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5 minutes with future trainee, Anna Ling

Anna Ling

Q. What University did you attend?
A. LSE

Q. What subject are you studying?
A. I studied law at LSE and recently completed the LPC at the University of Law.

Q. When do you join as a trainee?
A. August 2017 – so very soon!

Q. How did you hear about Shearman & Sterling?
A. I attended Shearman & Sterling’s annual Women in Law conference, where I had the opportunity to meet with a variety of inspiring women at the firm (including my eventual trainee buddy!).

Q. What made you apply?
A. The Women in Law conference left me with a fantastic impression of Shearman & Sterling – everyone I had spoken to was approachable and outgoing, and the friendly culture of the firm was clear. As a lawyer’s work inevitably involves a lot of team work, I wanted to work somewhere with supportive and sociable colleagues I could easily get along with, and Shearman & Sterling really fit the bill for me.

Q. How did you approach the initial application form?
A. I did a lot of research, as I wanted to ensure that my application reflected my genuine interest in the firm and its work. For instance, on the application form, I cited deals the firm had been involved with that I had found particularly interesting, which allowed me to tailor my answers accordingly. I also made a ‘cheat sheet’ summarising my findings which I could refer to while I drafted my application – this proved very useful when I was invited back to the firm for an assessment centre!

Q. What made Shearman & Sterling different to other firms?
A. Shearman & Sterling really stands out as a firm that places great value on its trainees and offers incredible opportunities to be involved on industry-defining work. A small trainee intake means high levels of responsibility from the outset and a real opportunity to shape your career from day one. Furthermore, the firm actively encourages trainees to spend a seat in places like New York, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Brussels. There is therefore plenty of opportunity to experience first-hand the international nature of the firm’s work.

Additionally, the work that Shearman & Sterling lawyers engage in is far from routine. Most, if not all, deals involve multi-jurisdictional aspects and often re-define industry standards. While the London offices of some other US firms tend to be seen as ‘outposts’, Shearman & Sterling’s is anything but, with the firm’s London office boasting strong capabilities and frequently playing leading roles in cross-border deals. The work is challenging and highly rewarding, and you will never be bored.

Q. Did you do a Vacation Scheme and if so, what did you learn/enjoy?
A. No – but while Vacation Schemes are a great way to learn more about a firm, approximately half of my trainee intake did not complete a Vacation Scheme at Shearman & Sterling. So even if you are unable to secure a Vacation Scheme, as long as you are confident that you know enough about Shearman & Sterling, I would encourage you to apply!

Q. What made you accept?
A. While the assessment centre I attended was undoubtedly quite challenging, the Partners, Associates and members of the Graduate Recruitment Team that I met were welcoming and supportive throughout the day. My interviewers were genuinely interested in getting to know me, and any questions I had were answered with enthusiasm. I left the assessment day with full confidence that I could fit in well at the firm, and when I received my offer there was no hesitation in accepting.

Q. What advice would you give to others who are interested in Shearman & Sterling?
A. My advice would be to research the firm thoroughly. Researching a firm is a two-way street – well-cited information about Shearman & Sterling on an application is a great way to demonstrate genuine interest in the firm and what it does, and it is also an excellent way to find out more about the firm and figure out if it is right for you. There is a plethora of information about Shearman & Sterling available on the internet, and the graduate recruitment blog is a great place to start. When drafting your application, curate your research and ensure your answers are able to demonstrate both commitment to the firm, and the unique skills and knowledge you possess that would make you a great trainee at Shearman & Sterling.

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