Allen & Overy

At A&O we recognise that choosing the right career is a big decision.  There will be lots of questions you need to ask yourself:  What type of law do I want to practice?  What type of firm would suit me best?  What will the work really be like? We think the best way to answer these questions is to get first-hand experience of life in a law firm and that's exactly what our vacation placements offer.

Each year we offer 65 vacancies across our Winter and Summer programmes.  In each of our programmes you will assist your trainer - a partner or an associate - on real deals and sit in two different departments (one during the shorter Winter programme).  We will ask you in advance which area interests you most.

Alongside your day-to-day work in the departments, you will join with fellow vacation students on a client pitch project designed to sharpen your research skills and expose you to our broad range of practice areas.  In addition, our workshops, practice area presentations and other talks are designed to inform you about recent deals and the role of a commercial lawyer.  They will also help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful commercial lawyer, including how to negotiate and present.

During your placement there will also be plenty of time to socialise with other Allen & Overy people.  We'll pair you up with a "buddy" - a current trainee who will be able to answer your questions, offer you advice and generally help you feel at home during your time with us.  Informal drinks with your department, lunches with your buddy and social events organised by the Graduate Recruitment team are just some of the opportunities you will have to get to know us during your placement.

Winter
Our seven day Winter vacation programme is for finalists and graduates and career-changers from any degree discipline.  Last years programme ran from Monday 14th - Tuesday 22nd December. Dates for 2010 will be confirmed shortly.

Summer
Our three week summer vacation programme is for undergraduates who are in the penultimate year of their degree course.  Undergraduates can also apply during their second year if they are completing a four year degree which features a third year abroad.  Individuals who are in their final year of study or who have already graduated are not eligible to apply for the summer vacation programme.

The 2010 Summer programme is being held on the following dates:
Monday 14th June - Friday 2nd July; Monday 5th July - Friday 23rd July; Monday 26th July - Friday 13th August.

Applications are now closed.

International Internships
As part of our summer programmes, 12 vacation students will have the opportunity to spend a week in one of our four key international offices.  Our international vacation programme takes place following completion of a three week summer placement in London.

Individuals interested in the international vacation programme can only apply if they accept a place on one of the London summer placements.  The selection process includes a short application form and an interview (via video conference) with a partner from the relevant office. 

The destinations for the 2010 international vacation programme are: Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York.   Please click here to read about some of the experiences our summer 2009 vacation students had in these cities.