Trainee Solicitor at Allen & Overy

Allen and Overy was a great firm to have a vacation scheme at. Everyone at the firm was really welcoming and all the workshops were aimed at giving us extra skills which meant that even if you didn’t receive a job offer, you would be a better candidate for future roles.

HR were incredibly welcoming and on the first day had all of our names memorised. Within the team I sat in I also felt very valued however, this may differ across departments. Although I was unable to help with all the work, as some was confidential, my trainer explained in detail what she did on a daily basis which gave me a good insight into the role.

Graduate Recruitment were always available via email to answer any questions I had. Furthermore, my trainee buddy, who I had been paired with on my assessment center and who had attended the same University as me, met with me most days to catch up. My Trainer, who was an associate, also took me out for lunch on the last day and we had a meeting to talk about how I had performed.

We completed a coding workshop which, although irrelevant to my degree, was an interesting experience and could come in useful for the future. We also completed a business game which was interesting as it forced me to think about the ways in which a law firm such as Allen & Overy wins a client.

Although only a week long, the insight had a very good mix of desk time, workshops and social events. Although the jam packed week did mean I didn’t get time to get stuck in to any projects, I did get an over view of the work which takes place in the department I was in.

The Graduate Recruitment Team worked hard to get the group of students to mix and make friends. This helped to create a good atmosphere amongst the students which meant working in teams to accomplish group tasks was more enjoyable. Furthermore, having a Trainer who took us around the department introducing us meant that other employees knew who we were and could approach us with work.

Various workshops were run by internal and external people. We also attended a couple of social events at which trainees, associates and partners were present at. Furthermore, the associate we were each sat with invested a lot of time in each of us explaining work, setting us work, explaining what they do and inviting us to join various meetings and talks.

Although we weren’t given as much work, or any work near the standard at which we would have to do if we worked at the firm, it was a good insight into seeing what it would be like to work in such a large firm with so many connections and networks.

During the vacation scheme we were given a talk from the new global charity partner of Allen & Overy which is Hope for Homes. This enabled us to see the important work that A&O supports and gave us an insight into the culture of the firm as committed to social responsibility.

Seeing the intellectually stimulating work that the lawyers get to do, along with how they are able to work in teams learning from those around them was very helpful in reaffirming that this is the right career for me. The global network of the firm was also made clear to me that not only was law the right career, but that A&O was the right firm.

There were various events held to ensure that we met many other people from around the firm. We met people from every level including a few partners at the dinner we attended at a Michelin star restaurant in London. The buddy system also really helped us to get to know a trainee at the firm and to learn from their experiences.