generous for a graduate role. Bonuses aren't offered, as is true at many law firms at the trainee level, but there are compelling reasons as to why that is the case. There are a variety of other benefits including private healthcare, coaching and free access to a high-quality gym in the office (as well as access to a personal trainer and nutritionist for a subsidised fee).
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
5/5
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
How would you rate A&O Shearman initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
How would you rate A&O Shearman CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The breadth of work on offer, the provision of focused support and the positive culture at the firm makes me confident to recommend it to a friend.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to A&O Shearman?
I would suggest maximising interactions with the firm in a way that's demonstrable on an application/at interview (e.g. attendance at on-campus events and open days, listening to our podcast(s)/reading our blog, etc). Make an effort to understand what differentiates us from other firms, particularly our competitors - this includes understanding who our main clients are, our sectoral expertise, our different practice areas, headline deals we've worked on both historically and in recent times.
In This Review
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