Work Experience
Global Virtual Work Experience Programme
At A&O Shearman, we work with some of the biggest clients on complex business problems. By completing our virtual work experience, you’ll get to see what it’s really like on the inside of a transformational global law firm.
Global Virtual Work Experience Programme
Why Work Experience?
What you’ll gain
Whether you’re completely set on your chosen career path or want to find out whether it’s the right one for you, work experience helps you gain valuable insight into this path by exposing you to some of the tasks and responsibilities you would face in the role, and start developing the skills to help make you successful. It can make the decision that will impact your future, much easier.
Work experience
At A&O Shearman, we recognise legal work can be difficult to obtain at times. Which is why we’ve partnered with Forage to design a globally accessible virtual work experience. The self-paced, modular experience will provide you with an important understanding of the day-to-day tasks a commercial lawyer at A&O Shearman will face.
Growth and development
This is the best place for you to learn about our industry, while learning a bit about yourself and your career goals too.
*We also offer an alternative virtual work experience for school and college leavers based on Employment Law.
Academic qualifications
This programme is open to all and there are no minimum requirements to join.
Personal skills
Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, attention to detail, adaptability.
Helpful resources
What is commercial awareness?
Applications Dos and Don’ts
Setting yourself up for success
Start your virtual work experience today:
About the Programme
Our Technology and M&A law virtual work experience has been designed to provide you with a variety of real tasks, designed by our lawyers based on their experiences. Take your time to work through four tasks based on real life scenarios to really help you understand what the day-to-day work of a commercial lawyer entails, the skills needed, and most importantly, how you can practice and excel at these skills.
Workplace skills
Gain practical skills and experience to better prepare you for the world of work. Programmes are self-paced so you can learn on your own time. You will get the opportunity to see what legal reasoning looks like on a practical level, practice interpreting contracts, working with high-profile clients, demonstrate lateral thinking and apply legal principles.
Based on real life
Our technology and M&A virtual experience is based on real-life scenarios, and we’ve carefully designed the tasks to give you an insight into the life cycle of an exciting technology and M&A transaction with a fictious client.
What you'll gain
Completing this work experience will allow you to up-skill and stand out on your application form as well as in the assessment process. You’ll be able to demonstrate a real understanding of what it takes to be a first-class commercial lawyer, the skills required and gain industry insights.
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.
Culture
Working here
We’re a firm investing in our people to excel in their legal careers while building a culture that harnesses our differences. Where you’re valued for who you are, as much as you’re valued for what you do.
We recruit the best and ask for the best of you, but that doesn’t come without support, mentorship, rewards and opportunities you couldn't find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a first-class legal career, join us. And together we can excel.
What we do
