Using AI responsibly in the application process

Welcome to our advice blog for using AI within recruitment.

Here at A&O Shearman, when it comes to integrating artificial intelligence into the legal profession, we’re at the forefront of it all. For instance, in February 2023, we became the first law firm to adopt generative AI on a global scale, and it has empowered our lawyers, spanning 29 jurisdictions, to use GPT-4 based tools in their day-to-day work.

But it’s not just about using these AI-based tools, we’re building them, too.

Some examples of AI tools that A&O Shearman has built include:

Harvey: empowering lawyers and revolutionising services

AI platform, Harvey, has empowered the lawyers across our firm to be able to generate and access legal content with unmatched efficiency, quality, and intelligence. Harvey uses natural language processing, machine learning and data analytics to automate and enhance various aspects of legal work, such as contract analysis, due diligence, litigation, and regulatory compliance.

Even though the output must be reviewed by an A&O Shearman lawyer, Harvey can help generate insights, recommendations and predictions based on large volumes of data, helping lawyers deliver faster, smarter and more cost-effective solutions to their clients. Click here to find out more.

Contract Matrix: streamlining legal processes

In partnership with Harvey and Microsoft, we have developed Contract Matrix to allow our lawyers to make contract drafting, reviewing and analysis far more streamlined. If you want to find out more, you can see Contract Matrix in action here.

Our passion for innovation and technology extends to our recruitment processes. Barbara Menhart, early careers senior manager at A&O Shearman, shares some useful guidance on using AI during the application process responsibly.

So, with the development across AI at A&O Shearman, what does all this mean for recruitment and your applications?

The transformative potential of AI doesn’t go unrecognised here, so we’re committed to utilising its capability to shape the future of the legal profession. Because to attract and nurture the next wave of talent, embracing AI in our recruitment strategy is crucial.

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 guidance on AI and where we think it’s appropriate to use it:

Don’t use AI to misrepresent your skills

Finding a career that you’re well suited to is important, so you shouldn’t use AI to falsify or exaggerate your skills. Being honest about your skills and experiences is critical to any application. Not doing so could hinder your chances of finding a career that’s right for your abilities and aspirations and lead to serious consequences down the line.
Use AI to complement your skills

It shouldn’t be a substitute for your voice and capabilities. Using AI in your job application can be a highly effective resource, but we encourage you to use it in the most responsible way possible.
AI can help refine your CV, application, and written responses

AI can help with the formatting and design of your CV and help tailor it to the role you’re applying for. It can also check for errors and help you articulate clearly and concisely.
Don’t use AI responses word for word

Directly inputting questions into AI, then using the responses word for word or asking AI to answer test questions for you isn’t advisable. This doesn’t showcase the essential skills we look for such as critical thinking and analytical skills.
AI can help you prepare for interviews

From generating potential questions to providing feedback on your responses, AI can help your interview preparation. It is, however, important that your responses are authentic and aligned to the organisation’s values, competencies and attributes to tailor everything you say to the firm you’re applying to.
Honesty and integrity are the foundations of a career in law

If you’ve used AI in your application and/or preparations, be ready to discuss this with us. We’re interested in the questions you asked AI and how you refined the responses from it.

Please note: Your video responses are reviewed by a member of our early careers recruitment team. We do not use AI at any point during our recruitment process; all assessments and decisions are made by our team.

Find out more about how we at A&O Shearman are using AI to revolutionise the legal sector by clicking the button below.

EXPLORE HOW WE USE AI

Cases that made me

At A&O Shearman, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global community of world-class lawyers and work on building enduring relationships with clients, rewarding assignments and career-defining cases. Hear from our people as they tell us the story of their career through the cases that challenged them, marked new levels of responsibility or were just exciting to be a part of.

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.

Jan Skuhravy

Jan, a partner in Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure, was always interested in how the law intersected with the tangible realities of life. Listen to Jan share what he’s learnt throughout his career.

Sarah Henchoz

At A&O Shearman, you work on cases that define the world. Sarah walks us through some of the most complex and exciting cases of her career, including a reality TV star’s employment, a high-stakes poaching case, and a large-scale discrimination case.