Uptree

Placement details

Overview

Location: London

Scheme dates: Monday 5th July 2027 – Friday 16th July 2027

Application Criteria:

• Penultimate-year undergraduates. Successful candidates may be offered a training contract for an Autumn intake (September)
• Minimum grades of AAB (136 UCAS points) or equivalent at A-Level, and on-track for/achieved a 2:1 undergraduate degree – mitigating circumstances will be taken into account 
• Minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English)

Any mitigating circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Key skills:

• Open-minded
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Critical thinker

Application Deadline: Monday 9th November 2026

How to Apply: Apply directly through A&O Shearman's careers website by following the link at the top of this page.

About the opportunity

A&O Shearman's Vacation Schemes are designed to give you genuine insight into life as a lawyer at one of the world's leading law firms. You will experience real legal work, develop valuable skills and build relationships with lawyers across the firm during this 2 week placement.

Vacation schemes are an excellent way to explore different practice areas, understand whether commercial law is right for you and gain exposure to the day-to-day work of a top-tier international firm.

What you'll get:

What you'll get:

What you'll get:

• Hands-on experience working in an industry-leading law firm
• Mentorship from experienced legal professionals throughout the scheme
• Practical skills and knowledge that will equip you for a career in commercial law
• Access to a range of learning tools designed to show you what it takes to excel as an international commercial lawyer
• A friendly, supportive and dynamic working environment
• Potential to secure a training contract and progress your career with A&O Shearman based on your vacation scheme performance
• Salary: £500 per week
• Support with accommodation and travel expenses, if applicable
  

What you'll do:

• Work on real, challenging cases and deals that have the potential to shape the future
• Develop practical legal skills under the guidance of experienced lawyers
• Experience what it's like to work for the world's leading businesses
• Build lasting relationships with lawyers, trainees and fellow scheme participants
• Participate in learning and development activities throughout the scheme
• Gain exposure to the day-to-day work of an international commercial law firm
• Explore different practice areas or work within specific practice groups

About the company: 

A&O Shearman is an international law firm with a global network of 48 offices across 29 countries. The firm is renowned for combining the brightest minds in law with cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking to deliver exceptional client outcomes. A&O Shearman works across corporate, finance, litigation and dispute resolution, and specialises in advising on complex, high-value transactions and cases across every major global market.

What truly defines a career with A&O Shearman? They recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, you will redefine success.  

Next steps: 

View further details and apply by clicking 'Apply' at the top of this page!

Expand your knowledge by visiting A&OShearman Law Career Guide