My diversity networks

My Law Firm


Profile:

I am currently in my first seat at A&O Shearman, sitting in the Leveraged Finance team.

As a Psychology graduate, I struggled to understand what law firms look for in their applications and have had to build up my legal experiences much later than the vast majority of other applicants. As an overseas student, I have also experienced the difficulties of adjusting to school life in a foreign country (let alone work life and law firm applications!). I had no connections in the legal industry and was unsure as to where to start.

Having applied for numerous first-year schemes, vacation schemes and training contacts across two application cycles without any success, I really learnt how best to portray my experiences in a way which law firms prefer (and what law firms don’t like!), and what work experiences to look for to build out my CV. Luckily, in my third year of applications, and with some help from various diversity schemes like Aspiring Solicitors, I managed to get a TC offer from the legacy firm, Allen & Overy, and a vacation scheme offer from another Magic Circle law firm.

I believe that with the right guidance and mindset, a diverse background can be an invaluable asset.

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