Year groups(s)
England - Year 12
Timing
Summer holidays
Course format
Hybrid
Renumeration
Unpaid
Programme details
A&O Shearman launched the Smart Start Experience in 2009 with the aim of giving young people access to high quality work experience in the world of business. As the recipient of many prestigious awards, the Smart Start Experience was the first work experience scheme in the legal sector to have its programme Assured by City & Guilds.
Through a five-day timetable of interactive workshops and team challenges, Smart Start allows young people to develop the skills necessary to succeed in education and in the world of work. They gain an insight into a professional career and develop knowledge of the main City job sectors, potential career opportunities and the importance of commercial awareness. They learn how to apply the eight key Skills Builders skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork. Participants also receive practical support with interview technique, networking, and improving their personal impact. During the week, successful applicants will have the opportunity to network with business professionals as well as show case their negotiation and time management abilities.
We’ve also developed Smart Start over the years to include an e-mentoring programme, and on-going support through university, and we provide bursaries to some students to help with the costs of university.
In 2021, building on our experience from Smart Start, we introduced a separate programme, Smart Applications which allows students a quality employer interaction across 8 live evening webinars for those who benefit from an online opportunity. Participants will focus on their own post-18 steps within sessions on interviews, university, and apprenticeship applications, complemented by sessions working with employees from A&O Shearman and reflecting on how to develop employability skills. All students can receive an individual online mock interview and the most engaged students will be invited to attend an in person celebration day at A&O Shearman's London Office.
When does it happen?
Smart Start takes place annually in July in our London office.
Smart Applications takes place online in June in the evening.
Applications for both programmes usually open January to March. All applicants need to attend a Smart Choices information session before they can apply for either programme.
Who can apply?
To apply for The Smart Start Experience and/or Smart Applications participants should meet the PRIME criteria.
How many spaces are there?
We invite approximately 65 students to participate in the Smart Start work experience week. There is no limit to Smart Applications.
Who do I need to contact?
To find out more and apply for A&O Shearman's Smart Start programme, visit here from January onwards.
Solicitor Apprenticeships
The Solicitor Apprenticeship is aimed primarily at those completing their A-Levels, but also welcomes applications from candidates without a degree. The Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship leads to qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and successful candidates will have obtained LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice by BPP University. Our Solicitor Apprenticeship roles are based in London and we have other apprenticeship opportunities available in our Belfast office. You can find out more here.
Through a five-day timetable of interactive workshops and team challenges, Smart Start allows young people to develop the skills necessary to succeed in education and in the world of work. They gain an insight into a professional career and develop knowledge of the main City job sectors, potential career opportunities and the importance of commercial awareness. They learn how to apply the eight key Skills Builders skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork. Participants also receive practical support with interview technique, networking, and improving their personal impact. During the week, successful applicants will have the opportunity to network with business professionals as well as show case their negotiation and time management abilities.
We’ve also developed Smart Start over the years to include an e-mentoring programme, and on-going support through university, and we provide bursaries to some students to help with the costs of university.
In 2021, building on our experience from Smart Start, we introduced a separate programme, Smart Applications which allows students a quality employer interaction across 8 live evening webinars for those who benefit from an online opportunity. Participants will focus on their own post-18 steps within sessions on interviews, university, and apprenticeship applications, complemented by sessions working with employees from A&O Shearman and reflecting on how to develop employability skills. All students can receive an individual online mock interview and the most engaged students will be invited to attend an in person celebration day at A&O Shearman's London Office.
When does it happen?
Smart Start takes place annually in July in our London office.
Smart Applications takes place online in June in the evening.
Applications for both programmes usually open January to March. All applicants need to attend a Smart Choices information session before they can apply for either programme.
Who can apply?
To apply for The Smart Start Experience and/or Smart Applications participants should meet the PRIME criteria.
How many spaces are there?
We invite approximately 65 students to participate in the Smart Start work experience week. There is no limit to Smart Applications.
Who do I need to contact?
To find out more and apply for A&O Shearman's Smart Start programme, visit here from January onwards.
Solicitor Apprenticeships
The Solicitor Apprenticeship is aimed primarily at those completing their A-Levels, but also welcomes applications from candidates without a degree. The Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship leads to qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and successful candidates will have obtained LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice by BPP University. Our Solicitor Apprenticeship roles are based in London and we have other apprenticeship opportunities available in our Belfast office. You can find out more here.
