Careers in

Cooperative training programme (COOP Scheme)

Step into the heart of our Riyadh office and experience the pace, complexity and excitement that define life at A&O Shearman through our COOP Scheme. Designed exclusively for high-calibre university students, this immersive placement offers an unparalleled vantage point on live matters that span industries, jurisdictions and practice areas, giving you genuine insight into the international breadth of our Middle East practice from day one.

Throughout the programme you will be seated alongside associates who will guide you through ongoing transactions, sharing practical know-how and providing structured, real-time feedback. You will draft, research and problem-solve on the same deals and disputes that occupy our teams, ensuring that every task you undertake is both commercially relevant and intellectually stretching.

Beyond the work within your immediate seat, you will collaborate across departments on projects designed to refine your analytical, teamwork and presentation skills. By contributing to client briefings, participating in brainstorming sessions and attending internal know-how workshops, you will build a holistic understanding of our clients’ needs and the full spectrum of legal services we deliver across the region.

Your performance throughout the scheme will form the basis of our assessment for securing a trainee associate role.

If you are ready to move from theory to practice and see first-hand what it means to advise at the forefront of the Middle East legal market, we invite you to apply to the A&O Shearman Riyadh COOP Scheme today.

Language requirements

Candidates must be fluent in Arabic and have proficiency in business English.

Personal skills

We seek candidates who demonstrate strong personal skills alongside academic ability. These include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, attention to detail, and adaptability. Evidence of these skills, whether from academic, extracurricular, or personal experiences, is valued in our COOP scheme applications.

Application window

September 16–October 16, 2025

Interviews will take place during November 2025.

Intake dates

December 2025 or January 2026 (depending on your university term dates)

Helpful resources

Application Dos and Don’ts