Student Insight Day Review

I can truly say I had a wonderful time undertaking the Head Start Programme at Shearman and Sterling, I found that the atmosphere and individuals were very welcoming and I look forward to returning to the firm in the future.

Having spoke to the graduate recruiters I felt incredibly valued, with them taking the time to get to know me and offering feedback at the end of the session.

Although the programme only lasted for a day, I came away from the experience with a lot of valuable notes which will be very useful when applying to future vacation schemes, both at Shearman and Sterling and other firms.

The information I was given and the skills I have developed will definitely improve my future applications to law firms. I found that each session was tailored to meet a specific aim, such as improving our understanding about the firm and the corporate world in general.

The day was structured incredibly well with sufficient sessions to keep us engaged but at the same time not flood us with information. What I found particularly useful was the high level of interaction within each session.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming and collegiate. I didn't know what to expect from the firm before attending the Head Start Programme, especially due to the stigma attached to American Law firms in the UK. Having said that, I left the firm with a strong desire to apply for a training contract with them in the future as I felt like I truly fitted in with the firm culture.

I felt that a lot of time and effort was invested by the firm in the day. Furthermore the graduate recruiters took the time to speak to me individually and answer my questions / offer some advice regarding my application.

The ability to talk to solicitors in a range of positions at the firm meant I could understand the benefits and drawbacks of being a corporate solicitor at Shearman and Sterling. It also meant you could track the level of involvement trainees have compared to associates by talking to individuals working for the firm.

The insight gave me a good glimpse into the friendly and collegiate atmosphere at the firm. This was highlighted both through the openness of the solicitors who conducted each session but also while walking around the office during the tour. You could clearly see that the firm had an 'open door policy' and people were working together and supporting one another.

The content was incredibly valuable both in increasing my commercial awareness and helping me understand what I should include in future applications to law firms ( for vacation schemes ). I knew that I wanted to be a corporate solicitor prior to undertaking the Head Start Programme. That being said I never really considered an American Law firm up until I attended it. So I think the content of the day helped me realise that there are a lot of options out there to consider.

Very straightforward process.

There were plenty of opportunities to network with the graduate recruitment team, trainees, associates and partners during the break between each session. There was also a networking drinks session after the Head Start programme concluded where questions could be asked in an informal setting.

All the networking opportunities were excellent. You could clearly see that the solicitors present wanted to be there and were willing to help us which was lovely. What I found particularly useful was the fact that university students who had secured a training contract with Shearman and Sterling were present.

It was briefly mentioned that solicitors at the firm had a good work-life balance. Furthermore, it was highlighted that most people who work for Shearman and Sterling have a close knit group of friends within the firm.

I definitely would ..and have already recommended the scheme and firm to various friends.