SAS Career Immersion: A Day at the Law Firm
Recently, a group of 20 high school students from Shanghai American School visited the bustling offices of the global law firm Jones Day. This exciting opportunity was made possible through partnership with the firm and SAS’s new Career Immersion Program, designed to give students an insider’s perspective on a variety of industries. For these aspiring young professionals, this visit was a front-row seat to the intricate world of law.
The day began with an introduction to the firm and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jones Day office. Students learned about the inner workings of the firm's operations and gained a glimpse into the fast-paced environment where some of the world's most complex legal challenges are tackled daily.
Students participated in an intense mock negotiation led by seasoned legal professionals specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Divided into two teams, the students participated in a simulated joint venture separation conflict between a U.S. energy company and a Chinese partner over assets and its future. This hands-on activity allowed them to practice negotiation skills in a fun and supportive setting. For many, it was their first taste of the high-stakes decision-making and critical thinking that define a lawyer’s world.
The highlight of the visit was an interactive career discussion with five legal practitioners with diverse backgrounds and practices. Students asked questions about law careers, the day-to-day life in a law firm, and the skills needed to succeed in the field. The presenters shared their own experiences, providing valuable insights and encouragement. Students left with a realistic portrait of what it takes to thrive in the legal field. Caridee C, a senior considering a career in law, reflected: “I learned a lot about the pathway to being a career lawyer, which I found really helpful. I also gained a lot of insight into what lawyers do outside of the courtroom as well as the sheer variety of different types of lawyers, which I really appreciated.”
The visit to Jones Day ended with students leaving not only with a better understanding of the legal profession but also with a sense of empowerment and curiosity about their own futures.
Through Career Immersion, SAS is providing real-world transformative experiences to our students, helping them explore future career options and consider how their passions today could be pursued tomorrow.
