Summer Vacation Scheme Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
4.8/5
-
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 included an average of one presentation per day on a practice area within the firm, e.g. Finance, Disputes and ENRI. Most of the scheme was spent at our desks in our assigned teams, where we completed tasks set by our trainers or others in the team. There were also socials and networking events.
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was interesting to learn about the various ways in which the firm acquires work and each team/department advertises its product. By speaking with associates, counsel, knowledge lawyers and partners, it was also useful to learn about the various opportunities for a lawyer at A&O Shearman. My most significant takeaway was the importance of having an open mind as to your work/career given the dynamic environment the firm sits in.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Through completing the tasks set, I have developed my skills in research, drafting, and document review. The scheme also honed my ability to communicate and to manage different relationships in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
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 very welcoming, and it did not take long for me to feel like a true part of my team. Everyone I spoke to was gracious with their time and showed a genuine interest in my development. There was never a point where I felt like I didn't belong at the firm.
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?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
Overall, it was a very useful and engaging experience. I feel that I learned a lot about the firm and was able to glean how I would be able to perform and thrive in that type of environment.
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
Make sure to research the firm in depth and reach out to as many people within the firm as you can. This includes people who have completed schemes with the firm, especially as their experience will be more immediately applicable to your circumstances.
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
