Vacation Scheme Student Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2026
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
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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.
Day to day tasks while on the desk reflected what is typically expected of Trainees at the firm. This included: legal research, document drafting, and reviewing contracts. Through the rest of the day, the scheme involved lots of talks from various practice areas and people throughout the firm. All in all it provided a very holistic insight into life at AOS.
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 is very well organised to give you an insight into every general practice area. If you wanted to learn more after the talks, you could set up coffee chats with people throughout the firm, who were very willing to give up their time.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I learnt lots about utilising the cutting edge legal tech employed at the firm. This supported my development in conducting legal research and analysis. Additionally, the scheme is great for developing the soft skills of communication, attention to detail, and proactivity.
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?
The culture at AOS is great! Everyone, from junior lawyers to senior partners, are very willing to give you their time for a chat about their practice area. Further, it is a truly friendly environment and very pleasant place to work. Plus, diversity in background and thought is truly appreciated and celebrated at AOS.
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 insight. I learnt lots that I will be taking on as I continue pursuing my career in law. I couldn’t imagine a better environment to conduct this scheme in! Plus, my fellow scheme students were truly lovely!
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 and reimbursed expenses
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
Research the firms work and culture. Consider why you want to work at AOS specifically, maybe a relevant deal that interested you or a specific piece of legal innovation the firm is working on.
Please rate the future employment prospects at A&O Shearman
5/5
Did you receive an offer to return as an intern or a graduate?
Waiting to hear
