Insight Scheme Review

by Allen & Overy

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

2.5/5
  • About You
    2.5
  • The Company
    2.5
  • Everything Else
    2.5

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I very much enjoyed the Allen & Overy First programme. Being able to spend an entire day in the office in March and coming back in September was a valuable experience. The graduate recruitment team put a lot of effort in the First programme to make is as useful for first-year law students eager to gain an insight into a Magic Circle firm. We took part in different workshops and learnt about the skills a commercial lawyer needs.

    3/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • The entire day was meticulously planned which showed that this day was not only important to me but also to Allen & Overy. Whilst I was eager to get to know the firm, the firm also wanted to learn more about all participants, given that they might be the future generation of lawyers at Allen & Overy. The graduate recruitment had obviously put much thought into the planning of this day, organising a wide variety of talks, workshops, exercises and networking opportunities for us.

    3/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • I felt very well supported throughout the entire Allen & Overy First scheme. During the office visit in March, the graduate recruitment team was always available to help and answer any questions, ensuring the smooth running of the day and creating a comforting atmosphere for all attendees. The networking session with our trainee 'buddies' was particularly supportive. After the office visit we could keep in touch with the graduate recruitment team through a Facebook group created specifically for the First scheme.

    3/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • During my day at the London office I could take part in a number of workshops and exercises which were very useful for my future career as a commercial lawyer. The negotiating exercise was particularly helpful as it showed my which skills I still need to develop when I am negotiating in a commercial setting. We also received valuable information about the application process at Allen & Overy. Networking with the trainees was important to me as well because I could ask my trainee 'buddy' as many questions as I liked, providing me with a genuine and first-hand picture of life at Allen & Overy.

    3/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The insight day was very well structured. We were emailed a programme before the day and given information on how to get to the office. On the day, everything seemed to go according to plan and the day was well-balanced with a sufficient number of breaks.

    3/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The atmosphere at the office was very welcoming. I felt as if I could ask the graduate recruitment team and the trainers any question and received genuine answers. The other attendees were also friendly and through the Facebook group we could keep in touch afterwards.

    3/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Allen & Overy clearly has invested in me by providing me with this amazing opportunity to visit their office. I took part in different workshops which helped me to develop skills I need for my future career as a lawyer. A talk given by a partner at the firm was particularly useful.

    3/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • During the day at the office we were able to spend a substantial amount of time we our trainee 'buddies' which was very helpful for me. I felt as if I could ask her any questions and she gave very useful and genuine answers. This enabled me to form a clear picture about life as a lawyer at Allen & Overy. The talk given by the partner also helped me to understand what it means to have a full time role at Allen & Overy.

    3/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • Being able to spend an entire day at the London office really helped me to understand and value the culture at the firm. Everyone was very welcoming and willing to answer my questions. The employees all seemed happy and content in their roles. It was nice to see that there was a variety of people working at Allen & Overy instead of one stereotype.

    3/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • The content of the day very much helped to affirm my choice of becoming a commercial lawyer. The negotiating exercise in particular showed me how much I would enjoy working at Allen & Overy. Furthermore, the warm culture in the office showed me that Allen & Overy is the right firm for me.

    3/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • All my travel expenses were reimbursed.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • I was given plenty of opportunity to network with other employees. We were all assigned an indiviudal trainee 'buddy' who we could spend some time with. My trainee buddy took me to the office she shared with her supervisor and told me about her work. We also had the opportunity to network with Associates.

    3/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Since the programme only consisted of one day at the office, the social event opportunities were of course rather limited but we had sufficient breaks and conducted ice-breaking activities to get to know the other attendees. The networking opportunities were very valuable.

    3/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes. My trainee 'buddy' answered all my questions about the activities Allen & Overy offers to its employees outside work and there are plenty of them.

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Definitely. The programme was very useful in terms of finding about the work and culture at the firm and I very much enjoyed my time at the office.

    3/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

September 2016


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