Winter Vacation Scheme Review

On the first day of the scheme we had various introductory events where we learnt about the firm and key practice areas. After that, each day we were provided breakfast, then spent time in our selected practice area (mine was litigation) where we shadowed an associate and got assigned various tasks. Additionally, we had some group talks/sessions throughout the week and had a group project to complete in any downtime. On two evenings we had a social with dinner.

I learnt a lot of specific A&O knowledge, including what day to day work a solicitor does and what their main practice areas are. I also increased my commercial knowledge through talks on corporate law, banking law, bonds and capital markets. This was implemented through my time in a practice area. Lastly, the group task was great for creative group work and thinking outside the box to come together and make a presentation which matched the pitch.

It was great to learn more specific information about the training contract. Exposure to the practice areas helped me better understand the different seats available and the day to day tasks of a trainee in each seat. Furthermore, we had a session which went through more general information such as the SQE, which client secondments are available, which international secondments are available, and what the route to qualification with the firm looks like. I also got a better understanding of the support offered trainees.

Everyone was very friendly and welcoming which made for a great atmosphere at the firm. In my seat I could ask anyone nearby any questions I had and another associate helped me when my associate had to miss a day because she was ill. A&O is a very inclusive firm and I was able to talk to trainers involved in their variety of D&I networks, plus listen to a panel explaining the work/events they do.

The insight was really enjoyable with a range of classroom session, group work, networking, evening socials and work shadowing. It allowed me to meet a variety of people across the firm and get a really good feel for how being a trainee would be. The tasks I was given were very interesting and gave me independence to complete my own research and reviews with time to discuss the work I did with my supervisor at the end.

Yes

I would advise people to research into A&O’s top practice areas and develop a thorough understanding as to what lawyers in each of those areas do. This will help complete the technical and case study part of the assessment centre as well as give you examples of work/deals you can use for your motivation in applying. I would also look into what distinguishes the firm from their competitors such as the culture.