Vacation scheme Review

by A&O Shearman

Best Student Employer

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

Rating

3.1/5
  • About You
    3.3
  • The Company
    3.3
  • Everything Else
    2.8

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • It was very enjoyable, with a good mixture of social events, independent work and group presentations/overviews/exercises.

    3/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • This very much depends on the trainer you happen to be sitting with. Both my trainers made me feel valued, but perhaps I was particularly lucky in this regard.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • The HR team is very supportive, and the system of having a trainee buddy and associate trainers means there is normally someone there to seek guidance from.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Very little in my degree studies, but if pursue a career in law or the commercial world then the insights I have received will prove helpful. My legal research skills have also developed, and this may assist in a future career.

    3/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • It was well structured, with regular practice overviews, socials and other events. However, there was about a week gap between the end of the first and second weeks when I felt there was a lack of structured events.

    3/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Very friendly and sociable. Almost everyone I met was helpful and approachable.

    3/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I do feel like the firm did invest us, to some extent. They paid us well and provided us with good resources. They were keen to oversee development, with things like feedback meetings scheduled.

    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?
  • Very much so. It did this by sitting you with an associate in their office, and allowing you to really get a feel for the work one might perform in those departments. The regular contact with lawyers at all level of the firm also helped.

    4/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • Being in the office for three weeks, and coming into contact with lot of different lawyers, helped to give a sense of the company culture.

    4/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • It was very useful, especially if you start with little knowledge of the sort of work one might be doing as a city lawyer.

    4/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • The pay was £400 per week.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Yes, many, ranging from practice overview talks, to a speed networking lunch with associates, to the system of buddies and trainers, not to mention the social events.

    3/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • The social events ranged from fun to spectacular, particular a dinner at Sushi Samba. Go-Karting was also fun. There was a range of social events which provided opportunities to socialise both with others on the scheme, and network with lawyers.

    4/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes, there was some insight into activities such as pro bono work, sports clubs etc. However, there could have been more information give in this regard.

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • I would recommend it to someone who is interested in pursuing a legal career, either as a way to potentially get a job, or to experience the work of a city solicitor.

    3/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

July 2015


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