Summer Vacation Scheme 2027

Summer Vacation Scheme 2027 Overview

A&O Shearman is a prominent global law firm with nearly 50 offices across 29 countries, offering unparalleled insights into English law, US law, and the legal frameworks of dynamic markets. The firm is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for its employees, enabling them to work with leading businesses and tackle significant legal challenges.

The Summer Vacation Scheme 2027 is a two-week program tailored for penultimate year students from any academic background. This scheme offers participants a unique chance to experience the daily challenges faced by international commercial lawyers while developing valuable skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must complete an online application detailing their educational and work history. Following this, applicants will receive an email with a link to an online experience that includes verbal and numerical reasoning assessments, along with two short motivation questions to be answered via video. This untimed online experience is expected to take approximately 45 minutes and is designed to provide insights into the trainee experience at A&O Shearman.

Scheme Overview

The Summer Vacation Scheme is exclusively for penultimate year students and serves as a pathway to potential training contract offers for the Autumn intakes. Throughout the scheme, participants will have access to various learning tools to help them excel as international commercial lawyers.

Requirements

• Students must be in their penultimate year of study from any degree discipline.
• Minimum grades of AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level, and on track for or have achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree.
• 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including maths and English, are required.
• Mitigating circumstances will be taken into account during the selection process.

Skills

To thrive in this high-performing environment, candidates should demonstrate the following attributes:

• Open-mindedness
• Innovative thinking
• Collaborative spirit
• Critical thinking abilities

Key Dates

Applications will open on 14 September 2026 and close on 09 November 2026 at 5pm UK Time. The scheme will run from 5 to 16 July 2027. All applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and candidates can expect to hear back after this date. Assessment days are scheduled for the week commencing 7 December 2026.

Inclusion at A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s (with 2:1)

Visa Sponsorship Not Confirmed