Our Programmes
Belong. Excel.
Whether you’re a school leaver or a graduate, we have all kinds of opportunities for ambitious talent to join our firm. From apprenticeships to training contracts, below you can discover the programmes we offer.
Winter Vacation Scheme 2025
Eligibility
We’re able to welcome applications from final year students from all degree disciplines (i.e. those graduating Summer 2026) for a Spring intake start date.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 4th August 2025
Applications close: Monday 15th September 2025, 5pm
Scheme dates
Monday 1st December 2025 – Friday 5th December 2025
Register your interest for future programmes.
Summer Vacation Scheme 2026
Eligibility
We’re able to welcome applications from penultimate year students from all degree disciplines (i.e. those graduating Summer 2027) for an Autumn intake start date.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 15th September 2025
Applications close: Monday 27th October 2025, 5pm
Scheme dates
Monday 6th July 2026 – Friday 17th July 2026
Register your interest for future programmes.
Training Contract - March 2027
Eligibility
We welcome applications from Law Graduates who are eligible to commence their SQE studies in Spring 2026, as well as from Non-Law Graduates who have completed, or are completing, their PGDL and will be eligible to begin their SQE studies in Spring 2026.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 29th September 2025
Applications close: Monday 17th November 2025, 5pm
Scheme dates
To be confirmed
Register your interest for future programmes.
Training Contract - March 2028
Eligibility
We welcome applications from Non-Law Graduates who are able to commence their PGDL studies no later than Spring 2026, and who will then be eligible to begin their SQE studies in Spring 2027.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 29th September 2025
Applications close: Monday 17th November 2025, 5pm
Scheme dates
To be confirmed
Register your interest for future programmes.
Law Tech & Operations Graduate Programme 2026
Eligibility
We welcome applications from final-year students or graduates from any degree discipline.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 15th December 2025
Applications close: Monday 2nd February 2026, 5pm
Scheme dates
Autumn 2026
Register your interest for future programmes.
Solicitor Apprenticeships 2026
Eligibility
We’re able to welcome anyone with a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at A-level and 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English).
The programme is for non-graduates only.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 1st December 2025
Applications close: Wednesday 18th February 2026, 5pm
Scheme dates
Autumn 2026
Register your interest for future programmes.
A&O Shearman First Year Programme 2026
Eligibility
We’re able to welcome students in their first year of a three-year (or second year of a four-year) undergraduate degree from any degree discipline.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 5th January 2026
Applications close: Monday 9th February 2026, 5pm
Scheme dates
Monday 31st March 2026 – Wednesday 1st April 2026
Register your interest for future programmes.
A&O Shearman Black Student Lawyer Programme
Eligibility
We’re able to welcome students in their first year of a 3-year undergraduate degree (or second year of a 4-year degree) across any discipline.
Application window
Applications open: Monday 5th January 2026
Applications close: Monday 2nd March 2026, 5pm
Scheme dates
Monday 15th June 2026 – Friday 19th June 2026
Register your interest for future programmes.
Smart Start Programme
Eligibility
We’re able to welcome year 12 students for Smart Start Week and Smart Applications.
Application window
To be confirmed
Scheme dates
To be confirmed
Register your interest for future programmes.
Step into Law Scheme
Eligibility
You'll currently be a year 13 student. You'll need minimum predicted grades of AAB at A-level or equivalent.
Application window
To be confirmed
Scheme dates
To be confirmed