A&O Shearman Training Contract

Training Contract

Our training contract is designed to help you evolve your skills, discover your strengths and bring out the best in yourself as you become a first-class lawyer. This is your chance to learn from exceptional professionals in a leading law firm, with the best support around you.

You’ll have two years of training, with four six-month seats, that immerse you in a variety of departments and practice areas. You’ll expand your knowledge of areas that interest you and explore areas that are new to you, as you discover more about the work we do.

In each seat, you’ll sit with a partner or associate who will supervise your development and show you how to excel in your role. You’ll be supported by our Early Careers HR team to determine which seat choices would be best suited to you and the firm. You will also explore the possibility of spending time on an international or client secondment.

Your training and development are important to us. Alongside your departmental work, you can attend client seminars, wider skills training and a range of talks on matters essential to A&O Shearman, including mental health and wellbeing. You will also have a wide support network of fellow trainees to swap learnings and share the experience with.

You’ll earn a salary of £56,000 pa in the first year, £61,000 pa in the second year and £150,000 pa as a newly qualified solicitor.

We welcome anyone to apply if they achieved AAB at A-Level (or equivalent) and are on track for/achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree. We do consider mitigating circumstances, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades and there is a space on the application form to include these.

Our application process begins with an online application, interactive assessment and video response to two short motivational questions. If your application is successful, the next stage is an Assessment Day, with two one-on-one interviews and one written assignment.

At A&O Shearman, we recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We’ll invest in you to excel in your legal career, and you’ll be valued for who you are as much as for what you do. With us, you’ll enjoy challenge, support and opportunities you couldn’t find elsewhere.

Eligibility

Students currently in penultimate or final year of study, and graduates across all degree disciplines.

Application window: 30 September 2024 – 18 November 2024.

*Please note that you may only make one application for either a Vacation Scheme or a Training Contract per recruitment cycle.