Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Belong to a collective. Excel as an individual.

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. We know that unless our people truly feel like they belong here, we can never excel.

When diverse organisations bring people and perspectives together, our solutions are stronger and more sustainable. But that doesn’t happen by accident. Equity and diversity require a truly inclusive environment. That’s why fostering a culture where our people are accepted for who they are and feel able to truly reach their full potential has been a priority for us for many years.

We all excel when we’re empowered.

Being part of A&O Shearman means being committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive culture for each other. Our clients expect the best collaborative solutions, so we foster working relationships that allow anyone to bring their authentic self to work. This is a global priority for the firm, and critical to why everyone can truly belong and excel.

We hold ourselves accountable, and believe that it’s important to be transparent about where we are and where we’re going. That’s why we’ve made our inclusivity reports public.

Our Diversity Programmes

We run a number of diversity programmes in collaboration with partner organisations to ensure we’re as inclusive as possible.

Black Student Lawyer Programme

We run this programme to help provide work experience and mentoring opportunities for talented students (university level and above) from the Black community. This is a global opportunity for the firm, and critical to why you will be all be able to belong, and excel. Learn more

Aspiring Solicitors Women in Law

This event increases the understanding and awareness of the challenges facing female lawyers in private practice and in-house. Learn more

Rare Articles

Articles is a multi-award-winning development programme for candidates applying for vacation schemes and training contracts, consisting of one-to-one coaching sessions, in-person group sessions and support with applications and interviews. Learn more

Future City Lawyers

British Inter-University Commercial Awareness Competition (BIUCAC) was created to level the playing field and provide a platform for non-Russell Group law schools to showcase their outstanding talent to leading law firms. Learn more

Smart Start

This programme provides young people facing socio-economic barriers with access to high-quality work experience. Learn more

A&O Shearman REACH Mentoring Scheme

This scheme is run by our Race & Ethnicity network. It offers mentorship during and beyond schemes and is focused on improving the experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities within the firm. The scheme is also deeply committed to enabling social mobility regardless of racial or ethnic background.

Our Partnerships

We’re partnering with a range of organisations to empower diversity, equity and inclusion, beyond our walls. We know that we can’t tackle widening access on our own, we need to work collaboratively with partnerships and those who are experts in the space to drive real change and widen our reach.

Aspiring Solicitors

This leading diversity platform offers free legal careers support and development for aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds. Learn more.

Rare

Rare Foundations offers a series of introductory career programmes for Black African and Black Caribbean students who are interested in commercial law. Learn more.

The Schools Outreach Company

The Schools Outreach Company connects hiring organisations with schools and students to create positive pathways into employment. Learn more.

Uptree

This leading platform is providing young people with free careers advice and work experience to drive equality of opportunity for all. Learn more.

93% Club

Through the power of community, the 93% Club are breaking down structural barriers to social mobility and dismantling class inequality. Learn more.

My Plus Consulting

MyPlus support individuals with disabilities to find the confidence, insight and support they need to discover career opportunities and succeed. Learn more.

National Student Pride

This is the UKs largest LGBTQ+ inclusive careers fair committed to improving the queer student experience across the UK. It’s made for students, by students. Learn more.

Forage

Forage is a free platform offering students free virtual work experience to build confidence and get the jobs they want. Learn more.

Then & Now

Our A&O Shearman Lawyers all started from somewhere. From all kinds of backgrounds. Through every stage of their life, from personal to professional and the challenges along the way, our lawyers look back on the journeys that got them where they are today.

These videos, originally produced under the A&O legacy, authentically showcase the experiences and opportunities synonymous with A&O Shearman.

Ghazi

Growing up in Jordan with a genetic condition, Ghazi learned to live life despite limitations. With the grades, curiosity and interest, there was nothing to lose and everything to gain. His story shows anything is possible.

Jennifer

Jennifer has experienced a world, career and life that she never thought would be in her reach. Hear how a summer school for low-income backgrounds changed Jennifer’s perspective on what she could achieve.

Mitch

Born in Nigeria, Mitch believes nothing is impossible. Now a partner at A&O Shearman and mum of three, she has surrounded herself with the right people and has had support from her family every step of the way.

Our Recent Achievements

We’re delighted to win awards and accolades for the way we support everyone who works here, helping them feel like they truly belong.

Social Mobility Employer Index

We’re ranked #7 in the 2023 Social Mobility Employer Index.

upReach

We’ve been named Social Mobility Employer of the year at The Student Social Mobility Awards by upReach.

Stonewall

We’re proud to be part of the 2023 Stonewall Top Global Employer for LGBTQ+ list.

Business in the Community

For a third year in a row, we’ve been included in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women, an initiative run by charity Business in the Community.

