A&O Shearman Application Guide 2027
Every programme, deadline, and requirement for applying to A&O Shearman. Plus a free CV checker to see if you pass screening.
Programmes
A&O Shearman programmes
Training Contract
Eligibility
Law and non-law graduates (with GDL/SQE)
Opens
Varies
Deadline
Varies by firm
Duration
2 years (4 seats)
Vacation Scheme
~70-80% conversionEligibility
Penultimate-year undergraduates and GDL/LPC students
Opens
October
Deadline
December-January
Duration
2 weeks
Requirements
What A&O Shearman looks for
Understanding of the merger — The A&O-Shearman merger is transformational. Show you understand the strategic rationale and what it means for clients.
Commercial awareness — Know current legal market developments. The merger is creating the largest MC firm — what opportunities does this create?
Adaptability — The firm is integrating two cultures. They want people comfortable with change and ambiguity.
Global perspective — The merger creates a truly global firm. Show awareness of international legal markets.
Attention to detail — Legal precision remains paramount. Written exercises test this.
Team orientation — Integration requires collaboration across legacy teams. Show you work well with different people.
Grade requirements
Typically AAA at A-Level and 2:1. Contextual recruitment used.
Tips
How to apply to A&O Shearman
The merger is the talking point. Show you understand what the combined firm offers.
The merger is your differentiator in every answer. Know the strategic rationale.
A&O Shearman now has the strongest US capability of any MC firm. Reference this.
The firm is actively shaping its new culture. Position yourself as someone who builds, not inherits.
Know the integration challenges — culture, systems, client conflicts. Show maturity in discussing them.
Reference specific matters from both legacy firms to show breadth of knowledge.
Proofread everything. A&O Shearman receives thousands of applications — copy-paste errors from other firms are obvious and result in immediate rejection.
CV check
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CV standards
A&O Shearman CV requirements
One page maximum for undergraduates. Two pages acceptable for graduates with significant legal experience.
Education first — include degree classification (or predicted), A-level results, and relevant modules or dissertation topics.
Legal experience prominently featured — vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, pro bono, mooting, law society involvement.
Quantify achievements where possible — "managed a team of 15" or "contributed to a brief covering £2m in damages".
Tailor to A&O Shearman — reference practice areas that align with your interests and the firm's strengths.
Professional formatting — consistent fonts, clear section headers, no colours or graphics.
Success rates
A&O Shearman conversion rates
| Stage | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Application → Online assessment | Selective (estimated ~20-30%) |
| Online assessment → Video interview | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Video interview → Assessment centre | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Assessment centre → Offer | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Vacation scheme → Training contract | Typically 70-80% |
| Overall application → offer | Estimated ~4-5% |
FAQ
A&O Shearman application FAQs
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