Summer Vacation Scheme - Singapore | 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.

Programme overview

The Singapore Summer Vacation Scheme will run for three weeks during July and will allow for rotations through two practice areas. On this scheme, you’ll be able to gain valuable skills you will use and develop throughout your career, working with industry-defining clients and industry-leading colleagues. You’ll have a diverse range of events and presentations at your disposal that will show you what it takes to excel as a successful international commercial lawyer.

In addition to gaining insights into the work we do, there will be plenty of time to socialise with our HR team, lawyers and partners as well as the other students on your scheme - broadening your knowledge of the firm, building your network and giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the culture that will define your experience with us should you join as a trainee.

All those successful in gaining a vacation scheme place will be paid a stipend and will be considered for an England and Wales training contract (also known as the qualifying work experience). We do not offer direct training contracts in Singapore.

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, helping you 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 socialise 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 programme 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 programme supports different strengths and perspectives. It is designed to help you begin your legal career early and build strong technical and professional foundations. We encourage you to review our assessment framework, which provides guidance on submitting a high‑quality application and preparing for interviews or assessment days.

Programme details

Academic qualifications

We welcome candidates with strong academic performance from all universities and degree backgrounds, on track for a 2:1.

Application window

1st October 2026 - 31st December 2026

Scheme dates

The scheme will run in Summer 2027. Exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

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

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

Assessment

Eligible candidates will then receive an email invitation to complete an interactive assessment. This assessment includes situational judgement questions, verbal and numerical reasoning exercises, and two short motivation questions recorded via video. The assessment is untimed and typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete. It is designed to give you a realistic insight into life as a trainee at A&O Shearman, while allowing us to understand your motivations and approach.

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 assessment day comprising two one-on-one interviews.

The first interview is 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.

In the second interview, you will be asked a series of questions based on scenarios you may encounter as a trainee.