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  1. Home
  2. Events
  3. Head Start Open Day

Our ‘Head Start’ programme is a one-day event specifically designed for First Year law students and Second Year non-law students looking for an introduction to City law. Held here at our London office, the day will comprise of the following:

  • An introduction to the industry and to Shearman & Sterling
  • The opportunity to meet and question partners, trainees and associates
  • An insight into the work of a trainee solicitor and what you can expect from a training contract at a leading international law firm like Shearman & Sterling
  • An overview of a deal and insight into our practice areas
  • A look at the skills you need to develop in order to become a successful lawyer
  • Hints and tips on the recruitment process and how to see yourself by identifying your own brand

“This was more than just an open day – it was actually about putting you in the best possible position for future applications. The day was well structured with opportunities to meet lawyers at every level. Trainees led a task on document editing to show what they might do to a contract and change things depending on the position they were taking for their client. This really stood out as it finally made sense as to what kind of responsibility a trainee will initially have and how this relates into the actual work they do.”
– Head Start Attendee 2017

“Overall, the scheme really did give me an insight into an international law firm – the kind of insight that you can’t get by searching a firm online. I definitely developed some of the hidden soft skills I had never previously thought of as being important and am sure I have gained a ‘head start’ on my peers. I took away a great desire to continue working hard towards my aspiration to become a lawyer and would definitely recommend applying.”
– Head Start Attendee 2016

The programme will run on the following dates:

  • 6 May 2020
  • 27 May 2020

Please let us know your preferred date when applying.

How to apply

During the application process we will be looking at a few key things, to decide whether you’re right for us – and whether we’re right for you…

  1. Your academic performance to date
  2. Why you would like to perform in the scheme
  3. What you would like to achieve from the programme
  4. Why you are interested in Shearman & Sterling