B.U.I.L.D. at A&O Shearman
Black Undergraduate Internship & Lawyer Development Programme
B.U.I.L.D. at A&O Shearman
What is B.U.I.L.D.
B.U.I.L.D. stands for Black Undergraduate Internship & Lawyer Development. We run this programme to help provide work experience and mentoring opportunities for talented students (university level and above) from the Black community.
Being part of A&O Shearman means being committed to cultivating an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all. This is a global opportunity for the firm, and critical to why you will be all be able to belong, and excel.
Eligibility
The programme is open to Black undergraduate students and graduates from all backgrounds.
Application window
6 January 2025 - 17 March 2025
Programme Overview
The B.U.I.L.D. Programme is a four-week internship in A&O Shearman’s London office where students can learn more about what we do and why we do it. The programme connects each student with our supervisors and mentors who work to offer support and guidance during your time at the firm, as well as ongoing guidance and mentorship following completion of the internship.
This is a paid internship. Interns will receive £500 a week while on the programme.
Programme Schedule
B.U.I.L.D interns will spend a two-week rotation in two different practice groups in the London office (four weeks total). These groups could include the Antitrust, Finance, Funds, International Arbitration, M&A, and Project Development & Finance Practice Groups.
You will also have the opportunity to attend trainee and Practice Group training sessions, as well as specific intern training sessions on relevant topics such as commercial awareness and the graduate recruitment process.
The next programme will run from 15 July – 9 August 2024
Life Experience
At A&O Shearman, we value real life experiences 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 at A&O Shearman.
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
We’ll be looking for your drive and commitment to thrive in a legal career, alongside curiosity to find out more about the firm, our culture, the clients we work with and the sectors we operate in. If you’re prepared to tackle every challenge that comes your way, we’ll provide you with all the knowledge you need to excel.
Our academic requirements are on track for/have achieved a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree classification. 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.
Application Process
1. Online Application
The recruitment process requires you to first complete an online application form. This 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.
2. Video Interview
If your application is successful, the next stage will be a video interview. This will take place online via Teams with a member of the graduate recruitment team and an associate. Following this, we will be in touch to let you know if you’ve secured a place on the scheme.
