Year groups(s)
England - Year 12
Timing
Summer holidays
Course format
Hybrid
Remuneration
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 Week will be held at our London office during the week commencing July 6, 2026.
Who can apply?
It’s open to Year 12 or equivalent students who meet our criteria (see “Who is eligible” on our page).
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?
There are two elements to Smart Start:
To participate in either program you first need to register and attend one of the online Smart Choices sessions. Here you will take part in a range of interactive activities which allow you to assess the benefits of the opportunities available to you, find out how to demonstrate commercial awareness to impress in interviews, and leave the session with an action plan. Smart Choices takes place online between February 24 and March 7, 2026. Registration closes on Friday, February 13, 2026.
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 Week will be held at our London office during the week commencing July 6, 2026.
Who can apply?
It’s open to Year 12 or equivalent students who meet our criteria (see “Who is eligible” on our page).
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?
There are two elements to Smart Start:
- Smart Start Week, our in-person work experience for Year 12 students or equivalent
- Smart Applications, our online program for Year 12 or equivalent students
To participate in either program you first need to register and attend one of the online Smart Choices sessions. Here you will take part in a range of interactive activities which allow you to assess the benefits of the opportunities available to you, find out how to demonstrate commercial awareness to impress in interviews, and leave the session with an action plan. Smart Choices takes place online between February 24 and March 7, 2026. Registration closes on Friday, February 13, 2026.
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.
