Students and graduates in Hong Kong SAR

If you think a career in commercial law might be for you and are keen to find out more, then A&O First is a great place to start.

A&O First is much more than just work experience. It’s a programme with various touch points over the year and gives you access to a global support network designed to give you all the information, contacts and experience you need to decide whether a legal career at A&O is right for you.

The programme is packed full of insights, experiences and exposure to the work we do through work-shadowing and networking. During the scheme, we look to boost the skills we look for in future trainees such as technology and commercial awareness.

International A&O First

As one of the world's largest international law firms, we have a large global network, so it's important our people foster a global mind-set from day one. That's why we offer students attending A&O First the opportunity to apply for additional work experience in one of our international offices. This global experience will give you an international outlook and the opportunity to see how our teams collaborate across the globe.

As part of the scheme you will have:

• Advice and guidance from our graduate recruitment team
• Workshops in April and September with the London office and one week work experience in August with the Hong Kong office
• Work shadowing to see the role of a lawyer first-hand
• Ongoing support from a trainee ‘buddy’
• Peer support – you will get to know students from other universities and degree disciplines also on the scheme
• Opportunity to be fast-tracked to interview for a Vacation Scheme

Given that this programme offers insights into our London and Hong Kong offices, it is a great opportunity for students who are uncertain whether to commence their legal career in London or Hong Kong.

Eligibility

A&O First International (Hong Kong) is for first-year undergraduate students, as well as those in their second-year of a four-year course, preferably with Chinese language skills, and is open to all degree disciplines. To be eligible for this programme, you must study at a UK university and are on track for a 2:1 at University.

Application window

To be confirmed for 2024 programme.

Everything you are aiming for.

It can be difficult trying to differentiate one firm from another. That is why our Vacation Schemes are a great way to experience our cutting-edge work and collaborative culture.

As part of the scheme, you will gain real and valuable experience from day one, working alongside our lawyers on live deals and cases. There will be a number of events and presentations to attend where you will learn about key elements of our practice while developing the skills you need to be a successful international commercial lawyer.

It is not all work and no play. There is plenty of time to socialise with lawyers, trainees and partners as well as the other students on your scheme, - broadening your knowledge of the firm and building your network.

All those successful at interview and invited to participate in the vacation scheme will be considered for a training contract regardless of the format of the scheme (virtual, hybrid or in person). We have adapted the vacation scheme to equally benefit those who opt for virtual attendance, ensuring that they are able to fully participate in all aspects of programme through our online platforms and enhanced technology options.    

Information on the scheme

• The summer vacation scheme is held in Hong Kong in June and July each year (depending on Covid restrictions the programme is run virtually or in-person)
• The vacation scheme is a four week structured programme
• Students will need to be available for the entire duration – we are unable to have students leaving early or joining late.
• Vacation scheme students get to sit in 2 departments for 2 weeks each
• The internship is the best way for students to experience who we are and how we work

Eligibility

Applications are welcomed from penultimate and final year law students, or final year non-law students at university in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other common law jurisdictions.

Australian students who are successful in our assessment process, will be invited to participate during their term break in July.

Application window

• To be confirmed for 2024 programme
• We look at applications, schedule interviews and make offers on a rolling basis
• Applications need to be made online via our website
• Please be aware that you can only make one application each year to A&O, for either a Training Contract or Vacation Scheme

Starting a Training Contract with Allen & Overy is just the beginning of what will be a stimulating and rewarding legal career. Throughout the two years of your Training Contract, we will work closely with you to ensure you have the right support to develop into a successful commercial solicitor.

What will you do?

Your training will be based on four six-month rotations (known as ‘seats’) in our core practice areas – Banking, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, International Capital Markets, and Regulatory. You will be assigned a trainer (usually an associate), and you will be integral to the day-to-day operation of your department, working on transactions and cases, taking real responsibility and gaining plenty of client exposure.

Shortly before you start your A&O Training Contract, we will ask you to identify your two most preferred seats and you are guaranteed to sit in at least one of those during your Training Contract, and most people sit in both. Furthermore, one of your seats will take the form of a six-month secondment to our London office, Covid-19 travel restrictions permitting. This London seat will help you to develop a broader perspective on the work of a lawyer and prepare you for life as a qualified solicitor so it’s no surprise that 100% of our trainees take advantage of this opportunity. London secondments typically take place in the penultimate or final seat. 

Training and Support

One of the things our trainees value most about being at Allen & Overy is the award-winning training they receive. In each seat, you will sit with a partner or associate who will provide you with support and guidance, and you will take an active and practical role in the department’s work, with plenty of individual responsibility along the way.

In addition to learning practical skills such as drafting, transaction management, research and legal and office procedures, the experience you gain as a trainee will develop your professional conduct, particularly with respect to negotiation and communication with clients and colleagues.

You will receive training and support in a variety of ways, including mentoring from your supervisor. You will be given department-specific training at the start of each seat to ensure that you are well-equipped to make the most of your time there. You will also receive 'Know-How' and 'Professional Skills Training' from the Professional Support Lawyer in each department, which aims to build on the foundations you have established during the Postgraduate Certificate in Law, and develop your ability to contribute to the teams you work with during your Training Contract.

Your professional development is a priority for us and you will have an unrivalled training experience that will set you up for the rest of your career wherever it takes you. 

You will take on greater responsibility as you move through your seats and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Training Contract Applications

We recruit our trainees via our summer vacation scheme. We do not have a separate trainee recruitment programme for those who have already graduated. In the event that we need to add graduates to our intakes we will advertise the role on our website.