Vacation Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Employment Law, Intellectual Property Law, 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
-
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 provided an insight into life as a trainee solicitor at A&O Shearman, with exposure to high level legal work and the firms collaborative nature. On a day-to-day basis, I completed trainee-style tasks such as legal research and attending meetings, while receiving feedback from supervisors. The programme also included networking events, skills sessions and presentations, giving me a well rounded understanding of the firm’s practice areas and working environment.
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Learning about the firm’s business and the range of roles available gave me a much clearer understanding of how different practice areas work together to deliver strategic advice to clients.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
The experience strengthened my legal research, drafting, commercial awareness and communication skills, while also improving my confidence.
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 was genuinely welcoming and collaborative, and I didn’t meet a single person who wasn’t approachable, friendly and willing to take the time to chat.
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, as it was both intellectually engaging and confirmed my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in commercial law.
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
Be yourself, demonstrate genuine commercial curiosity, and make the most of every opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and build relationships throughout the process.
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
