A&O Shearman
A magic circle firm known for banking, finance, and cross-border M&A
About A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman is a global law firm formed from the 2024 merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. With around 4,000 lawyers in 48 offices worldwide, it offers top-tier expertise in cross-border finance, M&A, disputes, and regulatory work. The firm is known for its combined strength in English and U.S. law, serving leading international clients across key sectors.
The firm offers approximately 80 training contracts each year, with trainees undertaking four six-month seats across a broad range of practice areas. There are strong opportunities for international secondments, currently available in up to 13 of the firm’s 48 global offices, including locations such as Dubai, New York, and Singapore. Trainees may also have the chance to go on client secondments, offering a valuable opportunity to develop commercial awareness, deepen client relationships, and gain insight into the legal function from the client’s perspective.
Practice areas & rankings
Banking and finance
The firm's heritage and dominant practice. A&O Shearman advises the world's largest banks, private equity sponsors, and corporate borrowers on leveraged finance, acquisition finance, project finance, and restructuring. Consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers UK.
Capital markets
A leading practice in international debt and equity capital markets, acting for issuers and underwriters on cross-border transactions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Corporate and M&A
Advises on major domestic and cross-border M&A transactions with particular strength in financial institutions M&A and deals involving both US and English law.
Disputes
A top-tier international arbitration and commercial litigation practice handling high-value disputes for governments, state entities, and major corporations across multiple jurisdictions.
Energy and natural resources
One of the leading practices globally for energy and infrastructure transactions, particularly in emerging markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Awards
Most Innovative Law Firm in EuropeFT Innovative Lawyers Awards 2024
A&O Shearman was named ‘Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe’ at the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards 2024, in recognition of its pioneering work in generative AI, including the firm-wide rollout of Harvey and the development of ContractMatrix in collaboration with Microsoft.
Overall Firm of the YearLexology Index Awards 2024
The firm was also recognised as ‘Overall Firm of the Year’ at the Lexology Index Awards 2024.
Highly CommendedLegal Business Awards 2024
Received a ‘Highly Commended’ mention for its marketing initiatives at the Legal Business Awards 2024 — reflecting its commitment to excellence across both innovation and client engagement.
Firm History
1930 → George Allen & Thomas Overy start their firm. Left their old firm as top billers but weren’t rewarded.
1936 → Firm gains recognition advising King Edward VIII during the abdication crisis.
1963 → Diversifies as both a commercial and financial firm, advising on the first Eurobond.
2000 → Allen & Overy merges with Loeff Claeys Verbeke.
2004 → Converts to a limited liability partnership.
2008 → A&O breaks the £1 billion turnover mark.
2010 → First major firm to let equity partners work part-time.
2010 → Expands to Australia, opening new offices in Perth and Sydney.
2011 → First global law firm to open an office in Casablanca, Morocco.
2014 → Opens Johannesburg office, the first Magic Circle firm in sub-Saharan Africa.
2018 → Planned merger with O’Melveny & Myers falls through.
2019 → Surpasses $1 trillion in terms of deal value.
2021 → Wins International Law Firm of the Year.
2022 → First in the world to use generative AI at enterprise level with Harvey.
2024 → Surpasses £1 billion in profit.
2024 → Merges with Shearman & Sterling to form A&O Shearman, one of the world’s largest law firms.
(please note these are highlights and the firm's history is far more complex)
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The A&O Shearman application focuses on work and education history rather than open-ended motivation questions. There is no word limit on the work experience section, which means candidates should use the space fully to tell a compelling and specific story about every experience they have had, whether society leadership, part-time work, legal work experience, or volunteering. Each entry should explain clearly what was learned and how it demonstrates transferable skills relevant to legal practice. Demonstrating proactivity matters. Attending firm events, completing legal work experience, and engaging with virtual insight days should all be included where relevant. The application is reviewed holistically, so the overall picture of engagement and motivation is as important as any individual entry.
How to answer why youA&O Shearman: quick answers
How much does A&O Shearman pay trainees?
A&O Shearman pays first-year trainees £56,000, rising to £61,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at A&O Shearman earn £150,000.
When is the A&O Shearman vacation scheme deadline?
A&O Shearman's vacation scheme applications close on 9 Nov for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does A&O Shearman take on?
A&O Shearman takes on around 80 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does A&O Shearman use in its applications?
The online assessment includes situational judgment questions, verbal and numerical reasoning tasks, and two short motivation questions answered by video. It is untimed and takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete. The video responses are limited to two minutes each. The assessment is designed to give candidates a realistic preview of the trainee experience at A&O Shearman, and also allows the firm to gain insight into a candidate's motivations.
What grades do you need to apply to A&O Shearman?
To apply to A&O Shearman you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, A&O Shearman asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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