Summer Vacation Schemer Review

Hugely, work is often practical trainee standard tasks, with responsibility and trust given regarding a variety of tasks. This can make such a difference and has meant that I've been able to really get to grips with the process of a transaction, advisory or drafting work necessary within every department I've been part of. The socials have also been fantastic, varied and genuine good fun - with bowling and karaoke, pizza making and Prosecco and private lunches to keep my night's busy and really get to talk to members of the firm in a more relaxed and sociable environment.

I have felt quite valued during my time at Bakers, often with whatever work we where part of involving me as a bona fide member of the team. I've often also felt like my work is valuable and taken with a degree of trust, that has meant that I have felt assured that I am contributing to whatever project I may be working on; being tasked with often important administrative and practical aspects of a deal.

Often the people I worked with actively took their time to discuss any questions I had, and any instructions and feedback that they may have had in a friendly and open way. They understood my level of learning and understanding and at no stage did I feel barred from asking questions, with the people I worked with also taking their time to explain the significance of my work and mechanics of the project I was working on.

I have been able to significantly develop my commercial awareness and understanding around the mechanics of incredibly large, complex corporate transactions. This is an invaluable practical insight that is hard to get and something that will only aid me in future when working in any industry with any sort of financial undertones. A variety of soft skills have also come into play, whilst I have constantly had to communicate with a variety of people in a myriad of ways, complete research and aid people around me through using problem solving and a variety of other skills. This sort of development can only be a positive wherever I end up.

We where given a schedule at the beginning of the scheme as well as an insight into both of the departments we would be in, with email updates and invites to various events via our digital diary also making sure we always knew what was going on, when and where. The spread of some 11 diverse 'snapshot' presentations into different departments and areas of the firm throughout all three weeks was also well done, and at no point did I fell like a day was dominated by a series of events in a way that would impact on my work within my department.

Very sociable, fun and a real group of friendly characters, who genuinely care about making sure you enjoy yourself and get the most out of the scheme. That above all else has been a massive highlight of my time here, as I've always felt able to ask questions, get an insight into the firm and feel like I am a valued member of the team who is still learning and worth teaching and supporting.

Various lawyers I have worked with have actively taken their time to ensure that I get to grips with and understand the nature of the projects I am working on. Additionally the firm have organised very useful Presentational Skills sessions along with a client pitch, the feedback from which is extremely useful.

I have been able to see deals from start to end, various elements and processes and importantly the culture of the firm and nature of the people I have been able to work with day-to-day. This is invaluable and has significantly reinforced my attitude and understanding of the firm, as well as the culture within it.

Meeting people through social events or when completing work has ensured I've been able to get a great flavour of the sort of culture inherent at Bakers in a practical way. Three weeks is a great length of time to get this significant insight and importantly see if has fitted me too.

Attending some 11 different presentations on a variety of different practice areas and the opportunity to meet people within other departments of note has been very useful and ensured I've had a snapshot of practice groups I wouldn't have considered before. This is great as beyond the scheme I know feel like my interests in different areas of work has been emboldened.

We where paid weekly for the duration of the scheme.

Absolutely, the variety of social events allowed us to meet with different people from a diverse set of departments and really quiz them about their line of work and what they liked or disliked about the area they worked in, in a candid way. Equally I've been able to actively meet people over various coffees to further discuss one to one anything of interest.

Really good fun and greatly useful. Everyone is very honest and friendly in a way that only ensures you can have some fun too and really get to grips with wrapping your head around the nature of working within the firm and any burning questions you may have. I have really appreciated the social events and networking we have had the opportunity to do.

Yes, and having attended a variety of them can say we have both been actively encouraged to take part if we want to and don't at all feel out of place in taking part. For me this included a speech by the founder of Iraq's only LGBTQ group which was a highlight in so much as it reinforced my understanding of the platform Bakers can offer to do something that may not have something to do with the day to day tasks its lawyers encounter.

Wholeheartedly. The scheme has been very useful, both in understanding whether this is the right career path for me, the right firm to do it with and ultimately has been a heck of a lot of fun, and an invaluable insight into Bakers. I would heavily recommend the scheme to a friend.