Winter Vacation Sheme Participant Review

Winter Vacation Scheme at Allen & Overy, during which I sat in tax and helped research topics such as the definition of ’financial assistance’ in corporate interest restriction rules, the exemptions of stamp duty and the new Luxembourg-UK Double Taxation Treaty. We also took part in an Innovation Challenge, for which we pitched an idea for a legal technology, and took part in multiple seminars throughout the week.

I developed my research, analytical and editing skills when drafting an email to a partner.

We got a very well-rounded overview of A&O as a law firm, saw the different seats we can choose during our training contract as well as an overview of the training period as a whole. The experience was insightful, inspiring and it was nice to learn about new roles we did not know of previously.

Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. A&O's reputation as the 'nice law firm' is definitely well earned and I did not meet a single person all week who made me feel like I was stepping on any toes or being a burden by taking up their time.

I enjoyed the experience immensely! This was the first vacation scheme I have ever done, and after receiving a training contract offer it will probably also be the last as the week was enough to convince me that was the place I want to work at.

Yes

Be authentic! A&O places a lot of emphasis on the type of people they employ - your best bet is therefore to be social, considerate and a people-person.