First Year Programme
Our First Year Programme
If you think a career in commercial law could be for you and are keen to find out more, there’s no better place to learn about the legal world than our First Year Programme, in our transformational global firm.
Our First Year Programme
Exceptional begins here
What you’ll gain
Our First Year programme is the start of your relationship with our firm. It’s a programme of two insight days across the year designed to give you access to employability sessions, a global network, insights about the firm and all the opportunities you need to decide whether a legal career at A&O Shearman is right for you.
What you’ll do
This programme is packed full of insights, experiences and exposure to the challenging work we do through workshops and networking. During the scheme, we will help you boost the skills we look for in future trainees, such as technology and commercial awareness. You will see first-hand what it’s like to be part of our supportive community and get a sense of what is expected and we could help you achieve when you join us.
Growth and development
As part of the scheme you will have:
- Advice and guidance from our Early careers recruitment team
- A two-day insight scheme in April and an assessment centre masterclass in September where we will immerse you in the firm and all our offerings
- Ongoing support from a trainee buddy
- Peer support – you will get to know students from other universities and degree disciplines also on the scheme
- You will be fast-tracked to assessment centre for a Vacation Scheme
Academic qualifications
We’re able to welcome students in their first year of a three-year (or second year of a four-year) undergraduate degree from any degree discipline, with AAB (or equivalent) at A-level and on track for a 2:1 at university. We require 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). We do take mitigating circumstances into account.
Personal skills
Drive, Commitment and Curiosity.
Application window
6th January 2025 – 10th February 2025
Scheme dates
April 2025
Helpful resources
What is commercial awareness?
Applications Dos and Don’ts
Situational Judgement Test: What is it and how to prepare for it
Maaya Sachdev
Current Associate
I wasn’t one of those people who always knew what they wanted to do. But when I started my Law degree and began to develop my legal skillset it became clear that a career in the legal profession was the right choice for me.
I like problem-solving and analytical thinking – and working in a team. These were the things I enjoyed when I was studying English at A-level and presenting arguments in my university’s mooting society. In fact, it’s these experiences that sparked my interest in a legal career. I’m looking forward to using these skills to help clients during my training contract. I can’t wait to apply everything I’ve learnt to real-life deals.
Looking back at university, I’m glad that I embraced a diverse range of opportunities not only because they enhanced my learning experience, but because they also helped me to develop a clearer understanding about the kind of work that would interest me. I knew that I wanted a career where I could make a real impact – I didn’t just want to pick something that would look good on my CV.
When I looked into commercial law and A&O Shearman specifically, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Working on complex deals in a fast-paced environment suited my skillset and taking on big cases for well-known clients matched my interests.
Click here to join our talented team and start your journey with us.
Maaya
Jonathan Cooper
Current Associate
When I was looking into potential careers, I knew I wanted something that was going to be fulfilling, enjoyable and promising for the future. It was a long process: I considered journalism, medicine and several other careers, but it was my time on the A&O Shearman Vacation Scheme that made me decide to apply for a Training Contract.
My experience on the Vacation Scheme was unconventional, but it was exactly what I needed to help me decide my career path. I sat within the Corporate team and at the time they were very busy with an urgent deal. Because of this, I ended up having four different supervisors over two weeks. This gave me the chance to get involved with different projects, meet people across a variety of areas and even spend time working alongside a Partner.
The best thing about it was getting a real sense of what it would be like to work here. I saw everything that goes into successful transactions, from researching legislation and drafting documents to proofreading contracts and handling administrative tasks. I knew about that before the Vacation Scheme, but seeing it first-hand helped me understand what it’s really like.
Choosing a career is about planning ahead. On the Vacation Scheme, I got to see how much A&O Shearman invest in the future, whether it’s developing software to optimize structured transactions, continuing their international expansion, or diversifying their workforce. Having spent a year working for Rare Recruitment who partner with A&O Shearman, I’ve seen how the firm is striving to recruit top talent from all backgrounds by making their hiring process more inclusive.
I’m confident in my decision to join A&O Shearman – it’s an exciting first step towards a fulfilling career.
Click here to join our talented team and start your journey with us.
Jonathan
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 across multiple areas. And the great thing is, there’s not one single type of person who succeeds here. Whether you’re determined, curious, resilient or open-minded; whoever you are, this programme is a chance for you to start your journey early and develop your legal expertise. You can earn your qualifications without the burden of tuition fees – and open the door to people from all academic and social backgrounds.
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.
Drive
You’re prepared to tackle every challenge and overcome obstacles to achieve your goals.
Commitment
You see a future at our firm and have ambitions to thrive in a legal career as a first-class lawyer.
Curiosity
You want to find out more about the firm, our culture, the clients we work with and the sectors we operate in.
Application Process
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
