A&O Shearman
Working at A&O Shearman
Working at A&O Shearman Culture and benefits Training and development Candidate charter Ways of working
A&O Shearman
Explore opportunities you couldn’t find anywhere else
We are an international law firm with a global network of experts, all thinking creatively, entrepreneurially, pushing boundaries and building for the future. Across almost 50 offices in 29 countries, we combine the brightest minds in law with the most cutting-edge technologies, integrated in our supportive environment to meet and exceed the highest standards of our industry.
We have the skills to handle complex, cross-border deals, working together with teams across different offices, jurisdictions and continents.
Join us to find challenges, support, and a place for you to belong. And together we can excel.
Global virtual work experience
At A&O Shearman, we work with some of the biggest clients on complex business problems. By completing our virtual work experience, you’ll get to see what it’s really like on the inside of a transformational global law firm.
We recognize legal work can be difficult to obtain at times, which is why we’ve partnered with Forage to design a globally accessible virtual work experience. The self-paced, modular experience will provide you with an important understanding of the day-to-day tasks a commercial lawyer at A&O Shearman will face.
Your future starts here
Every law firm will have a set of attributes and skills that they look for in a candidate. At A&O Shearman, we call these the Lawyer of the Future Assessment Framework.
Determined by a vigorous job analysis process and validated with our early career populations globally, the Lawyer of the Future Framework defines the skills and qualities we’re looking for in our future lawyers.
We assess four key areas: Change Agility (adaptability, innovation, intellectual curiosity), People Agility (collaboration, emotional intelligence, communication), Mental Agility (critical thinking, intellect, numeracy), and Solutions Agility (organization, drive, resilience, technology awareness).
These are the qualities we believe will set you up for success at a firm like ours.
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Law career guide
Your clear guide to applying in law - tips on applications, interviews, assessments and building the skills we value.
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A parent's guide to solicitor apprenticeships
Whether you’re new to apprenticeships or simply curious about what it could mean for your child’s future, this guide contains everything you need to know as a parent or guardian.
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Assessment days: What to expect and how to prepare for them
Every firm runs assessment days a little differently, but here’s our breakdown of how we do them at A&O Shearman.
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Discover working life at A&O Shearman in Australia
Build your career in Australia with cross-border work, supportive teams, and early responsibility on complex matters shaping global business.
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Explore careers at A&O Shearman in Belfast
Join our team and combine high-quality international work with a collaborative culture and clear development pathways.
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Legal Professionals Graduate Programme - Belfast
Whether you are looking to start your career or embrace a new opportunity, the door is open to join a team who create new approaches to law.
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Summer Vacation Scheme - Belfast
Our summer vacation schemes based in Belfast: practical legal work, mentoring, and insight into life at a global firm.
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Explore careers at A&O Shearman in Belgium
Work at the heart of European business and regulation. In Belgium, you’ll collaborate across borders and develop deep sector expertise.
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Meet Bertrand Nzabandora
Bertrand, associate in the corporate team, recently moved from the London office to the firm's San Francisco office. Find out about his expertise and what makes the magic circle firm a great place to work.
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Advanced Delivery and Support
Help us bring together technology, resourcing and end-to-end solutions that enable our in-house legal teams to meet todays continually changing and challenging environment.
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Business Services
Support the firm behind the scenes. From operations to client delivery, you’ll help drive performance and shape how our business runs every day.
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Central Management
Work with senior leaders to drive strategy, change and growth. Support decision-making across regions, practice areas and business priorities.
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Corporate
Work on major transactions that shape global businesses. Develop commercial insight, collaborate on a global scale, and help clients navigate complex corporate challenges.
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Working at A&O Shearman
Discover who we are, what we stand for, and how we're shaping the future through innovation and leading-edge work.
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Your pre-interview routine
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but we’re here to help you prepare ahead of time to make sure it goes smoothly.
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What to do if you are unsuccessful?
