Early careers - London | A&O Shearman careers

Start in London & impact the world

Welcome to a unique range of opportunities to become an exceptional lawyer. From our London office, your work reaches almost 50 offices in 29 countries. We have leading practices across the world meaning you learn to excel at a global level from day one. The matters you join are more varied. The people you learn from have deeper expertise. And you have more options for where your career goes next.

Throughout, you'll have structured training, dedicated mentors and pastoral support, so you're never taking on that range alone. Whether you're at school, at university or have already graduated, there's an opportunity for you. This is where you Belong. Excel.

Step inside a truly global firm

People working together in a professional office environment

To excel, we must belong

People do their best work when they feel they belong. That's why our culture is built around growth and well-being, so that everyone from intern to partner has the support to excel. That support comes from mentors who invest in your progress, teams that share what they know, and inclusive benefits and diversity networks that make this a place where you can be yourself from day one.

Cross more borders & open more doors

Being at a unique global firm makes a big difference to how you develop. You'll be working with colleagues in other offices and often seeing how the law works in other markets. Every matter adds to your knowledge and your network. For many trainees, that leads to an international secondment or client placement, and to a career defined by continent-spanning impact.

Two colleagues working together in an office setting.

Big expectations & bespoke support

From day one, you'll get training, mentoring and practical support that helps you grow both professionally and personally. You'll have mentors and dedicated points of contact who make sure you're looked after as well as challenged. And because no other firm gives you this range of work, you'll have more chances to do remarkable things here.

Our opportunities

First-Year Programme

There’s no better place to learn about the legal world than our First-Year Programme.

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Vacation Schemes

Experience global success first-hand - our vacation schemes give you a real taste of our supportive, dynamic and global culture.

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Direct Entry Training Contract

Our training contracts are designed to continually help you evolve and reach your full potential.

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Law Tech and Operations Graduate Programme

If you're unsure where you fit into tech, this is your chance to explore.

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Black Student Lawyer Programme

Our Black Student Lawyer Programme for first-year undergraduates provides real-world experience, practical skills and support.

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Solicitor Apprenticeship

Our solicitor apprenticeships give students the opportunity to become first-class lawyers over six years, combining study with hands-on practical experience.

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Step into Law Scheme

Our Step into Law Scheme is an interactive, inclusive, and insightful series of workshops and group mentoring sessions.

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Smart Start Programme

Smart Start provides unique work experience for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to kick-start a career in law.

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Get advice from the experts

What does a commercial lawyer actually do? How can you make your application stand out? How can you make a difference from day one with us? Our law career guide answers the questions most people have before they apply. From partners’ advice to recruiter tips, see what you can learn and help yourself stand out.

EXPLORE OUR LAW CAREER GUIDE

A professional smiling outside of the office.

More than just a place to work

Our head office in London has fantastic facilities to support both staff and clients to excel, in and out of work. The moment you step out of the office, you can browse the many surrounding shops, wander through Spitalfields Market, or enjoy a great choice of places to eat and drink.

Our first-class, on-site fitness centre offers:

a fully equipped gym;
fresh towels provided daily;
a multi-purpose sports hall where you can play basketball, three-a-side football and table tennis;
fitness studio hosting classes such as spinning, yoga and Zumba;
a sauna;
free squash courts at Slim Jims, five minutes from the office; and
a number of sports activities, including football on a Wednesday evening and rugby at the weekend, with regular fixtures against other firms.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKING IN LONDON

Our frequently asked questions

Will AI review my application?

We do not use AI at any point during our recruitment process; all assessments and decisions are made by our team.

We know there are differing opinions surrounding the use of AI when creating an application, so we want to share some guidance on what we believe is the best and most suitable way to utilise AI. We’re not prescribing a list of dos and don’ts but instead offering some insight and guidance for you to take forward.

OUR ADVICE FOR USING AI IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

How many applications can I submit per year?

Candidates can only apply for one opportunity each recruitment cycle.

All opportunities require you to submit an online application and complete the online experience. If you do not pass the online experience, you will have to wait until the next recruitment cycle to reapply.

What are the academic requirements for your programmes?

Our academic requirements are AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level and on track for/achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree. We also require seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). We do take into account mitigating circumstances, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades either at school or university and there is a space on the application form to include these.

Do you mind where I study the PGDL, LPC or SQE?

We require those who have accepted a training contract prior to starting law school to study the PGDL at BPP Law School (either in London or at a UK regional centre).

If you are joining us from September 2024 onwards, you will train via the SQE route and will do so at BPP Law School in Holborn, alongside peers joining your intake at A&O Shearman. We have partnered with BPP to develop a bespoke SQE preparation course. Much of the course is taught in person (with face-to face teaching).

What is the structure of the SQE preparation course?

The SQE preparation course is a 12-month course during which you will prepare for, and sit, the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. The first 15 weeks of the course will be spent preparing for the SQE1 assessment, with the following part of the course focusing on SQE2 preparation and the delivery of our bespoke ‘Essentials for practice’ course content, to really prepare you for life at A&O Shearman and the transition to starting your training with us.

If you are a non-law graduate, you will complete the PGDL before the SQE preparation course.

Do you provide financial assistance through law school?

Yes. When you accept our offer of a training contract, we will provide financial support for your law school studies.

I have a disability, are you able to provide adjustments and/or support?

Yes, we provide adjustments because we want you to be able to demonstrate your full potential during the recruitment process. It is advisable to inform us as soon as possible about the adjustments you may require in order to ensure that they are implemented on time.