A&O Shearman: More Than Two Decades of Opening Doors
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
For more than two decades, A&O Shearman has been one of The Brokerage's longest-standing and most valued partners, helping to create opportunities for talented young Londoners who may never have imagined a future in the City's professional services.
Throughout our partnership, A&O Shearman has consistently gone beyond financial support. Together, we've pioneered innovative programmes, strengthened our schools outreach work and welcomed hundreds of young people into one of the world's leading law firms. Time and again, colleagues have volunteered their expertise, shared their career journeys and offered invaluable encouragement to the next generation.
Few partnerships better capture what The Brokerage stands for: a long-term commitment to breaking down barriers, broadening access and opening doors to careers that might otherwise have felt out of reach.
Partnership at a Glance
Over the last 10 years, together we've achieved:
40 career and employability events delivered
761 young people supported
208 volunteers sharing their experience and expertise
312 volunteer hours donated
At least five Brokerage alumni progressing into careers at A&O Shearman
Creating Opportunities Through People
As one of the world's leading international law firms, A&O Shearman believes that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes. Its commitment to inclusion, responsible business and creating opportunities has made it a natural partner for The Brokerage.
Across almost 50 offices worldwide, the firm is known for helping clients solve complex legal challenges while investing in the people and communities around it. That same philosophy has been evident throughout its partnership with The Brokerage.
Whether hosting careers insight days, supporting employability workshops or helping students develop confidence through mock interviews and networking events, A&O Shearman volunteers have continually invested their time where it matters most: in young people.
Every conversation, office visit and mentoring session has helped students build confidence, expand their networks and see that a career in law or the wider professional services sector is something they can genuinely aspire to.
As Sue Wisbey, Community Investment Manager at A&O Shearman, explains:
"Our partnership with The Brokerage demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses and charities work together with a shared purpose. By combining our expertise, networks and commitment to social mobility, we are helping more young people realise their potential and broaden their career aspirations."
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The Brokerage exists to ensure that talent, not background, determines opportunity.
That ambition is reflected in A&O Shearman's own commitment to inclusion and responsible business, recognising that creating lasting social impact means investing in people and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute and excel.
Over the years, this shared purpose has created opportunities that extend far beyond a single event or workshop. Together, we've helped young people develop skills, gain professional experience and, in many cases, begin careers they may never have considered possible.
For at least five Brokerage alumni, that journey has come full circle, progressing from participants in our programmes to employees at A&O Shearman itself.
Looking Ahead
Long-standing partnerships like A&O Shearman demonstrate what sustained collaboration can achieve.
Over more than 20 years, their people have shared their expertise, opened their workplace and championed the next generation of talent. The result isn't simply hundreds of young people supported—it's thousands of moments of confidence, connection and possibility that continue to shape careers today.
As The Brokerage celebrates 30 Years, 30 Stories, A&O Shearman's story is a powerful reminder that lasting change happens when organisations commit not just to opportunity, but to people.
Find out more about our work
The partnerships that are formed at The Brokerage are far reaching past contracts and investments - together they impact futures, careers, goals and aspirations in the young people we work with. If you're looking to support our work - please email: partnerships@thebrokerage.org.uk today! Or make a difference and donate -
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