RateMyPlacement and RateMyApprenticeship are now Higherin: Learn More

Higherin
A&O Shearman

Winter Vacation Scheme Review

at A&O Shearman

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

London

Review Submitted: January 2023

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 winter vacation scheme was very well structured, and each day involved various activities, meaning the week provided a wide breadth of insight into Allen and Overy.
Activities on a day-to-day basis included: talks from the Global Managing Partner, pro bono representatives, HR, Fuse, and graduate recruitment; work with an associate; and a group project. Between this, there were plenty of opportunities to meet trainees, socialise with lawyers, and get to know fellow vacation schemers.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
I gained a lot of clarity on the various business units and roles available. However, even more importantly, I was able to experience and observe first-hand the culture of Allen & Overy, which cemented my desire to work at the firm.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
While shadowing and completing work for an associate, I was fortunate enough to attend various meetings alongside my tasks, which developed my time management skills.
Alongside this, we were assigned a group project which was an opportunity to hone my teamwork and presentation skills.
More generally, during the winter vacation scheme we were presented with lots of information and content. This meant I had to think on my feet and critically analyse, further developing this skill.
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

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Allen and Overy was very inclusive, welcoming, and no question was a silly one. I felt immersed into the firm, despite the vacation scheme only being a week long, which is testament to the positive culture and atmosphere of Allen & Overy.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I would recommend Allen and Overy to any individuals interested in working at a top quality, outstanding, innovative, and inclusive law firm. I had a fantastic time during my week and feel confident that the firm is the right ‘fit’ for me.
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

Please rate the future employment prospects at A&O Shearman
5/5
Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to A&O Shearman
Ensure you stay up-to-date with commercial issues, thoroughly look into the firm, and I would recommend the Allen and Overy podcast, ‘The Allen & Overy Podcast’.
For the assessment centre, I would suggest being yourself and giving some prior thought as to how you align with the firm’s values.
In This Review
Join Now

Join the Higherin Community

Save Time

Easily add jobs from Higherin or external platforms to keep everything organised.

Personalised Alerts

Get tailored job recommendations and updates straight to your inbox.

Exclusive Features

Access tools like application tracking, deadline reminders, and saved searches.

Stay Ahead

Be the first to know about the latest opportunities and deadlines.

Completely Free

Create an account and unlock powerful features at no cost.