Working at the highest level
As you would expect coming into a top-class firm, you will work hard, but we do not promote a culture of presenteeism. As a trainee at Shearman & Sterling, you will be put through your paces and will work some long hours - the reward of this is getting to work on high-profile, headline deals at a level above what your peers at other firms may be accustomed to.
"Shearman & Sterling works on headline-making deals for some of the world's leading organisations - from Cadbury and Formula One to Bank of America Merill Lynch and Nokia."
Shearman & Sterling operates at the very highest level of the legal world, working on headline-making deals for some of the world's leading organisations - from Cadbury and Formula One to Bank of America Merill Lynch and Nokia. As a trainee you'll become an integral part of the group and be given work to stretch and challenge you on a daily basis. You'll work with lawyers at all levels, from partner to counsel to associate across different offices and jurisdictions. Expect to be involved in complex, multi-jurisdictional and often ground-breaking deals. The size of the London office and focused trainee intake mean that you'll be encouraged to take responsibility, make a real contribution and be recognised and rewarded for your performance.
International opportunities
As part of an international firm you will have the opportunity to work in offices around the globe throughout your career. As a trainee, you could work in locations such as Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and New York for 6-month periods. Trainees may be able to qualify into overseas offices as well as London, in addition to undertaking secondments and assignments overseas. Regardless of whether you choose to complete an overseas seat, the majority of deals you work on with the firm will involve cross-jurisdictional elements. This will not only help broaden your exposure and network within the firm, but present new challenges as you work with clients across the globe.
Our culture
"It's not about hours spent in the office; it's about your performance, contribution and appetite for responsibility"
Along with the world-class training and support on offer at Shearman & Sterling, our culture, size and smaller trainee intake means that you'll be taking on responsibility early, trusted to liaise with clients and expected to make a real contribution to the team. It's not about hours spent in the office; it's about your performance, contribution and appetite for responsibility. You will work very closely with our most senior people, learning from them and being recognised and rewarded for the difference you make.
Our values
Shearman & Sterling is founded on a set of values to which we have unwavering commitment
"We hold ourselves to high ethical standards, believing in unequivocal integrity"
We focus our utmost abilities and resources on our clients and their interests at all times, combining high standards of professionalism with a keen understanding of their businesses so that we can help them solve any problems and surmount any challenges they may face.
1) We pursue excellence in every aspect of our professional lives, aiming to deliver quality, innovation and consistency in all aspects of our service.
2) We hold ourselves to high ethical standards, believing in unequivocal integrity.
3) We emphasise teamwork that couples effectiveness with cohesion and collegiality throughout the firm.
4) We value energy, as individuals and as a firm, in working hard and striving to be the best in all that we undertake.
5) We draw upon the diversity of our lawyers and their talents. By collaborating with colleagues, we bring together ideas that represent various experiences, cultures and backgrounds around the globe. We bring this collective experience to bear when addressing the needs of our clients, worldwide.
Social scene
Our trainees also get very involved with the social side of the firm from an early stage. There are numerous social events to get involved in, both within practice groups and firm-wide, as well as the numerous sports teams that you can take part in. Shearman & Sterling London have been the proud winners of the softball league for six years now, as well as having a successful five-a-side football team, and broomball team - a must-see event, even if you don't take part!