A&O Shearman
A firm built for the future of law
Belong. Excel.
This is where you Belong and Excel.
In 2024, Allen and Overy and Shearman & Sterling became A&O Shearman. We’ve united two of the world’s most established firms, making it the largest transatlantic law firm merger in 20 years. This merger is a platform for the future, and your platform to perform at the highest level.
About Us
A&O Shearman is a new type of industry leader with truly global capabilities.
A&O Shearman is a new type of industry leader with truly global capabilities. As our clients navigate an increasingly complex world, we will rise and meet that challenge.
With nearly 4,000 lawyers across almost 50 offices in 29 countries, here you’ll be able to work on the most complex, high-profile and interesting legal work for the world’s biggest businesses. We’re the only firm with this strength and depth, giving you the perfect platform to learn, develop your skills and show what you’re capable of at the highest levels.
As your career develops with us, you’ll benefit from being part of this global community of world-class lawyers – with a shared culture that will support you to be your best and thrive wherever your career takes you.
This firm is built for the future of law, and for your future too.
What the merger means for you and your career
At A&O Shearman, you’ll constantly learn and grow with exceptional professional and personal development opportunities.
Teamwork is essential, and you’ll achieve more together than you would alone. We’re building a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences. A place where you can bring your whole self to work. We nurture a friendly, dynamic and stimulating environment, where you’re valued for who you are, as much as you’re valued for what you do.
This is your chance to learn and develop at the highest level, with an unparalleled global community of colleagues on the cases that define the world. With high expectations high performance and constant support, this is a place where you can belong and an environment where you can truly excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a merged firm, what is your main strength?
A&O Shearman is fluent in US law, English law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets in equal measure. Our strength comes from our global capabilities, supported by deep local roots, relationships and knowledge.
Which industries do you work in?
We operate across some of the most challenging and critical issues and sectors, including energy transition, technology transformation, life sciences, and private capital, and enjoy long standing and trusted relationships with many of the world’s most influential companies and institutions.
How many years of experience does A&O Shearman have?
Together, we have more than 250 years global experience and expertise.
What kind of clients do you work with?
One third of our clients are in the top 50 of the Forbes Global 2000 – the world’s largest companies by sales, profits, assets, and market value. A further quarter are in the top 200.
Are your early careers opportunities staying the same?
This year we have a number of programmes you can apply to including our Training Contract, Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, Vacation Schemes, Law Tech & Operations Graduate Programme, First Year Programme, B.U.I.L.D and Global Virtual Work Experience Programme. You can find out more about each of them here.
Is the application process changing due to the merger?
Our application process remains the same. You can refer to our Assessment Framework article here to help create a high-quality application or prepare for interviews or assessment days.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Belong. Excel. These aren’t words on a page. For us, they are inseparable, non-negotiable cornerstones that support everything we do and achieve as a business.
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Law Career Guide
Whether you’re applying to A&O Shearman, or any other law firm, this hub will provide you with advice, tips and key information on application processes, interview prep, and assessment days.
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