The World Needs Different

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made. But in order to continue in our ambition of achieving true diversity, equity and inclusion, we’re committed to ensuring that we welcome graduates to our firm from all backgrounds.

Equity in Applications

When it comes to early careers, we understand that not all candidates’ achievements look the same, and we want to recruit the best people from every background. We actively promote allyship and provide coaching and support to suit differing circumstances.

One of the ways in which we do this is by using the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). We use the information provided as part of the CRS to review applications in the context of each individual’s social and educational background. This enables us to consider whether somebody has, for example, overachieved considering their wider personal circumstances.

To keep improving diversity at A&O Shearman, we need to measure it. This is why we will also ask applicants to complete an Equal Opportunities form as part of their application. This information will not be visible to those shortlisting or interviewing candidates, but will be used solely for the purposes of monitoring our equal opportunities policy and ensuring we have a fair and equal process.

We’re making social change, all over the world.

Pro Bono
Community Investment

Pro Bono

Our status, expertise and global presence gives us a responsibility to have a positive impact on the world – tackling social injustice and empowering change. In 2023 alone, we provided nearly 111,000 hours of legal work to organisations including NGOs and non-profits. We also leverage our expertise to help find ways to finance their work.

At all levels, our people are encouraged to volunteer their time and skills on projects including access to justice, education, social mobility and impact finance. We make a difference, and we empower you to do so too. We’re in a position to effect positive change on pressing issues all over the world and help find solutions to society’s most serious problems.

Across the world, we’ve worked with global human rights organisations like the Human Dignity Trust and with REDRESS, working to secure justice for survivors of torture and to challenge laws that criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people across the world. Closer to home, our lawyers and trainees volunteer at legal advice clinics across London and support charities, advising individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. A career in law at A&O Shearman is your chance to make an impact far beyond the business world alone.

Community Investment

We partner with organisations around the world to help the communities in which we are based, using our legal and non-legal expertise to improve life chances and tackle poverty.

Our Community Investment programmes support a wide range of educational, employability and local community organisations. Opportunities to get involved include volunteering for our flagship social mobility programme, Smart Start, through to our employability programme ReStart helping older people return to work. We also partner with charities like the Fair Education Alliance – a collation of over 200 organisations working towards ending educational inequality in the UK.

To find out more, read our pro bono and community investment magazine, Increasing Access.

Minds Matter

Supporting our colleagues and communities

Belonging and excelling relies on openness. Our Minds Matter programme encourages an open culture where we can discuss our mental health, provide support where it’s needed and champion working practices which facilitate positive mental health for all. There are more than 40 Mental Health Advocates – partners and senior support professionals across the business globally.

In the UK, we currently provide access to support through our Employee Advice Line and Private Medical Insurance. All trainees globally have free access to health and wellbeing apps (Headspace, Help@hand and Unmind), and most offices have an Employee Assistance Programme.

We are signed up to the Mindful Business Charter, provide online mental health awareness training globally through Unmind, and host a programme of wellbeing talks and seminars. We are also a member of the City Mental Health Alliance and a partner of This Can Happen – an organisation whose vision is to empower workplace mental health.

Our People Networks

A&O Shearman is made up of many different communities intersecting and collaborating with each other to continually strengthen who we are together.

Race and Ethnicity

The aim of the group is to focus on the needs of and issues affecting Black, Asian and minority ethnic people at A&O Shearman. Since launching, the group has successfully implemented several initiatives to raise awareness of the issues relating to ethnic diversity at A&O Shearman and to demonstrate the firm’s commitment to creating a more diverse business.

Gender Equality Network

The Gender Equality network works to support A&O Shearman to achieve greater gender equality at all levels of seniority within the firm. Their mission is to take every step toward a gender-balanced workplace where everyone can fulfil their potential and enjoy equal opportunities to truly excel.

AccessAbility Network

We know that disabilities can be life long, short-term, life changing and can change over time. At A&O Shearman, we’re ensuring that whatever the nature of someone’s disability, it shouldn’t ever be a barrier to experiencing a fulfilling career and excelling at what you do.

Social Mobility Network

Social inequality restricts potential across the world and we believe we have a key part to play in building a fairer society where opportunity is merit-based and accessible. Our backgrounds should be celebrated and shared but should never define our experiences of limit our opportunities. We want everyone at A&O Shearman to meet their potential and excel.

LGBTQ+ Network

A&Out is our global network for staff that identify as LGBT+ and staff that want to support and promote the equality of their LGBT+ colleagues (our allies). Globally, A&Out has over 100 LGBT+ members and over 700 allies. The purpose of A&Out is to raise awareness and to offer support and networking opportunities to A&O Shearman colleagues.