Frequently Asked Questions — A&O Shearman

Question 1

Who is A&O Shearman?

Accepted Answer

A&O Shearman is a global law firm advising leading businesses, financial institutions and governments on their most significant and complex matters, combining deep sector knowledge with cross-border reach.

Question 2

What areas of law does the firm practise?

Accepted Answer

Our teams cover corporate and M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, litigation and disputes, regulatory and compliance, and related specialist practices. You can explore each area in detail on our Expertise pages.

Question 3

Is the firm regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our UK practice is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and our offices operate under the professional standards applicable in each jurisdiction in which we practise.

Question 4

How do I instruct the firm on a new matter?

Accepted Answer

Reach the relevant team through our Contact page or your usual firm contact. We will discuss scope, conflicts and timing before confirming an engagement in writing.

Question 5

How are fees structured?

Accepted Answer

Fee arrangements are agreed at the outset of each engagement and are tailored to the matter. Options include hourly rates, fixed fees and capped or phased arrangements, all set out clearly in your engagement letter.

Question 6

How quickly will someone respond to an enquiry?

Accepted Answer

New enquiries are typically acknowledged within one business day. Existing clients should raise live matters through their usual contact or the secure operations portal for the fastest response.

Question 7

What is the secure operations portal?

Accepted Answer

The portal is our secure workspace where clients and consultants coordinate matters, assignments, documents, compliance and review in one place, with a full audit trail.

Question 8

How do I get access to the portal?

Accepted Answer

Access is granted to engaged clients and approved consultants. If you have an invitation, register with your firm-issued email; otherwise contact us and we will arrange access.

Question 9

How is my information kept secure?

Accepted Answer

Data is protected with encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access controls and row-level security, so each user sees only the matters and information they are authorised to access.

Question 10

I've forgotten my password — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Use the password reset link on the sign-in screen. You will receive an email to set a new password securely; if you do not receive it, contact us and we will help.

Question 11

How do consultants join the firm's network?

Accepted Answer

Consultants are onboarded by invitation and assigned a seniority level once approved. Each consultant is set up with a portal account through which work is issued and reviewed.

Question 12

How is work assigned to consultants?

Accepted Answer

Assignments are matched to each consultant's seniority and expertise. More senior consultants receive more complex, higher-value matters, while newer consultants handle more contained work as they build their record.

Question 13

How is consultant work reviewed and compensated?

Accepted Answer

Every deliverable is reviewed by our legal operations team before it is accepted. Compensation reflects the matter's value and the consultant's level, and is confirmed through the portal after review.

Answers to the questions we're asked most.