Job description

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the worlds most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

A&O Shearmans Madrid office is full service advising clients on Spanish and English law. The office boasts English law capabilities in debt finance, capital markets and international arbitration, with a focus in the real estate, energy and infrastructure sectors.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the worlds leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

Application Process

To apply, you will need to submit an online application detailing your work and education history. Please ensure you include your CV and academic transcript, as these documents are required.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email with a link to complete an interactive assessment. This assessment consists of:

• A series of reasoning tests
• Two short motivation questions, to be answered via video

The assessment is untimed and typically takes around 45 minutes to complete. It is designed to help us evaluate your skills, understand your motivation, and assess your fit for the trainee role.

Overview

During your two-year training contract in Madrid, you will become an integral part of our team. You will work side by side with partners and senior associates on complex and high-profile matters. You will be given significant autonomy and responsibility from the outset, allowing you to develop your legal and professional skills in a dynamic environment.

There may be an opportunity to work or in London or in another A&O Shearman office for up to six months of joining training contract.

Throughout the training contract, you will receive continuous support from our HR team and benefit from a dedicated mentoring scheme, ensuring you have guidance and feedback at every stage of your development. This unique structure is designed to help you grow as a lawyer, take on real challenges, and make a meaningful impact within the firm.

Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in an industry-leading law firm.
• Gain Knowledge of Spanish market and opportunities.
• Build lasting professional connections and enjoy a strong team culture.
• Course fees and a maintenance grant are covered during law school.
• Support throughout your Training Contract by both a dedicated Buddy and HR team. Ensuring guidance, feedback, and personal development every step of the way.

Requirements:

Education

• We welcome applications from Law graduates eligible to start their SQE studies in Spring 2026, and non-English law graduates who have completed or are completing their PGDL and will be eligible for SQE in Spring 2026.
• Applicants should have strong academic records: minimum AAB at A-Level (136 UCAS points), a 2:1 degree (achieved or predicted), 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above.
• Advanced Spanish.

Skills

• We look for individuals with potential: open-mindedness, innovation, collaboration and critical thinking. These are the skills that will set your application apart and set you up for success in a high-performing, industry leading firm like ours.

If your profile matches our requirements, we will be in touch with you soon!