Vacation Scheme Student Review

Item: Vacation Scheme Student at A&O Shearman
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at A&O Shearman

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: December 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 - Overview of Experience

5/5 - 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.

The vacation scheme involved an immersive introduction to the firm: daily workshops, case work, group projects and chats with current associates. It was an extremely enjoyable experience, bolstering my understanding of commercial law in practice and the culture of a Magic Circle law firm.

How would you rate the structure of the insight

5/5

What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?

There was complete flexibility to immerse yourself as much as you wanted, in whichever practice areas you wanted; we were encouraged to arrange "coffee chats" with current associates at the firm, which involved approximately 30-60 minutes worth of 1-1 discussion about whatever you wished to learn.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

My technology awareness has massively increased; A&O Shearman are one of the most innovative law firms in the country, using a range of tools to support legal delivery. From talks with their Fuse team to projects with the Markets Innovation Group, there was the experience to put these tools to practice and really understand how they can be used effectively.

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

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

A&O Shearman has a fantastic culture; it was clear that teams were well bonded and workload was well spread. Employees at the firm were extremely friendly and supportive of vacation scheme students.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?

5/5

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight

5/5

How would you rate the networking opportunities?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

I would strongly recommend A&O Shearman's vacation scheme. It's extremely competitive to secure a place, but well worth it. The insights were unparalleled to anything I've ever done before, and it truly was rewarding to put my skills to practice on live matters. The staff were incredibly friendly and supportive and it's clear that the firm want to put you first.

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

Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?

Yes

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to A&O Shearman

Do your research. The hours are long and the work can be challenging - you really have to want it. The vacation scheme is an excellent opportunity to confirm that this is the career from you, and the firm won't hide the realities of this. However, it's an extremely rewarding experience. If you really want this career and the sacrifices that come, your motivation will easily shine through your application.