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)

Commercial Law, Corporate 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 scheme involved a good mix of insight events and hands-on work. We had several sessions in which each practice area was introduced. Several social events also allowed us to meet seniors at the firm, giving us an insight into what they thought was unique about the firm.
Besides such events, the rest of our time was spent with teams doing live work. The team I was allotted to was extremely supportive. I was given the chance to contribute to a live deal, which I found fulfilling.

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 sessions hosted by people from different practice areas gave us a clear insight into the roles available. At the end of each session, we were given a chance to ask questions to know more about the practice area. We were also encouraged to book coffee chats and speak to people at the firm about their roles, which I found useful.
Besides comparable roles in other law firms, AOS is unique in allowing legal associates to work on MIG, which sits at the intersection of law and technology. Overall, I have a strong understanding of the roles available, owing to the several formal and informal interactive opportunities at the firm.

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes, I have sharpened my attention to detail and gained a deeper insight into the Corporate M&A transaction life cycle.

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?

My team was supportive and kind, and I was given feedback every step of the way. Overall, in my interactions, I found the firm to be inclusive and welcoming in its nature.

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 had fun throughout. The social events (including a screening of the World Cup) were quite fun. Moreover, the learning experience (both, through insight sessions and team interactions) was very enjoyable.

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

1. Research the firm's expertise, unique focus and unique practice areas in depth. Weave them into strong essays to connect them with your personal motivations.
2. Try to reach out to people who have been at the firm before to see if you think it is the right fit for you.
3. Read up on M&A and general commercial awareness as preparation for the assessment centre.