Summer Vacation Scheme Intern Review

The A&O Shearman Vacation Scheme provided a great insight into life at the firm. I sat in the restructuring team and, on a day-to-day basis, I completed a range of trainee-style tasks, including legal research, preparing first drafts of client emails and supporting ongoing matters for the team. I also attended client and business strategy meetings, giving me exposure to the commercial considerations behind legal advice and transactions.
Alongside my time in the restructuring team, I attended various presentations and talks as well as networking opportunities with different members of the firm. These sessions provided valuable insight into A&O Shearman's different practice areas, international platform and collaborative culture, while helping me develop a broader understanding of commercial law and the role of a trainee.

The scheme gave me an excellent understanding of A&O Shearman as a business and the breadth of opportunities available within the firm.
Through presentations from different practice areas, conversations with members of the firm and my time in the Restructuring team, I gained a much clearer appreciation of how the firm's departments work together to deliver complex, cross-border advice to clients.
Learning more about the trainee programme, seat rotations and secondments reinforced how varied a career at the firm can be and just how many opportunities are available. Additionally, hearing about internal networks and social events allowed me to further grasp the range of fantastic opportunities.

The scheme enabled me to develop several key skills. My communication skills improved through networking events and daily interactions with members of my team, where I learnt how to build professional relationships, ask thoughtful questions and communicate confidently. Working closely with the Restructuring team and collaborating with other vacation scheme students also strengthened my ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment.
I also developed my attention to detail and problem-solving skills throughout my seat. As I became more familiar with the team's work, I was able to approach tasks more independently, identify the key legal and commercial issues, and produce work to a higher standard.

The culture at A&O Shearman was amazing. Everyone on my team was hard-working and committed to delivering the highest standard of work, yet remained approachable, friendly, and generous with their time. People were always willing to answer questions, offer guidance, and really got to know me, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the scheme.

I enjoyed the insight to a great extent. The scheme gave me the opportunity to build genuine friendships and professional connections while developing a much deeper understanding of both the Restructuring practice and A&O Shearman as a firm. Most importantly, I felt welcomed from day one, and the firm's supportive and collaborative culture made the experience both enjoyable and rewarding.

Yes

My advice would be to gain as much relevant experience as possible before applying, whether through law societies, internships, insight schemes or other extracurricular activities, as this gives you plenty to discuss throughout the application process. During the scheme itself, be friendly and approachable with everyone you meet, be curious, show enthusiasm, and take every opportunity to learn from the people around you.