Step into Law Scheme - London | A&O Shearman careers

Programme overview

About the programme

Step into Law is A&O Shearman’s programme for Year 13 students who are curious about a career in commercial law. Delivered through three in-person ‘touch points’ and a virtual follow-up, the programme blends skills workshops, commercial awareness, support from law professionals, and application support. You will build confidence and capability, grow your professional network, and gain practical insight into life at a global law firm, while our early careers team gets to know you and your potential.

Activate your potential

Across the programme you will develop core skills that set you up for success in early applications and assessments. You will deepen your understanding of commercial law and the work we do, build your commercial awareness, and explore responsible use of AI in the workplace. You will also receive structured mentorship through our 'buddy bubbles', plus hands-on support through ‘application clinics’, and interview and assessment day preparation. By the end, you will leave with a clear understanding of commercial law, practical resources you can use, and meaningful connections, plus transferable skills that will set you up for success in a professional career.

What we look for

This programme gives you the opportunities you need to expand your skills and an insight into the culture of the firm. Whether you’re ambitious, curious, or open-minded - whoever you are - this programme is a chance for you to start your journey early and develop your legal expertise.

How the programme works

The programme is built around three in-person ‘touch points’, followed by a virtual session to support your next steps. Each touch point focuses on a different stage of your development.

Touch point 1: Setting your scene
Provisional date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

You will be welcomed to A&O Shearman and introduced to the programme, our people, and what to expect. Through interactive sessions you will explore the basics of commercial law and the firm’s work, begin building commercial awareness, and learn how to use AI responsibly in a professional setting.

Over lunch, you will connect with trainees, associates and the early careers team. We will launch buddy bubbles, where you will set your own personal goals and create a development plan with your peer group. You will leave with a participant handbook, including the agenda, contacts, a reading list and a glossary to support your learning.

Touch point 2: Building your foundations
Provisional date: Monday, July 6, 2026.

You will deepen your legal and commercial skills through a practical, case-based workshop led by an associate, simulating real matters such as transactions or disputes. You will check in with your 'buddy bubble' to review goals and progress, reflect on skills, and expand your network over a sector-themed lunch with trainees and associates.

Touch point 3: Stepping into law
Provisional date: Monday, August 10, 2026.

You will focus on the mechanics of early applications and assessment centres. A trainee panel will share ‘day in the life’ insights and practical advice. An application workshop will help you structure strong answers that clearly communicate your motivation and impact. We will walk you through what to expect on assessment days and host an application clinic for individualised feedback. In your final 'buddy bubble' huddle, you will refine your objectives and set a post-programme plan. The day closes with an open Q&A with the early careers team.

Virtual touch point: Foundations for your future - recruiter drop-in
Provisional timing: January 2027

This 60-90 minute session keeps you in touch with our early careers recruitment team as you approach key application windows. We will introduce our first-year programme, signpost upcoming resources and events, answer your questions, and help you plan your next steps.

Your takeaways

You will leave with a summary PDF packed with practical tools and guidance. This includes an application toolkit, key dates, and targeted tips to help you prepare for application forms, interviews, and assessment centres. You will also have a clearer sense of the work we do, the skills you bring, and how to keep building your commercial awareness.

Support: Buddy bubbles

This is your opportunity to learn and grow. We offer exceptional professional and personal development, providing training, mentoring and practical support. You'll have a designated 'buddy bubble’ and other dedicated points of contact during the step into law scheme, to ensure that you receive the best pastoral care possible. You will also have the opportunity to share learnings and to network with firm employees and fellow participants.

Buddy bubbles are small, supportive peer groups that meet across the programme to set goals, track progress, and share feedback. The structure is student-led, empowering you to take ownership of your development with guidance from the early careers team and our trainees and associates.

Programme details

Academic qualifications

Our academic requirements are predicted AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level. We require seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English).

Personal skills

Curiosity, ambition, organisation, collaboration.

Application window

Applications open: Monday, January 4, 2027
Applications close: Monday, March 1, 2027, 5:00pm

Scheme dates

3 sessions in total running between April – July 2027

Please note that you must be available to attend all of the above dates in person. The firm will cover return travel expenses to and from our London office.

Then and now

Our A&O Shearman lawyers all started from somewhere, from all kinds of backgrounds. Through every stage of their life, from personal to professional and the challenges along the way, our lawyers look back on the journeys that got them where they are today.

Ghazi

Growing up in Jordan with a genetic condition, Ghazi learned to live life despite limitations. With the grades, curiosity and interest, there was nothing to lose and everything to gain. His story shows anything is possible.

Jennifer

Jennifer has experienced a world, career and life that she never thought would be in her reach. Hear how a summer school for low-income backgrounds changed Jennifer’s perspective on what she could achieve.

Mitch

Born in Nigeria, Mitch believes nothing is impossible. Now a partner at A&O Shearman and mum of three, she has surrounded herself with the right people and has had support from her family every step of the way.

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.

Following this, we will be in touch to let you know if you’ve secured a place on the scheme.