Training Contract - Saudi Arabia | A&O Shearman careers

Experience a career without limits.

Our training contracts are designed to help you continually grow, develop and reach your full potential. You’ll discover your strengths, take on new challenges and bring out the very best in yourself, building the skills and confidence to become a first-class lawyer.

Overview

Our training program is designed and provide the foundations you need to find your strengths, overcome challenges and bring out your best self.

What you'll do

Your training will be based on four six-month rotations (known as ‘seats’), through a number of departments or practice areas. Seats are available across our departments and will help you to discover the full range of work we do and the expertise we have in our teams. In each seat, you will sit with a trainer (usually an associate) who will supervise your professional and personal development, showing you how to excel as a successful commercial lawyer.

Our dedicated early careers HR team will work with you to determine your seat choices. You will have the opportunity to express your preferences so you can spend time in the areas that suit you best (subject to business need). Our core areas of expertise are finance, corporate, disputes and ENRI (energy, natural resources and infrastructure).

You will also explore the possibility of spending a seat in one of our UAE offices, which will give you the chance to grow and strengthen your network.

Training and support

One of the things our trainees value most about being at A&O Shearman is the training they receive. Your development is one of our key priorities, and you’ll see that every day you are with us.

In addition to learning practical skills such as drafting, transaction management, research and legal and office procedures, the experience you gain as a trainee will develop your professional conduct, particularly with respect to negotiation and communication with clients and colleagues.

Alongside your departmental work, you will have the opportunity to work side-by-side and learn from some of the world’s top lawyers. As well as regular departmental training and updates (specific to your seat), you can attend client seminars delivered by our partners and associates on the most cutting-edge issues affecting our industry. You will also attend wider skills training and a range of seminars and talks on matters essential to A&O Shearman, which include mental health and wellbeing and inclusion.

Training does not stop at qualification. We are proud of our position as pioneers in the legal industry and our commitment to continuous learning is a key part in maintaining it. At key points during your associate career, you will become eligible to attend the different stages of our bespoke global associate development program, where you will be joined by colleagues from around the world. These sessions are run by internal and external experts, focusing on developing your strategic and commercial awareness and your ability to work effectively and with resilience. As you progress, the focus on managing client relationships and building a practice increases.

Culture and values

High-performing, and also friendly, collaborative and inclusive. We trust and respect each other. We expect the best of each other and we nurture an environment and ways of working that promote positive wellbeing. We can be ourselves and be our best. We aim high, embrace challenges, and we deliver quality.

Your unique perspective, attributes and experiences are valued at A&O Shearman. Our differences help to shape and inform the best collaborative solutions, foster rich and rewarding work environments and fulfilling working relationships, and provide valuable learning opportunities. Every day, we work to create an environment where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. Being part of A&O Shearman means being committed to cultivating an inclusive environment for each other.

We encourage everyone at the firm to pursue their interests, whether they are passions outside the office, or at the firm’s clubs and events. In addition, the firm’s commitment to social impact work also offers our people the chance to experience and contribute to our inclusive culture.

Key requirements

Saudi National Candidate
Law Degree (LLB or equivalent) GPA of 3.25/4 or 4.25/5
Strong analytical, research and drafting skills
Excellent written and verbal communication in English
Demonstrated interest in commercial law and the Middle East market
Commitment to completing a 24-month structured training programme
We are looking for candidates with ambition and passion and skills/experience in collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation.

Scheme dates

The training contract starts each year in March and September.

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

We’ve produced a number of videos to explain more about A&O Shearman and the industry we are in. Here is just one great resource that 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 specialising 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

You will begin by submitting an online application detailing your education and work experience.

Eligible candidates will then receive an email invitation to complete a Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Please ensure both your application and assessment are completed before the stated deadline on time.

Interviews

If your application is successful, the next stage will be an interview based on a commercial case study, where you’ll have time to work through a brief and prepare a short presentation to deliver to your interviewer. This will be followed by a discussion on the key points from the case study.

The next stage of interviews, you will be asked a series of questions based on scenarios you may encounter as a trainee.