Summer Vacation Scheme - Hong Kong | A&O Shearman careers

Experience what it means to be empowered

Our vacation scheme is designed to show you exactly what it’s like to tackle exciting challenges every day and experience global success as part of our friendly, supportive and dynamic culture.

Program overview

We run two four-week vacation schemes in our Hong Kong office every summer, in June and July.

As part of the scheme, you will gain real and valuable experience from day one, working alongside our lawyers on live deals and cases. During the structured program, you will have the opportunity to sit in two practice groups for two weeks each. In each seat, you will be assigned a dedicated trainer and a trainee ‘buddy’. The scheme will give you an insight into who we are, what we do and how we can support you, while giving you exposure to the work we do and a taster of the responsibility you can have as a trainee.

We take around 20 interns each year, with a view to offering up to eight top performers a Hong Kong training contract. The exact number of trainees we take on is dependent on business needs and the calibre of interns. The decision to extend an offer will be influenced by the feedback provided by our trainers, as well as the outcomes of the assessments conducted throughout the vacation scheme.

What you’ll do

In addition to your legal work, you will attend training sessions and presentations aimed at broadening your understanding of our business and helping you to develop the skills you need to be a successful commercial lawyer.

It is not all work and no play. There is plenty of time to socialize with lawyers, trainees and partners as well as the other students on your scheme, broadening your knowledge of the firm and building your network.

Growth and development

With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We offer exceptional professional and personal development, providing training, mentoring and practical support.

Requirements

This program gives you the opportunity to develop your skills across multiple practice areas from an early stage. There is no single profile of success here: whether you are determined, curious, resilient or open‑minded, this program supports different strengths and perspectives. Our assessment framework is available for you to gain a deeper understanding of what we are looking for.

To work in Hong Kong, you will ideally possess Chinese (written and spoken) language skills.

Prior legal experience is not a requirement.

Students will need to be available for the entire duration - we are unable to have students leaving early or joining late.

Program details

Academic qualifications

We accept applications from penultimate and final-year law students, or final-year non-law students at university in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other common law jurisdictions.

You must be on track for a 2:1 or equivalent for your law degree or JD.

Personal skills

Communication, problem solving, teamwork, time management, attention to detail, adaptability.

Application window

Our application window typically runs from September to December. Please stay tuned for the release of key dates for the 2027 intake.

We review applications, schedule interviews and extend offers on a rolling basis.

Scheme dates

Summer 2027; dates TBC.

Tips, insights and advice, direct from our team

Who better to learn from than the people already here? Our videos feature tips, insights and advice straight from our colleagues, helping you navigate applications, interviews and everything in between. Real people, real experiences, real advice to set you up for success.

The anatomy of a deal

This video breaks down the complexities of a transaction to show how all the parts fit together for corporate lawyers.

Hervé Ekué

Hervé shares three of the cases that have shaped his journey, from specializing in debt capital markets and derivatives through to becoming global managing partner of the firm. Hear the cases that define a hugely successful career in global law.

Belong. Excel.

Discover what it means to be part of A&O Shearman.

Application process

Online application

The online application form is your first opportunity to show us what you’re capable of, so be sure to pay attention to detail and think about the examples you use and whether they demonstrate the skills and attributes we are looking for. You will need to submit your CV, a cover letter, and your most recent academic transcript.

Assessment

You will then complete our online experience which includes Situational Judgement Test questions, verbal and numerical reasoning items and two short motivation questions to complete via video. It is untimed and should take around 45 minutes. It provides a realistic preview of what you may experience as a trainee here as well as give us an insight into your motivations.

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will complete a business case study interview. You’ll have time to work through a brief and deliver a short presentation to your interviewer. This will be followed by a discussion of the key points from the case study.

We will assess your interest in business, your commercial awareness, and your ability to digest information and present your findings.

Offer

After your interview, we will review your performance and aim to get back to you with a decision as quickly as possible.

Top tips for your case study interview

Read through the instructions carefully and think about what is being asked.
Set time to work through the documents and write down key bullet points.
Be prepared for questions on what you have presented.

A word of caution

There are a number of websites purporting to provide free samples of A&O Shearman application forms and assessment questions, including questions from our online experience. A&O Shearman takes cases of plagiarism and copyright extremely seriously.

We strongly caution applicants against using, or paying for, unofficial sources claiming to provide information on the A&O Shearman application process. We encourage every potential candidate to review our website for details of our application process and a sample SJT.