I had a truly fantastic experience during the two weeks of my insight. From start to finish I felt really engaged, both professionally and academically, and I felt welcomed into the firm and valued as a member of the team. Similarly, the work was challenging but not too challenging - it was wide-ranging, and pitched at just the right level to stretch you without making you feel out of your depth.
Immensely: it's absolutely flown by! Would have loved to have stayed for longer, and I think it's very exciting to think that, if I loved these two weeks in one seat, how great sitting in other areas of the firm might be. I would definitely recommend it to friends at university.
A real diverse range of events, socials and opportunities to get involved with real work. The Vacation Scheme allowed me to go and meet clients, actively participate on deals and socialise on formal and informal levels with a diverse range of people from the firm. As a group of Vacation Schemers, we all became really close and supported one another, which made the scheme all the more enjoyable.
I had an amazing time on the summer vacation scheme, we were treated very well with lots of social events from a BBQ and drinks to citydash and dinner at the Corinthia hotel. I was able to sit in two different departments over the course of my two weeks at the firm (private equity and IP) and both of my trainers were very friendly, taking a lot of time to explain concepts and tell me about their experiences at A&O.
Working at A&O over the past 2 weeks has been an exceptional experience. The type of work, alongside the supportive environment created by Grad Recruitment, the legal team and everyone involved in the firm made this vac scheme unique in all the best ways. Talks, Q&As and socials were also excellent and engaging, highlighting the firm's commercial strengths and welcoming culture.
The insight was well structured so as to provide us the opportunity to best understand the culture of the firm as well as the quality of work that is undertaken here. The scheme was really good fun with lots of socials planned throughout the scheme and many other opportunities to interact with lawyers and staff in a fun way.
The insight was extremely informative throughout. The fact that my scheme only had 16 people on it really shows how interested the firm is in you. From the moment you walk in, the staff already know your name and are willing to help. The two weeks consisted of desk time as well as very informative (actually informative and useful) workshops which I would love to repeat such as presentation skills and project management, but done to such a great standard that it really makes you excited for the workshops. The social events organised were also extremely fun but also allowed us to bond as a group.
I enjoyed the insight immensely. The culture of the firm was very warm and supportive which made me find it easier to learn more from them. Additionally, there were so many events organised daily that were very useful and engaging, and I took away many skills from those events. Altogether, the insight was helpful in increasing my knowledge about the legal work the firm does, but fun and enjoyable as well.
The week which I spent with Allen & Overy on their vacation scheme was incredibly enjoyable in all respects. I know that the majority of law firms will claim that they have the nicest staff, but I can honestly say that the staff at Allen & Overy were the most friendly, helpful, selfless people that I have ever met.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight - it felt real, not artificial, and there was a really good balance between informative sessions about A&O, networking events and real work back at my desk in my department. I had always had a very good impression of the people that work for A&O and the insight confirmed this - even networking casually it was hard to find and pigeonhole people into being a partner or senior associate, trainee or PA. Everyone was really friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you settle in.
I very much enjoyed the insight. I found out a lot about the firm and participated in several engaging presentations and events. The social occasions were also fantastic, especially the meal at the Dorchester.
The scheme was highly enjoyable. The graduate recruitment team were on hand at all times to answer any queries and the whole week ran seamlessly. The events were well-executed and we were able to learn lots about the firm, despite the short period of time. The people at Allen & Overy are all incredibly friendly; that is something the firm prides itself on, and that's not just a marketing gimmick - The employees are all genuinely willing to help and chat to you, from the PAs to the partners.