
A&O Shearman is a new type of legal industry leader. The firm has unmatched depth and breadth across every major practice area, with unparalleled global capabilities that help the world’s leading businesses grow, innovate and thrive.
In today’s ever-changing world, we continue to break new ground, working with companies, organisations and governments on their most complex legal issues and building strong and enduring client relationships. With over 4000 lawyers, across 48 offices in 29 countries, you’re guaranteed to work on the most interesting, high-profile legal matters.
We pride ourselves on nurturing an environment where every talented and driven trainee can excel. That means that whatever defines you, you can bring your whole self to work. We have a strong commitment to inclusion so you can be confident that you’ll be valued for who you are and have the runway to become an exceptional lawyer, no matter your background. Together, we work as a team; listening, learning and challenging each other to achieve extraordinary results we could not achieve individually.
We have a forward-thinking culture and approach that means we develop and deliver innovative solutions that push our clients and industry forwards. We have the unparalleled resources, vision, and mindset needed to ensure our people thrive in the legal landscape of the future. With us, you’ll never stop learning and growing, benefitting from exceptional professional and personal development. For trainees, this means an in-house training programme characterised by variety and choice – like the chance to take a litigation course alongside your rotations. In each of your seats, you’ll support a senior associate or partner and be exposed to work that spans across departments and borders. We are a truly global firm and so a lot of the work we do involves two or more jurisdictions, and our trainees also have the chance to spend six months in one of our international offices, or on secondment to one of our clients.
This is a global career with unique opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else. We will help you develop into an exceptional lawyer and perform at the highest level – whether or not you have a degree in law. Challenge the status quo with us, and you’ll find a career where you can really excel. This is your chance to hit the ground running and discover what you’re really capable of.
Benefits
Working at A&O Shearman offers an exceptional range of benefits, including season ticket and cycle-to-work loans, a health and wellbeing centre including in-house GP, physiotherapist, and dental plan, an on-site fitness centre and sports hall plus in-house beauty and wellbeing therapies, as well as access to a wide range of discounted goods and services. In the UK, we currently provide access to support through our employee advice line and private medical insurance. And all trainees globally have free access to our health and wellbeing apps (Headspace, Help@hand and Unmind).
Live opportunities
The Legal Cheek October Virtual Law Fair 2026
Meet our Early Careers team, trainees and lawyers, learn about our opportunities, and gain insight into life at a leading global law firm.
Oxford University Law Careers Fair
Join A&O Shearman at the University of Oxford Careers Fair to explore a career in commercial law.Meet our team, trainees and lawyers, ask questions about our programmes and application process, and learn how our global platform provides opportunities to develop an unmatched legal career.
Legal Cheek Live: Manchester
Visit our stand to learn more about our opportunities, meet our Early Careers team, trainees and lawyers, and gain valuable insights into life at a leading global law firm.
Legal Cheek Live: Bristol
Visit our stand to learn more about our opportunities, meet our Early Careers team, trainees and lawyers, and gain valuable insights into life at a leading global law firm.
Warwick University Law Careers Fair
Meet A&O Shearman at the University of Warwick Careers Fair to discover our Vacation Scheme, Training Contract and Solicitor Apprenticeship opportunities.Speak with our Early Careers team and firm representatives, gain insight into our work and culture, and learn how to build an unmatched career at a leading global law firm.
Legal Cheek Live: Leeds
Visit our stand to learn more about our opportunities, meet our Early Careers team, trainees and lawyers, and gain valuable insights into life at a leading global law firm.
Cambridge University Law Careers Fair
Visit A&O Shearman at the University of Cambridge Careers Fair to learn more about our Vacation Scheme, Training Contract and Solicitor Apprenticeship opportunities.Meet firm representatives, hear about their experiences, gain application advice, and discover how you can build an unmatched career at a leading global law firm.






































