Global powerhouse A&O Shearman is a surefire win for aspiring finance, tech, energy, and life sciences whizzes looking for an international focus.
A&O Shearman Lateral Profile 2025
After the headline-making merger in May 2024, A&O Shearman has cemented itself as a household name in the BigLaw cul-de-sac. The firm receives the highest honor in Chambers USA for its bankruptcy/restructuring and environment work in New York, while corporate crime and investigations and projects (agency financing and mining and metals) take the cake nationwide.
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“During recruiting, they appeared to prioritize associate well-being higher than other firms; they also have many international opportunities.”
“I chose A&O Shearman because I felt that it would give me the most opportunity to grow as a litigator. It seemed that teams were lean and that junior associates tended to have a good deal of responsibility.”
“Its international profile; it’s top of the market in many jurisdictions, values past experience, and provides a variety of collaborators and cross-border work opportunities.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
53 |
2.2 : 1 |
60% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
57% |
46% |
71% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilities | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
2,000 |
14 |
46.7 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
66% |
66% |
53% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
felt like they could take vacation/annual leave on their own terms |
found the firm's claims around bonus allocation authentic |
Salaries
1st year: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
Is A&O Shearman the right firm for you?
|
94% |
100% |
71% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work they received was of the right quality |
felt that they chose the right firm |
We asked survey respondents what stands out about the firm's culture?
“The culture values training and teaching junior associates to become better lawyers.”
“I liked that the firm that truly considers itself as a single firm worldwide. The people have a very collaborative, team-oriented view of their work.”
“There’s a collaborative environment, as well as a down-to-earth way that associates, partners and management approach BigLaw life.”
Pro Bono
|
undisclosed |
76% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Erin Manna
Erin.Manna@aoshearman.com
646 344 6543