Vacation Scheme Participant Review

During the scheme, I was allocated to a practice-area team and was supervised by a senior lawyer who involved me in live transactions. I was given trainee-style tasks such as research, document review and drafting attendance notes for client calls, which helped me understand the role of a trainee and how teams collaborate day-to-day.
Alongside the work in my seat, we had daily training sessions and insight talks from partners, associates and the graduate recruitment team. These covered topics such as the firm’s key practice areas, pro bono initiatives, and the training opportunities at the firm. There were also plenty of opportunities to meet people across the firm, including networking breakfasts and a scheme dinner.
Throughout the week, we also completed an independent project, which gave us the chance to apply the firm’s legal-tech tools on a fictional advisory matter.

We were given plenty of opportunities to build an understanding of the business and the training opportunities available at A&O Shearman. Throughout the week, we heard directly from people across different areas of the firm, both in scheduled sessions and in informal conversations. Everyone was genuinely open to arranging coffee chats and taking the time to share their experience or offer guidance. By the end of the scheme, I felt I had developed a clear picture of the firm’s structure, its training opportunities, and what a career at A&O Shearman might involve.

I definitely developed new skills during the scheme, particularly through working with the firm’s legal-tech and AI tools, which gave me a better understanding of how technology supports legal work. I also strengthened existing skills such as organisation, resilience and collaboration by managing tasks in a fast-paced environment and working closely with my supervisor to meet tight deadlines.

I had not experienced a corporate environment before the scheme, but I immediately found the atmosphere at A&O Shearman to be welcoming and genuinely people-focused. The flat management structure was clear in practice as fee earners at all levels were enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and incredibly generous with their time. My supervisors were very supportive and took real care in explaining tasks and helping me settle into the team. The culture across the firm felt really collaborative, and HR looked after us exceptionally well throughout the week, which created a positive environment to learn in.

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme. Even though it was only five days, I felt I was able to immerse myself in the firm, both through the structured events and through how willing people were to speak with me about their work. I really enjoyed getting practical experience in my allocated seat and being trusted with real responsibility on live matters, which helped me experience what the role of a trainee actually looks like in practice. I also loved meeting the rest of the cohort. The group was very collegiate, and I made some amazing friends, which resulted in a very memorable and enjoyable week!

Yes

I would encourage applicants to develop a solid understanding of the firm’s strategic priorities, including its strength in financial service work and its focus on innovation. I would also recommend speaking to current trainees or attending insight days/Legal Cheek events, which I found particularly helpful throughout my application process!