Trainee Solicitor Review
at A&O Shearman
Graduate Job
Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Employment Law, Intellectual Property Law, Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: September 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 the Role
5/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
5/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at A&O Shearman?
From the beginning of the application process through to the day to day work at the firm, my experience at A&O Shearman has been supremely positive.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
- Drafting
- Project management
- Research
- Corporate Training
I particularly enjoy the opportunities provided to develop both my soft professional skills.
- Project management
- Research
- Corporate Training
I particularly enjoy the opportunities provided to develop both my soft professional skills.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
Hugely. From my first day I have been invited to team events and offsites. I regularly receive feedback from all team members helping me improve my work.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Great perks. Especially pension benefits and on site facilities.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Enormously. The ability to rotate round 4 different teams throughout the 2 year training is especially useful in the context of preparing me for my future career. What stands out versus other firms is the range of seat options and the market leading strength in so many departments.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Very much so. The firm pay for all our legal studies, both course fees, exam fees and a maintenance grant. After completing the professional exams we are enrolled on an 8 week "Essentials for Practise" course. Unlike other law firms this is bespoke to the company and so directly relates to the work conducted by the firm. Once at the firm we receive more formal training, alongside the ability to develop skills organically on the job with regular structured and unstructured feedback.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
How would you rate A&O Shearman initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
How would you rate A&O Shearman CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have felt very supported throughout application to starting work. My training has been excellent.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Very. Whilst the firm has merged since my initial application, under the bonnet London operations have remained relatively consistent bar the additional bench strength from Shearman and Sterling.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to A&O Shearman?
Read the firm website well as there are a lot of tips and advice available. Try and attend a firm event to learn more about the firm's culture.
