RateMyPlacement
Speaking/meeting people in the firm, getting involved in live work and going to talks and event organised by graduate recruitment
Working on smaller tasks for associates and trainees
There were a number of sessions run by graduate recruitment, such as information on pro bono work and a group task. We also sat in 2 different departments, which involved completing work and networking with people within the departments.
Generally we were set tasks by our supervisors or trainee buddies to work on independently. We also had daily opportunities to attend department and client meetings. We spoke to people outside of our department too, either through networking events or by getting in touch proactively. The vac scheme included a few fun socials as well!
- Working on teamwork and pro bono tasks. - Working on individual tasks set by supervisor/buddy or other members of the team. - Attending graduate recruitment events (socials or department speed networking etc.) - Meeting trainees, associates and partners from a variety of teams.
Helping out solicitors with daily tasks, attending meetings, coordinating projects, going to graduate recruitment events.
Three weeks working in two departments in the firm, providing support on client work done by the firm's lawyers. There was also a pro bono and a pitch exercise.
I sat in two departments over the three weeks, undertaking trainee tasks and sitting in on departmental and client meetings. We were also given a pro bono task to complete over the three weeks, as well as a group client pitch presentation exercise which we conducted in the final week. We also had many departmental presentations and networking events, as well as social events.
I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual vacation scheme at Baker McKenzie! The scheme provided me with an invaluable insight into the firm and its culture as well as the day to day role of a corporate lawyer. I particularly enjoyed the various networking sessions organised by the grad recruitment team and my trainee buddy which provided participants with plenty of opportunities to speak with a number of people across the firm from a wide range of backgrounds and practice areas.
The insight was very enjoyable. The firm put on lots of activities and insight sessions that enabled us to get to know both the people within the firm and the culture of the firm. The work was spaced out and was not too full on which allowed us to spend a lot of time getting to know the different areas of the firm whilst also getting a good taste for the different kinds of work that the lawyers do.
I really enjoyed the quality of work provided to vacation scheme students and the opportunities of pro-bono and CSR activities. Everyone was very friendly which made the scheme very welcoming and allowed me to perform to the best of my ability. The socials were also enjoyable even though they were virtual and there was an effort on the part of the graduate recruitment to ensure these activities were not missed out on. However, I would have really liked to have met everyone in person and found it more challenging to develop relationships virtually.
The Remote Vacation Scheme was an invaluable experience not only to learn about the culture at Baker McKenzie, but also to deepen my understanding of a career in commercial law in the City. The Vac Scheme was really useful in allowing me to learn about how Bakers specifically operates both from a legal and business perspective. The insight was also really enjoyable as I had the opportunity to socialise with the other vac schemers on planned remote socials, as well as network with people at all different stages in their legal careers through planned networking events/ coffee catch-ups.
The Vacation Scheme at Baker McKenzie was very enjoyable, and the Graduate Recruitment team worked hard to make it so. There were a variety of socials organised for us, ranging from a painting class to darts, which allowed Schemers to get to know each other better outside of the office environment.
Baker McKenzie's vac scheme has been great experience at what working in a multi-jurisdictional and full service law firm is like- the vac scheme itself ensures that you get a chance to experience this as fully as possible. However, the way the vac scheme is set up means that at some points during the scheme you can be very busy, and at others, have little to nothing to do. This is perhaps due to the fact that any work vac schemers get involved in is 'actual' work that Baker McKenzie is engaged in but does mean that depending on the seat that you are sat in, the value of your experience can vary immensely.
I really enjoyed the scheme, as there was a good mix of work from various departments, social opportunities, and sessions to learn about various areas of the firm.
I really enjoyed the entirety of the three weeks as I undertook challenging yet exciting work and gained a greater understanding of the culture of the firm. I also made great friends with the other students on the vacation scheme who were incredibly supportive throughout. The scheme was well structured and enabled us to have a well-rounded experience of the firm.
I really enjoyed my time on the vacation scheme at Baker McKenzie, as the people were incredibly friendly and supportive. The vacation scheme not only provided me with first-hand experience of life as a trainee, but also the opportunity to experience the diversity and inclusion initiatives that you can get involved in.
I very very much enjoyed the Spring Vacation Scheme at Baker Mckenzie as I believed everyone was very open and friendly, which means we got to ask plenty of questions and really understand the work offered at the firm and how the firm operates.