Sometimes, results may not be what you were hoping for, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Here’s some advice on how to pick yourself back up.
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What is commercial awareness?
Commercial awareness is important to becoming a successful lawyer. Here are some tips on how you can build yours.
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Ways of working
Our 10 ways of working are about doing what matters, better, and helping each other to succeed. They are enablers that help us achieve excellence consistently.
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Understanding legal work
Explore the different styles of legal work and practice areas at A&O Shearman - and discover the variety of work lawyers do every day.
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Experienced careers
Explore senior and experienced roles worldwide - join teams solving complex legal challenges and shaping global business outcomes.
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Finance
Work on major financing deals worldwide - from leveraged and syndicated loans to project, asset, sustainable and structured finance, plus regulation across global markets.
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Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure
Work on projects powering economies and transforming communities. Help solve energy, renewables, infrastructure and ESG challenges with a global team.
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Information Technology
Build and support the tech that powers global legal work. From cybersecurity to systems innovation, help us work smarter and faster.
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Know how, library and training
Help lawyers access insight, research and learning. Build knowledge tools, training and resources that strengthen expertise across the firm.
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Marketing
Tell our story to the world. Create campaigns, build relationships and showcase our work to clients, talent and markets globally.
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Risk function
Help us operate safely, ethically and with integrity. Support regulatory compliance, risk assessment and decision-making across the business.
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Finance
Manage financial planning, reporting and commercial insight. Help guide investment decisions and ensure the firm runs with clarity and control.
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Human Resources
Shape careers and workplace culture. Support recruitment, development, performance and wellbeing across a global community of legal professionals.
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Culture and benefits
Learn about our high-performance culture, our ways of working that sustain it, and our core values of belonging and excelling.
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Training and development
Grow your career with structured global training, mentorship, and development programs that build your skills and prepare you for complex challenges.
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Summer vacation scheme - UAE
Take part in our summer vacation schemes in UAE: practical legal work, mentoring, and insight into life at a global firm.
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Disputes
Help clients resolve high-stakes disputes. Work on litigation, arbitration, and investigations with teams who think strategically and act decisively.
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Build your career at A&O Shearman in Spain
In our team you could work on complex transactions and disputes, gaining international exposure and practical responsibility.
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Explore working life at A&O Shearman in Slovakia
Develop your expertise through complex regional matters and close collaboration with international colleagues.
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Early careers - China
Kickstart your career in China with our internship opportunity, develop legal skills and global experience.
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Early careers - Netherlands
Gain real experience from day one through student internships and junior associate opportunities with responsibility, support, and practical learning.
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Student internships - Netherlands
Join our two-month internship and work alongside our teams on real legal matters while building practical skills and professional confidence.
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Summer/Winter Vacation Schemes - London
Our Summer and Winter Vacation Schemes in London give you hands-on legal experience, mentorship, and insight into life at a global firm.
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Summer Vacation Scheme - Singapore
Our summer vacation schemes in Singapore help you to gain practical legal work experience, mentoring, and insight into life at a global firm.
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Discover careers at A&O Shearman in the UAE
In the A&O Shearman UAE office you would be working at the center of a fast-growing region, advising on complex cross-border matters with international teams.
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Build your legal career at A&O Shearman in Singapore
In Singapore, you’ll work on cross-border matters across Asia, supported by diverse teams and strong development pathways.
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See what it’s like to work at A&O Shearman in Poland
In Poland, you’ll handle significant regional matters while building international experience in a supportive team.
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Discover careers at A&O Shearman in Saudi Arabia
Work on landmark projects shaping the region’s future, collaborating with international teams and ambitious clients.
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Discover working life at A&O Shearman in Vietnam
Join our team and you could support major regional and cross-border projects, gaining exposure to global clients and markets.
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Training Contract - Singapore
Across two years of training, successful candidates will rotate across four of our legal teams - learn, grow, and qualify as a commercial lawyer.
