Singapore early careers

Are you looking for new challenges and the chance to take your career to the next level?

singapore early careers

Build your global future with us

At A&O Shearman, we lead the market by finding new ways to meet the challenges our clients face.

Whatever your area of expertise and wherever your ambitions lie, we provide you with the platform to develop your career and the challenges to help you realize your full potential. But we're offering more than just exciting work.


We care about our people, which is why we foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging. When you start your career with us, you'll be learning from the best in an environment that celebrates your individuality.

Summer vacation scheme

Overview

What we look for

Application process

Interview process

Key dates

Overview

Experience what it means to be empowered

The Singapore Summer Vacation Scheme will run for three weeks during July and will allow for rotations through two practice areas. On this scheme, you’ll be able to gain real and valuable skills you will use and develop throughout your career, working with industry-defining clients and industry-leading colleagues. You’ll have a diverse range of events and presentations at your disposal that will show you what it takes to excel as a successful international commercial lawyer.

As well as gaining insights into the work we do, there will be plenty of time to socialise with our HR team, lawyers and partners as well as the other students on your scheme – broadening your knowledge of the firm, building your network and giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the culture that will define your experience with us should you join as a trainee.

All those successful in gaining a vacation scheme place will be paid a stipend and will be considered for an England & Wales Training Contract (also known as the Qualifying Work Experience). We do not offer direct Training Contracts in Singapore.

Singapore training contract

Overview

Route to Qualification (SQE)

What you will do

Training and support

Singapore graduate brochure

Overview

Experience a career without limits

Our Training Contracts are designed to continually help you evolve and reach your full potential. At our firm, you’ll find your strengths, overcome challenges and bring out your best self – all to become a first-class lawyer.

You will have two years of training where you will experience four six-month seats, that cover a variety of departments of practice areas. Here, you can expand your knowledge in the areas that interest you, whilst also discovering more about the areas of work we do, that you weren’t as aware of. Over the course of the Training Contract, you’ll be able to find your strengths, overcome challenges, and bring out your best self.

Kindly note that we recruit our trainees via our Summer Vacation Scheme. We do not offer direct Training Contracts in Singapore.

man in suit smiling

Law career guide

Whether you’re applying to A&O Shearman or any other law firm, this hub will provide you with advice tips and key information on application processes, interview prep, and assessment days.

More reasons to apply

The best way to learn is from real-world experience. Singapore is a hub for south-east Asia, with our Singapore office an intrinsic part of A&O Shearman’s Asia Pacific network. Even in the early stages of your career, you will be given genuine responsibility on client projects, and have the opportunity to work on cross-border deals. That means that as a trainee, you will be making real contributions to real, globally impacting projects. With A&O Shearman, you’ll be given the support to help you excel whilst making an impact on work that matters. 

Singapore business district

Global virtual work experience programme

At A&O Shearman, we recognise legal work can be difficult to obtain at times. Which is why we’ve partnered with Forage to design a globally accessible virtual work experience. The self-paced, modular experience will provide you with an important understanding of the day-to-day tasks a commercial lawyer at A&O Shearman will face. It helps you gain a valuable insight into your chosen career path by exposing you to some of the tasks and responsibilities you would face in the role and start developing the skills to help make you successful. It also is a great tool to help you decide if your chosen career path is the right one for you. This programme is open to all and there are no minimum requirements to join. We also offer an alternative virtual work experience for school and college leavers based on Employment Law. Start your virtual work experience today:

Technology and M&A Law

Employment Law

Off Cycle International Arbitration (OC-IA) internship, Singapore (February to December 2025)

Located in the vibrant city of Singapore, the Off Cycle International Arbitration (OC-IA) internship offers a unique chance to delve into the dynamic world of arbitration. Interns will work closely with our esteemed partners and associates, engaging in a variety of tasks and projects that serve our diverse clientele.

We are on the lookout for self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and ideally possess prior experience in arbitration. The ideal candidates will be team players with excellent organizational and communication skills, ready to contribute to our collaborative and high-performing work environment. A monthly stipend will be provided to those successful in securing a place.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for our internship program, you must be a law graduate with an LLM degree or equivalent. Priority will be given to those with a keen interest and prior experience in arbitration. Additionally, you should be able to live and work legally in Singapore. We strongly encourage you to apply for a Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme in Singapore if you are an undergraduate or graduate of a university recognized by the governments of Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

We require a commitment to the full 3-month internship to ensure you can fully benefit from this opportunity. If you need any adjustments to participate, please let us know in your application form. Additionally, please indicate your preferred internship period in your application. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Kindly note that only successful candidates will be contacted.

Click here to apply.

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