Law · 8-11% acceptance rate

A&O Shearman Interview Preparation

Leading global firm for capital markets and transactional law

3,800+

Applications

8-11%

Offer rate

$225k

Starting salary

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A&O Shearman — HireVue Practice

Your question

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Application process

How to get into A&O Shearman — step by step

Application Submission

Rolling basis (peak Sept-Oct)

Highlight capital markets, M&A, and international transaction experience. Mention awareness of the A&O + Shearman merger.

First Interview (OCI)

September-November

Expect questions about recent deal activity and your knowledge of A&O's market position. Know the merged firm's strengths.

Callback Interviews

October-December

Meet 5-6 lawyers. Discuss complex securities law, underwriting, and structured finance. Demonstrate technical knowledge.

Summer Associate Program

June-August (select 1Ls)

A&O Shearman offers select summers. Work on IPOs, M&A, and capital market transactions with mentoring from partners.

Full-Time Extension

August

Strong summers typically convert to full-time offers.

Interview questions

A&O Shearman interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Explain the relationship between underwriters, issuers, and investors in a public offering.
2What is due diligence in a capital markets context, and why is it critical?
3Describe the process of underwriting a bond offering. What are the key legal issues?

What they value

What A&O Shearman looks for in candidates

Capital Markets Fluency

A&O Shearman is a capital markets powerhouse. Understanding of securities regulation, underwriting, and public offerings is essential.

Global Mindset

The merged firm operates globally. Show awareness of international capital markets, cross-border regulations, and multicultural collaboration.

Technical Precision

Capital markets transactions demand accuracy. Demonstrate attention to detail, regulatory compliance knowledge, and document precision.

Client Service Orientation

A&O Shearman serves Fortune 500s, financial institutions, and sovereigns. Show commitment to understanding client objectives and delivering results.

Strategic Business Thinking

Beyond legal mechanics, understand how transactions impact business strategy and client economics.

Compensation

A&O Shearman salary & benefits

Graduate

$225,000

Intern

$3,850/week (summer associate, prorated ~$190k)

Bonus

$35k-$50k+ (varies by year and practice)

Perks & benefits

Comprehensive health & dental coverage401(k) with matchingUnlimited professional development budgetCommuter subsidiesFitness and wellness benefits

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at A&O Shearman

Merged excellence: A&O and Shearman bring complementary strengths. The integration creates a powerhouse in capital markets and M&A.

Global reach: With offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, A&O Shearman handles truly multinational transactions and relationships.

Client focus: Deep advisory relationships with leading financial institutions, corporates, and sovereigns. Your work impacts major markets.

Collaborative culture: Despite global size, A&O Shearman maintains a collegial, supportive environment. Regular networking and development opportunities.

Innovation leadership: The firm invests heavily in legal technology, alternative fee arrangements, and innovative service delivery.

Insider tips

How to stand out at A&O Shearman

Research the A&O + Shearman merger: timing, strategic rationale, and how the combined firm competes. Show you understand the merged entity.

Demonstrate knowledge of recent A&O Shearman transactions in capital markets, M&A, and transactional law. Reference specific deals.

Show understanding of how capital markets transactions work: IPOs, debt offerings, structured products. Even conceptual knowledge impresses.

Express interest in international work and multicultural teams. The merger strengthens global offerings.

Discuss how you stay current on regulatory developments in securities law and capital markets.

Compare

A&O Shearman vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
A&O Shearman	$225,000	—/week	Merged excellence: A&O and Shearman brin...	—
Sullivan & Cromwell	$225k	2,000-2,150/year	Elite corporate and M&A boutique. NYC-centric, highly selective.	PE funds, major banks in-house counsel, corporate counsel.
Linklaters	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Magic Circle with strong US presence. Capital markets leader globally.	Investment banks, asset managers, in-house counsel.
Clifford Chance	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Magic Circle with significant US and capital markets presence.	Banking counsel, PE funds, asset managers, corporate development.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer	$225k	2,000-2,100/year	Elite international firm. Strong in M&A and transactional work.	Corporate in-house, investment funds, banking sector.

FAQ

A&O Shearman FAQs

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