Magic Circle

Training Contract at Allen & Overy

Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.

90 trainees/year

£54,000 trainee salary

Deadline: 31 January 2027

Funds SQE

The Firm

About Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman following its 2024 combination with Shearman & Sterling) is one of the original Magic Circle firms. It is particularly renowned for its banking and finance, capital markets, and cross-border M&A practices across more than 40 countries.

The firm has a reputation for high intellectual standards and a demanding but supportive trainee environment. Following the combination with Shearman & Sterling, the firm has an increasingly transatlantic focus. Pro bono and social mobility initiatives are prominent.

Banking & FinanceCorporate/M&ADisputesProjectsReal EstateTax

Key Numbers

Training contract at a glance

Annual intake

trainees

Seat rotations

seats over 2 years

Trainee salary

£54,000

per year

NQ salary

£130,000

on qualification

Min. degree

2:1 (or equivalent)

required

Deadline

31 January 2027

application closes

Once you secure your TC, you still need to pass the SQE

Allen & Overy funds SQE preparation — A&O Shearman funds SQE preparation in full, including course fees and SRA exam registration fees. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.

Preferred provider: BPP University Law School

Selection Criteria

What Allen & Overy looks for

Academic requirements

A 2:1 degree or above in any subject. The firm funds GDL/PGDL conversion for non-law graduates.

Core values they screen for

Commercial focusIntellectual rigourCollaborationAmbitionCommitment to clients

Experience & background

Vacation scheme experience at A&O is strongly preferred. Commercial work experience of any kind is valued.

The Process

Application timeline

Vacation scheme applications openOctober 2026

Primary TC pipeline - apply for the summer vacation scheme first.

Online assessmentsNovember–December 2026

Verbal reasoning, situational judgement, and a video interview.

Assessment centreJanuary–March 2027

Group exercise, written exercise, and a partner interview.

Vacation schemeJune–July 2027

TC offers typically made at the end of the scheme.

How to Win

Application tips for Allen & Overy

Read Financial Times coverage of cross-border deals and be able to discuss them fluently - M&A and finance are the firm's heartland.

Reference specific practice areas you want to sit in; the firm expects candidates to understand its structure.

Post-combination with Shearman & Sterling, the firm is building a more US-facing culture - international ambition is valued.

SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →

Assessment

Interview & assessment format

Process stages

1Online application
2Online assessments (verbal/SJT)
3Video interview
4Assessment centre (group, written, partner interview)

Interview tips

—Prepare STAR examples for commercial awareness, teamwork, and resilience.
—The partner interview includes a case study - practise structuring commercial analysis.

Insider Knowledge

Insider tips

Observations from those who know the firm well.

The firm has a particularly strong capital markets practice - candidates interested in this area should reference it explicitly.

International secondments are a genuine feature of training - demonstrating language skills or international experience helps.

Qualification Costs

SQE funding at Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy funds SQE preparation

A&O Shearman funds SQE preparation in full, including course fees and SRA exam registration fees. A maintenance grant is provided during study. The firm uses BPP University Law School as its appointed provider, though candidates should verify current arrangements as these can change post-combination.

Preferred SQE provider: BPP University Law School

SQE Cost Calculator →Compare SQE providers

The Full Picture

The full qualification journey

TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.

TC Application

Apply to firms

TC Offer

Secure your place

TC Application

Apply to firms

TC Offer

Secure your place

SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →

Next Step

Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.

Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.

Compare SQE Providers →SQE Pass Rates Track QWE

FAQ

Allen & Overy — frequently asked questions

How many trainees does Allen & Overy take per year?

Allen & Overy takes approximately 90 trainees per year across 4 seat rotations over two years.

What is the Allen & Overy training contract salary?

The trainee salary at Allen & Overy is £54,000. Newly qualified (NQ) solicitors earn £130,000.

Does Allen & Overy fund SQE preparation?

What is the Allen & Overy training contract application deadline?

The Allen & Overy training contract application deadline is 31 January 2027. Applications are submitted directly via the firm's graduate recruitment portal.

What does Allen & Overy look for in training contract applications?

Allen & Overy requires a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) degree. The firm values Commercial focus, Intellectual rigour, Collaboration, Ambition, Commitment to clients. A 2:1 degree or above in any subject. The firm funds GDL/PGDL conversion for non-law graduates.

What is the Allen & Overy assessment centre format?

The selection process involves: Online application; Online assessments (verbal/SJT); Video interview; Assessment centre (group, written, partner interview).

Ready to apply?

Applications go directly to Allen & Overy's official graduate recruitment portal.

Apply at Allen & Overy

Opens in a new tab — you will leave The Qualified Path.

Get SQE updates for TC holders

Exam dates, pass rate data, and funding guidance. No spam.