Our vacation schemes are designed to show you exactly what it’s like to tackle exciting challenges every day and experience global success as part of our friendly, supportive and dynamic culture.
Programme overview
What you’ll gain
On this programme, you’ll be able to gain real and valuable skills you will use and develop throughout your career, working with industry-defining clients and industry-leading colleagues. You’ll have a diverse range of events and presentations at your disposal that will show you what it takes to excel as a successful international commercial lawyer.
Work experience
As well as gaining insights into the work we do, there will be plenty of time to socialise with our early careers recruitment team, lawyers and partners as well as the other students on your scheme – broadening your knowledge of the firm, building your network and giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the culture that will define your experience with us should you join as a trainee.
The schemes we offer
For our Summer 2027 Vacation Scheme, you need to be in your penultimate year in any degree discipline. Please note, this will be an autumn intake start date. These schemes will give you an insight into who we are, what we do and how we can support you, while giving you exposure to the work we do and a taster of the responsibility you can have as a trainee.
Growth and development
With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We offer exceptional professional and personal development – providing training, mentoring and practical support. Our REACH buddy scheme is also run by A&O Shearman’s race and ethnicity network, and is open to everyone taking part in our vacation schemes.
All those successful in gaining a vacation scheme place will be paid GBP500 per week and will be considered for a training contract.
Requirements
There is no one single type of person who succeeds here. Whether you’re determined, curious, resilient or open-minded – whoever you are – this programme is a chance for you to start your journey early and develop your legal expertise. You can earn your qualifications without the burden of tuition fees – and open the door to people from all academic and social backgrounds.
Our academic requirements are AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level and on track for/achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree. We also require seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). We do take into account mitigating circumstances.
