Work experience
Step into Law Scheme
Our Step into Law Scheme is an interactive, inclusive, and insightful series of workshops and group mentoring sessions.
Step into Law Scheme
Ignite your enthusiasm
About the Programme
Step Into Law is A&O Shearman's programme for Year 13 students who are curious about a career in commercial law. Delivered through three in-person 'Touch Points' and a virtual follow-up, the programme blends skills workshops, commercial awareness, support from law professionals, and application support. You will build confidence and capability, grow your professional network, and gain practical insight into life at a global law firm-while our Early Careers team gets to know you and your potential.
Activate your potential
Across the programme you will develop core skills that set you up for success in early applications and assessments. You will deepen your understanding of commercial law and the work we do, build your commercial awareness, and explore responsible use of AI in the workplace. You will also receive structured mentorship through our Buddy Bubbles, plus hands-on support with applications through 'Application Clinics', and interview and assessment day preparation. By the end, you will leave with a clear understanding of commercial law, practical resources you can use, and meaningful connections - plus transferable skills that will set you up for success in a professional career.
How the programme works
The programme is built around three in-person 'Touch Points', followed by a virtual session to support your next steps. Each Touch Point focuses on a different stage of your development.
Touch Point 1: Setting Your Scene
Provisional date: Tuesday 7 April 2026
You will be welcomed to A&O Shearman and introduced to the programme, our people, and what to expect. Through interactive sessions you will explore the basics of commercial law and the firm's work, begin building commercial awareness, and learn how to use AI responsibly in a professional setting.
Over lunch, you will connect with trainees, associates and the Early Careers team. We will launch Buddy Bubbles, where you will set your own personal goals and create a development plan with your peer group. You will leave with a participant handbook including the agenda, contacts, a reading list, and a glossary to support your learning.
Maintain your momentum
Touch Point 2: Building Your Foundations
Provisional date: Monday 6 July 2026
You will deepen your legal and commercial skills through a practical, case-based workshop led by an associate, simulating real matters such as transactions or disputes. You will check in with your Buddy Bubble to review goals and progress, reflect on skills, and expand your network over a sector-themed lunch with trainees and associates.
Touch Point 3: Stepping Into Law
Provisional date: Monday 10 August 2026
You will focus on the mechanics of early applications and assessment centres. A trainee panel will share 'day in the life' insights and practical advice. An application workshop will help you structure strong answers that clearly communicate your motivation and impact. We will walk you through what to expect on assessment days and host a application clinic for individualised feedback. In your final Buddy Bubble huddle, you will refine your objectives and set a post-programme plan. The day closes with an open Q&A with the Early Careers team.
Maintaining Your Confidence
Virtual Touch Point: Foundations for Your Future- Recruiter Drop-In
Provisional timing: January 2027
This 60-90 minute session keeps you in touch with our early careers recruitment team as you approach key application windows. We will introduce our First Year Programme, signpost upcoming resources and events, answer your questions, and help you plan your next steps.
Your takeaways
You will leave with a Summary PDF packed with practical tools and guidance. This includes an application toolkit, key dates, and targeted tips to help you prepare for application forms, interviews, and assessment centres. You will also have a clearer sense of the work we do, the skills you bring, and how to keep building your commercial awareness.
Support: Buddy Bubbles
This is your opportunity to learn and grow. We offer exceptional professional and personal development - providing training, mentoring and practical support. You'll have a designated 'Buddy Bubble' and other dedicated points of contact during the Step into Law Scheme, to ensure that you receive the best pastoral care possible. You will also have the opportunity to share learnings and network with firm employees and fellow participants.
Buddy Bubbles are small, supportive peer groups that meet across the programme to set goals, track progress, and share feedback. The structure is student-led, empowering you to take ownership of your development with guidance from the Early Careers team and our trainees and associates.
Academic qualifications
You’ll need minimum predicted grades of AAB at A level or equivalent.
Personal skills
Curiosity, ambition, organisation, collaboration
Application window
Applications open: Monday 5th January 2026
Applications close: Monday 2nd March 2026, 5pm
Scheme dates
To be confirmed
Helpful resources
Setting yourself up for success
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 requirements
Our academic requirements are AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level. We 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 you need 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.
Ambition
You’re determined to achieve a first-class legal career and tackle challenges along the way.
Organisation
Your ability to keep on top of your work and focus on the details helps you keep projects on track and succeeding.
Collaboration
You work well with others and have an open mind to different ideas and new perspectives.
Application Process
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.
Following this, we will be in touch to let you know if you've secured a place on the scheme.
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 submitted 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
