Law Career Guide :: A&O Shearman UK Early Careers

Know what's coming

Welcome to our Law Career Guide. Whether you’re applying to A&O Shearman, or any other law firm, this guide will provide you with advice, tips, and key information on application processes, interview prep, and assessment days.

Making law accessible to all

Making law accessible to all

Find out more about our partnership with Aspiring Solicitors and how we’re breaking down barriers to the legal profession.

How to use AI responsibly in the application process

How to use AI responsibly in the application process

Explore A&O Shearman's cutting-edge use of AI in the legal profession and its implications for recruitment strategies.

Solicitor Apprenticeships: An alternative path into law

Solicitor Apprenticeships: An alternative path into law

Find out how you can take the apprenticeship route into a legal career from one of our first year Solicitor Apprentices.

What is Commercial Awareness?

What is Commercial Awareness?

Commercial awareness is important to becoming a successful lawyer. Here are some tips on how you can build yours.

Setting yourself up for success

Setting yourself up for success

Whether you’re applying to A&O Shearman or another law firm, there are many things you can do during summer months to set yourself up for success.

Application Dos and Don’ts

Application Dos and Don’ts

Whatever programme you’re applying for, we want to help you understand what’s best to put in your application, so you can move closer to your dream law career.

The Assessment Framework

The Assessment Framework

Our Assessment Framework details the set of attributes and skills we look for in our candidates, read more to see how this can help you with applying.

Situational Judgement Test: What is it and how to prepare for it

Situational Judgement Test: What is it and how to prepare for it

The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is used to see whether you’d be a good fit for the firm you’re applying to. Here are some preparation tips.

First-round motivational interviews: how to prepare

First-round motivational interviews: how to prepare

We know first-round interviews can feel intimidating, so here’s some advice on how give confident answers and ask the right questions.

Assessment days: What to expect and how to prepare for them

Assessment days: What to expect and how to prepare for them

Every firm runs assessment days a little differently, but here’s our breakdown of how we do them at A&O Shearman.

Your pre-interview routine

Your pre-interview routine

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but we’re here to help you prepare ahead of time to make sure it goes smoothly.

What to do if you are unsuccessful

What to do if you are unsuccessful?

Sometimes, results may not be what you were hoping for, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Here’s some advice on how to pick yourself back up.