Intern Review

I thought that the insight scheme at Baker & McKenzie was fantastic, I feel like I really got to know the firm’s culture and atmosphere – something that really differentiated it from its competitors. I was able to ask questions and develop my understanding of the firm in a formal and informal setting which made the whole experience much more relaxing and enjoyable.

I felt highly valued during my time at the firm. The timetable that was put together highlighted this as each activity was focused on our own personal development rather than information on the firm itself, this is particularly true for the shadowing and presentation skills sessions. I appreciated that our feedback was asked at the end as it shows the firm are dedicated to developing and improving their scheme for the benefit of its attendees.

I felt very supported during the insight scheme at the firm. I found that if I had any questions there was always someone involved in the session that I could receive an answer from. Moreover, at no time did I feel uncomfortable or awkward to ask a certain question or ask for guidance.

I think that a lot of the sessions held allowed for personal development and learning. The opportunity to explore the firm from the perspective of a trainee and advice on applications to law firm schemes will no doubt be useful information for the near future. Looking beyond that, the presentation skills session gave me ideas and skills that I will carry for life.

I definitely noticed that there was a strong structure to the day and receiving the timetable well in advance for the insight gave a clear impression of organisation and clarity to the scheme. However, there were some events that I thought would be better suited during different times, for example hosting the presentation skills session before the pitch presentation and holding the shadowing session on the Thursday rather than Friday afternoon to relieve the pressure on the trainees to try and get their work finished before the weekend as well as host a shadowee.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere during the scheme, I felt really comfortable with all the employees at the firm and the organisers were hugely welcoming and friendly. I could tell the scheme was designed to create a fun and light-hearted atmosphere especially during the pizza making session. As a result, I felt immensely comfortable with the firm and was more willing to ask questions and interact with employees.

I thought that the sessions were very much centred on personal training and development. They were informative – this included the insight into the firm, the presentation skills session and the one-to-one with graduate recruitment. They were also very much targeted towards personal development as demonstrated by the group task which allowed me to develop the techniques and experience needed for a future client pitch or public speaking event.

I found that the insight scheme was a best insight into the career as a trainee at the firm. The event included a trainee panel and the extremely helpful trainee shadowing session. Whilst there were opportunities to interact with the firm’s partners and ask them questions about their career, I felt the scheme could have gone into slightly more depth on this aspect.

I feel like I was able to grasp a good understanding of the firm’s culture in consideration of the fact that there were obviously time constraints as the scheme only lasted two days. I feel like it would take more time to fully experience the culture of the firm but this should not take away from the fact that the scheme did everything possible to deliver a good sense of the firm’s culture.

I found the experience extremely valuable in helping me decide on my future career path, especially the trainee shadowing session as it gave a good insight into the type of work the beginning of a career at the firm looks like. The information provided not only consolidated my desire to become a commercial solicitor but opened me up to the vast variety such a career entails.

As a student, I was very grateful to have been reimbursed for my travel. I feel like the maximum amount was sufficient enough for journeys to the firm both inside and outside of London. Although not needed, it was also very appreciated that the firm offered accommodation for those commuting from a far distance.

I feel like the strength of the insight scheme at Baker & McKenzie were the networking opportunities offered. There was plenty of opportunities to network with employees of all different levels within the firm – trainees, associates and partners – and sufficient time with each to do so thoroughly and have all my questions answered.

I really appreciated that the firm included both informal and formal networking and social event opportunities, this was something that I had not experienced on other insight events I have attended. I found this to be the best insight into the ethics and atmosphere of the firm, communicating with employees both within the working environment and outside of it.

I was surprised to hear about the vast opportunities available to take part in at the firm and for the employees to talk about it so often. I strongly got the impression that activities outside of work are a key part of the culture of the firm and also one of its successes after seeing the awards received for various sports teams.

I would definitely recommend the scheme to a friend. In my opinion, it has provided the best insight into a career in commercial law and in particular, a career at Baker & McKenzie. The sessions held were varied, informative and I learnt a lot from them. Taking part is a great start for potentially gaining a place on a vacation scheme or training contract at the firm.