Applications for this job open on 4 Jan 2027
Build your future
Smart Start is a unique, high-quality work experience scheme designed to provide students from lower socio-economic backgrounds the skills and training they need to kickstart a career in legal or professional services. Since its launch in 2009, it has supported and inspired nearly 2,000 students.
Work experience
Smart Start Week is held at the A&O Shearman London office in July and is open to Year 12 or equivalent students. Over the course of five days, you’ll take part in workshops and tackle challenges.
Alternatively, in Year 12 you can join us through Smart Start Applications, the virtual work-related learning programme made up of eight live evening webinars, including sessions on university and apprenticeship applications and how to develop your employability skills.
Growth and development
Throughout this programme, we strive to support you with exceptional professional and personal development – providing training and practical experience, so you can learn and grow at your highest level.
Programme Overview
Our social mobility programme Smart Start is run in partnership with Causeway Education.
There are two experiences for you to choose from:
- Smart Start Week – our in-person work experience for Year 12 students or equivalent.
- Smart Start Applications – our online programme for Year 12 or equivalent students.
What we look for
This programme gives you the opportunities you need to expand your skills, and, experience what life here is really like. It’s the chance for you to start your journey early and develop your legal expertise.
Eligibility
You’ll need to:
- Be in Year 12
- Have always attended a state-funded or non-fee paying school
- Be a UK national or EU national with settled status in the UK by the time you apply for university.
You’ll also need to meet at least one of the following additional criteria:
- Come from a household where no parent or guardian has attended university
- Receive, or have previously received free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance or a 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
- Your parent(s)/guardian(s) receive income support or housing benefits
- Be or have been in local authority care
- Be or have been a full-time or part-time young carer
- Come to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker
- Come from a household where a parent or carer has served in the regular armed forces
- Be attending a school or college with: below average A level or Scottish Highers points score, and/or a low rate of progression to higher education.
Students who meet more than one of the additional criteria are more likely to receive a place on either programme.
Skills to succeed
In addition to your personal ambition, curiosity and drive, we value the eight essential Skills Builder skills: listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, adapting, planning, leadership and teamwork. Through Smart Start, you'll develop these skills by working with others, tackling challenges, sharing ideas and building the confidence needed to succeed in your future studies and career.
Speaking and Listening
- You listen carefully, contribute thoughtfully and communicate your ideas clearly and confidently in a range of situations.
Problem Solving and Creativity
- You enjoy tackling challenges, thinking critically and exploring new ideas and approaches to find effective solutions.
Planning and Adapting
- You organise your time effectively, manage priorities and respond positively to change, learning from setbacks and new experiences.
Teamwork and Leadership
- You work collaboratively with others, value different perspectives and take responsibility for making a positive contribution to your team.
BELONG.EXCEL.
Application window: TBC
Registration links will go live from 4 January, with a deadline of 12 February to sign up to attend an online information session, Smart Choices. See attached
