Winter Vacation Scheme Review

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

at A&O Shearman

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law, 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 scheme was packed with talks, networking events, case study exercises, a celebration dinner, and desk time with your assigned trainer. Throughout the scheme, I learnt about the firm's strengths within its various practice areas and was able to immerse myself in the firm's culture by meeting trainees and associates across various teams. I had the chance to get involved with real work set by the partners and associates in my team, strengthening my understanding of what a career in commercial law looks like.

How would you rate the structure of the insight

5/5

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

The scheme was structured so that there were introductory talks to many of the firm's practice areas, most of which were interactive and ample time to ask questions was provided. This was both engaging and enjoyable, and gave me a real insight into what practice areas I would like to explore further.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Being set work by my trainer improved my attention to detail and organisation skills. I was also required to draw upon my commercial awareness. Networking with members of the firm developed my communication and interpersonal skills.

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?

Everyone was lovely and very generous with their time. Despite having very busy schedules, nobody that I reached out to turned me down for a coffee chat, even if this meant that we had to speak virtually. Everyone was also very willing to answer questions, and I felt like part of the firm throughout the scheme. It was a great culture!

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 thoroughly enjoyed the Vacation Scheme. Alongside developing key skills like organisation and commercial awareness, I gained a lot of insight into the firm. I particularly valued the connections that I made with the trainees and associates that I engaged with.