Black Student Lawyer Programme
A&O Shearman Black Student Lawyer Programme
Our Black Student Lawyer Programme provides talented Black students with access to A&O Shearman, levelling the legal playing field, breaking down barriers and setting you up for success.
A&O Shearman Black Student Lawyer Programme
Set yourself up for success
What you’ll gain
At A&O Shearman, we recognise that Black talent has been historically underrepresented in the legal sector, and we’re committed to altering this narrative. That’s why we created the Black Student Lawyer Programme. We’ll help you enhance your employability skills and legal knowledge during your week with us.
Work experience
By focusing on employability, we strive to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the legal industry. This one-week programme is designed to provide you with mentorship and work shadowing opportunities across our practice areas, so you can find out what it’s really like to work at A&O Shearman, to learn and develop at your highest level.
High performing candidates will be fast-tracked to a Summer Vacation Scheme interview following the completion of the programme.
Growth and development
This is your opportunity to learn and grow. We offer exceptional professional and personal development – providing training, mentoring and practical support. You’ll also receive comprehensive support from the Early careers recruitment team and will be mentored through our REACH Buddy scheme, which is operated by our Race & Ethnicity Network. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to attend networking sessions with our affinity group, BLAG (Black Lawyers Affinity Group).
Academic qualifications
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. You should have attained a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at A-level and be on track for a 2:1 or higher at university. We also require 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English).
Personal skills
Curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, drive
Application window
6 January – 17 March 2025
Programme date
23 June - 27 June 2025
Helpful resources
Setting yourself up for success
Situational Judgement Test: What is it and how to prepare for it
How to use AI responsibly in the application process
Life Experience
At A&O Shearman, we value real life experience just as much as work experience. It’s not something to shy away from on your application. It makes you who you are. Here’s how some of our people have brought their life experiences to a career here.
These videos, originally produced under the A&O legacy, authentically showcase the experiences and opportunities synonymous with A&O Shearman.
Aastha
Aastha has supported to develop and nurture her passion for art at A&O Shearman. She believes being creative has helped her become a better lawyer.
Alexander
Growing up in a close-knit working-class area of London was a unique experience for Alexander. At 15, when developers threatened the area, his research saved the local community. That, in turn, meant he went on to study law.
Betty
A road traffic accident at a young age left Betty with a muscle condition and chronic pain. It’s made her who she is, and she brings that resilience to work every day.
What we look for
This programme gives you the opportunities you need to expand your skills and an insight into the culture of the firm. Whether you’re ambitious, curious, or open-minded; whoever you are, this programme is a chance for you to start your journey early and develop your legal expertise.
Academic qualifications
Our academic requirements are AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level and on track for/achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree. We also require 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). We do take into account mitigating circumstances, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades either at school or university and there is a space on the application form to include these.
Skills to succeed
Below are the essential skills needed to thrive on this programme. From making meaningful contributions to our team and clients, to facing legal challenges, these skills will help you excel with us.
Curiosity
You want to find out more about the firm, our culture, the clients we work with and the sectors we operate in.
Problem-solving
You have an ability to break down a problem and push yourself to find the perfect solution no matter the environment.
Collaboration
You enjoy working in a team to complete a task or achieve a shared goal.
Drive
You’re prepared to tackle every challenge and overcome obstacles to achieve your goals.
Application Process
The application process is designed to give you a platform to show us what you’re capable of and to set you up for success at A&O Shearman.
1. Online Application
The online application form is your first opportunity to show us what you’re capable of, so be sure to pay attention to detail and think about the examples you use and whether they demonstrate the skills and attributes we are looking for.
You will then be prompted to complete an immersive, video-based Situational Judgement Test (SJT) which includes verbal and numerical reasoning items. The test is untimed and should take around 30-40 minutes. The SJT is designed to provide a realistic preview of what you may experience as a trainee at A&O Shearman.
You can read our preparation tips to Situational Judgement Tests or take a practice test.
2. Video Interview
If your application is successful, the next stage will be a video interview, which should take no longer than 30 minutes and will include a brief commercial case study. Following this, we will be in touch to let you know if you’ve secured a place on the scheme.
There are a number of websites purporting to provide free samples of A&O Shearman application forms and assessment questions, including our Situational Judgement Test. A&O Shearman takes cases of plagiarism and copyright extremely seriously. We strongly caution applicants against using, or paying for, unofficial sources claiming to provide information on the A&O Shearman application process. We encourage every potential candidate to review our website for details of our application process and a sample SJT.
If you have any further questions on the A&O Shearman application process, or if you wish to discuss or report such a website, please contact us at earlycareersuk@aoshearman.com. Please note, all applications will close at 5pm on the closing date and you must have submit your online application and completed the Situational Judgement test by this deadline.
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
