Ask Shearman & Sterling Anything!

[keira]

Sure, makes sense! Thanks Paul.

 

[Chrislyn Pereira]

Hi @Paul - Shearman & Sterling, I have a question regarding visa sponsorships and the vacation scheme.

I am aware that the firm exclusively recruits for training contracts from the vacation schemes and that the firm does take on international students. However, I imagine this applies in the typical case whereby the applicant applies in their penultimate year and hence has no issues with visa restrictions during the vacation scheme period. As someone who has just graduated and is no longer holding a visa, would the firm be able to assist in procuring a visa specifically for a vacation scheme (I believe certain internships/work experience can be done under a Tier 5 visa)? Or would it not make sense to apply given the visa restriction?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

Hi @Paul - Shearman & Sterling, I have a question regarding visa sponsorships and the vacation scheme.

I am aware that the firm exclusively recruits for training contracts from the vacation schemes and that the firm does take on international students. However, I imagine this applies in the typical case whereby the applicant applies in their penultimate year and hence has no issues with visa restrictions during the vacation scheme period. As someone who has just graduated and is no longer holding a visa, would the firm be able to assist in procuring a visa specifically for a vacation scheme (I believe certain internships/work experience can be done under a Tier 5 visa)? Or would it not make sense to apply given the visa restriction?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi @Chrislyn Pereira

To do the Vacation Scheme, you would need to have the right to work in the UK. We wouldn't be in a position to assist you with a VISA just for the 2-week vacation scheme.

I hope that explains.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[keenaspiringlawyer]

I attended an Open Day previously but didn't think I had a strong application at that point. Would it be okay to apply again for an Open Day this cycle? (As I think I am much stronger now)

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

I attended an Open Day previously but didn't think I had a strong application at that point. Would it be okay to apply again for an Open Day this cycle? (As I think I am much stronger now)

Hi - yes absolutely. You should apply again if you feel your application is stronger.

Our next open day is on the 2nd December. Here is the link: https://ukgraduates.shearman.com/opportunities/open-day/

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Matt_96]

Hi Paul,

I interviewed for a vacation scheme in late 2017 or early 2018 after attending a student presentation and open day. It was my first ever 'serious' job interview as a fresh-faced undergrad and it didn't go well as I am not sure I prepared enough. Since it has been a while, would it be ok for me to apply again?

I am at a very different stage in my life, having completed my undergraduate degree and a two year masters, but I still remember just how friendly everyone I met from the firm was - yourself included!

Please let me know!

 

[Aicha]

I ended my first year with around 58% in my French and History degree. By the end of second year my grades went to 64.5%. I was wondering whether it would still be worth applying to your firm or would I be outright rejected?

My extra-curriculars and work experience are strong but would the grades enable me to get through the initial application round?

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

I ended my first year with around 58% in my French and History degree. By the end of second year my grades went to 64.5%. I was wondering whether it would still be worth applying to your firm or would I be outright rejected?

My extra-curriculars and work experience are strong but would the grades enable me to get through the initial application round?

Hi @Aicha - thanks for your question.

There's absolutely no reason why you would be rejected based on what you've told me.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

Hi Paul,

I interviewed for a vacation scheme in late 2017 or early 2018 after attending a student presentation and open day. It was my first ever 'serious' job interview as a fresh-faced undergrad and it didn't go well as I am not sure I prepared enough. Since it has been a while, would it be ok for me to apply again?

I am at a very different stage in my life, having completed my undergraduate degree and a two year masters, but I still remember just how friendly everyone I met from the firm was - yourself included!

Please let me know!

Hi @Matt_96

I think it's worth applying again. It can go either way if you have been interviewed previously, but as you've indicated, your first interview was a long time ago and you have developed since then.

Good luck!

Paul

 

[Aicha]

Hi @Aicha - thanks for your question.

There's absolutely no reason why you would be rejected based on what you've told me.

Thanks,

Paul

Amazing, thank you!

 

[PhoebeL]

Hi Paul,

I attended the open day (which was fab) and I plan on applying for a VS, I was just wondering if in the VS application I can transfer the information provided in the description boxes for the work history section on the open day application straight to the VS application?

 

[Amy456]

Hi Paul,

I applied to a vacation scheme at Shearman last year and was rejected prior to interview. Do you consider applicants that reapply?

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

Hi Paul,

I applied to a vacation scheme at Shearman last year and was rejected prior to interview. Do you consider applicants that reapply?

Hi @Amy456

Thanks for the question. Yes, I'd strongly encourage you to re-apply! Many candidates are successful second time around.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Lawgirl123]

Hi @Paul - Shearman & Sterling I was due to attend your webinar but was held up at work. Is there a recording I can access? many thanks

 

[Samantha]

Hi Paul,

What do your grade requirements look like?

Do you really care about very good grades? Or are you more interested in whether we've met a minimum threshold. I.e. Low or Mid 2:1?

 

[Jony]

Hi Paul! Thanks for answering the questions here so readily - they've been very useful in my application for an open day and I'll be looking forward to the workshops on the 2nd!

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

Hi Paul,

What do your grade requirements look like?

Do you really care about very good grades? Or are you more interested in whether we've met a minimum threshold. I.e. Low or Mid 2:1?

Hi @Samantha

Our grade requires are AAB at A-Level (or equivalent) and a min. 2.1 at university.

All applications that meet these criteria will be reviewed.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[AS2000]

Hi Paul,

Thank you for the Q&A session,

I wanted to ask you about the IB requirement for the vac scheme. What does S&S consider to be an AAB equivalent in terms of IB grades? So far, I have seen scores from 32 to 36 being equated to an AAB.

 

[jan28]

Hi Paul,

Apologies if I have missed this out in the email for the open day but are the attendees going to be on camera? I would assume so but I thought I'd ask just to make sure!

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

Hi Paul,

Apologies if I have missed this out in the email for the open day but are the attendees going to be on camera? I would assume so but I thought I'd ask just to make sure!

Hi @R19 - I'm really pleased you'll be joining us on Wednesday.

There'll be no requirement for you to join via your webcam. It's more of a webinar format.

Thanks,

Paul