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International Arbitration - Singapore
Our International Arbitration Internship offers a unique chance to delve into the dynamic world of arbitration, and work closely with our esteemed partners and associates.
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Cooperative Training Program - Saudi Arabia
Experience our immersive placement and see first-hand the pace, complexity and excitement of A&O Shearman.
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Training Contract - London
A structured two‑year training contract based in London - learn, rotate, grow into a first-class commercial lawyer.
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Law Tech and Operations Graduate Programme - London
Explore how you can shape the future of law with us - combine legal expertise with technology innovation.
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Solicitor Apprenticeships - London
Join our 6‑year solicitor apprenticeship - earn while you learn, rotate through teams, qualify with no uni debt.
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Discover working life at A&O Shearman in London
Join our team and collaborate across borders, handle complex matters, and grow in a fast-paced environment.
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Explore careers at A&O Shearman in the Netherlands
Work on complex European and global matters in the Netherlands, with early responsibility and clear development support.
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Build your career at A&O Shearman in Luxembourg
At the centre of European finance, our Luxembourg office offers complex cross-border work and strong technical development.
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Discover opportunities at A&O Shearman in Morocco
In Morocco, you’ll work on impactful regional and international matters, supported by collaborative global teams.
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Discover careers at A&O Shearman in Italy
In Italy, you’ll advise on high-value matters across sectors, working with global teams and building strong client relationships.
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First Year Programme - London
Explore our insight days: access our global network and about the firm and discover insights about the firm - get a feel for life as a lawyer early.
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Black Student Lawyer Programme - London
A dedicated one‑week programme with mentoring and real-lawyer shadowing - designed for black undergrads.
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Step into Law scheme - London
A three-part programme for Year 13 students - workshops, mentoring, and support as you explore a commercial law career.
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Smart Start Programme - London
Our social mobility programme for Year 12 students - work experience, skills training and career insight.
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Junior associates - Netherlands
Join a practice group from the start, take on meaningful responsibility, and develop your skills through real work and continuous support.
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Early careers - London
Kickstart your legal career in London with our vacation schemes, apprenticeships, and training opportunities - gain hands-on experience and mentorship.
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Early careers - Singapore
Explore early career options in Singapore - access schemes, work experience, and training opportunities with a global firm.
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Early careers - UAE
Kickstart your career in the UAE with internships, training programs, and early opportunities to develop legal skills and global experience.
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Global Virtual Work Experience Program
Take part in our fully remote work experience program - real tasks, real insight, global reach.
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Summer Vacation Scheme - Hong Kong
Our summer vacation schemes in Hong Kong help you to gain practical legal work experience, mentoring, and insight into life at a global firm.
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First-Year Program (international) - Hong Kong
Discover whether a legal career at A&O Shearman is right for you through attending our two insights days across the year, as well as optional work experience in Hong Kong.
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Build your legal career at A&O Shearman in Hong Kong
Work in a leading financial center. In Hong Kong, you’ll handle cross-border matters and gain early exposure to global clients.
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Build your career at A&O Shearman in Hungary
In Hungary, you’ll support significant regional and cross-border matters while developing your skills in a supportive team.
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Explore working life at A&O Shearman in Indonesia
Join our team and work on major projects and cross-border transactions in Indonesia, collaborating with global colleagues and local experts.
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Training Contract - Hong Kong
Rotate across four of our legal teams in our structured training contract - learn, grow, and qualify as a commercial lawyer.
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Early careers - Indonesia
Wherever you are in your studies, gain practical experience, build legal skills, and explore life as a commercial lawyer through tailored programs.
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Early careers - Italy
Gain meaningful experience, develop practical skills, and learn from experienced professionals in a collaborative and internationally connected environment.
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Early careers - Poland
Gain meaningful experience, develop practical skills, and learn from experienced professionals in a collaborative and internationally connected environment.
