Uptree

Opportunity details

Overview

Location: Virtual + A&O London office.

Start Date: 1 August 2023.

How to apply: Apply directly through the Allen & Overy website by clicking apply now at the top of the page. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to kick-start your application process!

About the opportunity 

Allen & Overy’s Accelerate programme is an interactive, inclusive, and insightful series of workshops and group mentoring sessions for year 13 students from less advantaged backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in the commercial law sector. Over the course of five sessions across two weeks in August 2023, you will become a part of a small working group with a dedicated A&O mentor.

Eligible students from all over the country are welcome to apply for this opportunity. The first four sessions will take place online and the final session will take place in person in the A&O London office. A&O will reimburse the travel expenses to their London office for the final session. You will interact with a wide range of employees from across the firm including Partners, Associates, Trainees, their Early Careers Recruitment team and their Training and Development team.

During the programme, you will not only learn more about the commercial law sector, but also enhance your employability skills through identifying your strengths and learning how to excel at applications, assessment centres and interviews. There are also several opportunities to network with firm employees and fellow participants to ask questions in an informal and relaxed setting.

Programme outline
You will need to be available to attend all sessions to be considered for the programme. In 2023, A&O aim to host up to 35 students.

Introductory session:
What to expect from the A&O Accelerate Programme and an Introduction to the A&O Bursary 
Tuesday 1 August 2023 @ 12:00 – 13:00
Held virtually

Workshop 1:
Welcome to A&O Accelerate | Tuesday 8 August 2023 @ 11:00 – 13:00
Held virtually

Workshop 2:
Commercial Awareness Masterclass | Thursday 10 August 2023 @ 11:00 – 13:00
Held virtually

Workshop 3:
Careers Coaching: Building your Confidence and Identifying your Strengths | Tuesday 15 August
2023 @ 11:00 – 13:00
Held virtually

Workshop 4:
Application and Interview Skills | Wednesday 16 August 2023 @ 11:00 – 16:00
Held in person at the A&O London office

Early Careers Recruitment support:
During the first term of university, A&O Early Careers Recruitment team will provide former A&O Accelerate participants with regular careers newsletters detailing top tips for preparing for first year programmes and continuing to develop key employability skills. Before the application window opens for A&O First in January 2024, the Early Careers Recruitment team will host one to one application support calls with all participants as well as running a follow up commercial awareness session, which focuses on a commercial case study similar to the one you are likely to encounter in the A&O First interview.

A&O Bursary
If you are going on to study any degree at university, A&O will provide a bursary programme for three participants from each A&O Accelerate cohort who meet both their academic and social mobility criteria. Successful students will be awarded £15,000, paid in instalments of £5,000 over a 3-year degree. As well as the financial support, these students will receive a dedicated A&O mentor and
opportunities to attend exclusive events delivered by the Early Careers Recruitment team. Applications for the bursary will open in August 2023 and further information and support on how to apply will be provided to participants over the course of the A&O Accelerate programme.

About Allen & Overy

Allen and Overy is an international law firm with a global network of experts all thinking creatively, entrepreneurially, pushing boundaries, and building for the future.

Across 40+ countries, they blend the brightest minds in law with the most cutting-edge technologies to successfully meet and exceed the highest standards of their industry.

Next steps

Apply directly through Allen & Overy's website by clicking 'apply' at the top of this page!