Our First Year Programme offers a great way to learn about the legal world and explore whether a career at A&O Shearman could be right for you.
The programme involves a two-day insight scheme and a masterclass, spread across the year. We’ll offer you insight into working at our firm, exposure to the challenging work we do and the chance to begin building a global network.
You’ll benefit from employability sessions and you’ll learn the key skills we look for from our trainees. You’ll begin building your knowledge around areas like commercial awareness and technology. This is your chance to be part of our supportive community and see first-hand what’s expected of you when you join us.
Our Early Careers recruitment team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance and you’ll have support from a trainee buddy, as well as from your peers. As part of the programme, you’ll also be fast-tracked to assessment centre for a Vacation Scheme.
For this programme, we welcome students in their first year of a three-year (or second year of a four-year) undergraduate degree. This can be in any degree discipline. Academically, we look for AAB (or equivalent) at A-Level and that you’re on track to achieve a 2:1 for your degree. You’ll also need 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). We take into account any mitigating circumstances, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades either at school or university and there is a space on the application form to include these.
There’s no single type of person who succeeds here, however having the drive to tackle challenges, an ambition for a first-class legal career and the curiosity to find out more, will all help you to thrive on this programme.
Our application process begins with an online application and a video-based online test. If your application is successful, then you’ll be invited to a video interview, which will include a brief commercial case study.
At A&O Shearman, we recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We’ll invest in you to excel in your legal career and you’ll be valued for who you are as much as for what you do. With us, you’ll enjoy challenge, support and opportunities you couldn’t find elsewhere.
BELONG.EXCEL.
Eligibility
Students currently in the first year of a three-year or second year of a four-year undergraduate degree, from any degree discipline.
Application window: 6 January – 10 February 2025.