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Early careers - Spain
Gain hands-on experience, work alongside leading lawyers, and build your legal skills through real work, mentoring, and international opportunities.
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Early careers - Vietnam
Apply your technical skills in a global professional environment, gain hands-on experience, and discover new opportunities to grow and develop.
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Early careers - Belfast
Begin your legal career in Belfast - access schemes, work experience, and training opportunities with a global firm.
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Early careers - Hong Kong
Begin your legal journey in Hong Kong - explore schemes, work experience, and training that prepare you to thrive in a global firm.
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Discover career opportunities at A&O Shearman in China
In China, you’ll advise on complex domestic and international matters, working closely with global teams in a fast-moving market.
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Explore working life at A&O Shearman in the Czech Republic
Develop your expertise in a collaborative environment, advising on complex regional and cross-border work from the Czech Republic.
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Discover careers at A&O Shearman in France
In France, you’ll work on sophisticated transactions and disputes, partnering with international teams and leading clients.
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Explore careers in the United States at A&O Shearman
Join our team and you’ll work on high-value global matters, collaborating across offices and building your expertise quickly.
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See what it’s like to work at A&O Shearman in Germany
Join our Germany offices to advise on major European transactions, working in close-knit teams with global reach.
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Early careers - Australia
Explore early career options in Australia - summer clerkship programmes, legal support, and training opportunities with a global firm.
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Solicitor apprenticeships: An alternative path into law
Find out how you can take the apprenticeship route into a legal career from one of our first year solicitor apprentices.
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Setting yourself up for success
Whether you’re applying to A&O Shearman or another law firm, there are many things you can do during summer months to set yourself up for success.
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Meet Matt Macijewski
Learn about Matt 's role within our private equity and M&A team, and his advice for gaining non-legal work experience when preparing for a legal career.
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Early careers - Canada
Gain hands-on experience, explore different practice areas, and build connections through our summer program shaped around your interests.
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Early careers - France
Gain hands-on experience, work alongside leading lawyers, and build your legal skills through real work, mentoring, and international opportunities.
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Early careers - Germany
Whether you're studying, completing your Referendariat, or starting an apprenticeship, gain real experience, practical training, and support to grow.
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Early careers - United States
Develop your skills, experience different areas of law, and connect with people across our summer program.
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Candidate charter
Applying for a job is a significant investment of your time, energy and trust. We want you to feel welcomed, respected and supported throughout the recruitment process.
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Our global locations
Explore our offices worldwide and see how we deliver innovative legal solutions from key locations, connecting people, expertise, and opportunities.
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How to use AI responsibly in the application process
Explore A&O Shearman's cutting-edge use of AI in the legal profession and its implications for recruitment strategies.
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Situational judgement test: What is it and how to prepare for it
The situational judgement test (SJT) is used to see whether you’d be a good fit for the firm you’re applying to. Here are some preparation tips.
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Application dos and don'ts
Whatever programme you’re applying for, we want to help you understand what’s best to put in your application, so you can move closer to your dream law career.
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Mastering the video interview
Our video interview questions are designed to give candidates an opportunity to showcase their potential beyond what can be captured on paper. Here are our top tips for success.
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The assessment framework
Our assessment framework details the set of attributes and skills we look for in our candidates, read more to see how this can help you with applying.
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Resources to help lawyers
Explore top resources for aspiring lawyers to build knowledge, strengthen applications, and prepare for a successful career in law.
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The power of resilience
Discover how A&O Shearman trainees build resilience, adapt to challenges, and prepare for success with insights from current trainees.
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Making law accessible to all
Find out more about our partnership with Aspiring Solicitors and how we’re breaking down barriers to the legal profession.
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First-round motivational interviews: how to prepare
We know first-round interviews can feel intimidating, so here’s some advice on how give confident answers and ask the right questions.
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Meet Isabella Lewis
Hear from Isabella about her day-to-day role, and her advice for beginning a career in law.
