Uptree

Placement details

Overview

Location: London

Start date: July/August 2026

Application Criteria:

You’ll need to:

• Be in Year 13
• Have always attended a state-funded or non-fee-paying school
• Come from a household where no parent or guardian has a qualification from a UK university
• Be a UK national or EU national with settled status in the UK by the time you apply for university

 

You must also meet one of the following criteria: 

• Receive, or have previously received free school meals, Education Maintenance Allowance or a 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
• Have parent(s)/guardian(s) who receive income support or housing benefits
• Be or have been in local authority care (for at least three months)
• Be or have been a full-time or part-time young carer
• Come to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker

Key skills:

• Curiosity: You want to find out more about the firm, our culture, the clients we work with and the sectors we operate in. 

• Ambition: You’re determined to achieve a first-class legal career and tackle challenges along the way.  

• Organisation: Your ability to keep on top of your work and focus on the details helps you keep projects on track and succeeding.

• Collaboration: You work well with others and have an open mind to different ideas and new perspectives.

Applications open: to be confirmed

Application Deadline: to be confirmed

How to Apply: Applications are not yet open. Find out more now, and regsiter your interest, by clicking 'apply' at the top of this page! 

 

About the opportunity

This programme is packed full of insights and experiences. Over the course of four sessions across two weeks in July and August, you’ll become part of a small working group with a dedicated mentor from A&O Shearman. The first 3 sessions will take place online and the final session will take place in person in the A&O Shearman London office. You’ll have opportunities to network and ask questions in an informal and relaxed setting, too. You’ll see first-hand what it’s like to be part of A&O Shearmans supportive community, get a sense of what is expected from everybody there, and what we can help you achieve when you join them. 

This is your opportunity to learn and grow. A&O Shearman offer exceptional professional and personal development – providing training, mentoring and practical support. You’ll have a mentor and other dedicated points of contact during the Step into Law Scheme, to ensure that you receive the best pastoral care possible. You will also have the opportunity to share learnings and network with firm employees and fellow partcipants.

 

About the company

Since the two legal powerhouses – Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling – joined forces in May 2024, A&O Shearman has proven to be an unparalleled combination: a new type of industry leader with truly global capabilities. With over 4,000 lawyers, across 48 offices in 29 countries, you will be able to work on the most interesting, high-profile legal work, helping the world’s leading businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive. In today’s ever-changing world, A&O Shearman continue to break new ground, working with companies, organisations and governments on the most complex legal issues and building strong and enduring client relationships.

Next steps

Find out more and register your interest by clicking 'apply' at the top of this page!