Summer Vacation Scheme Review

The vac scheme with Bakers gave me a great insight into the workings of a multinational firm. I was able to try some high quality work, as well as attend plenty of social activities where I met numerous people from the firm. I would highly recommend the scheme to anyone interested in a career in international commercial law, the experience is invaluable.

During my three weeks at Baker McKenzie I felt I quickly became part of the two teams I joined. I was given great quality work and, although due to the length of the scheme you can't invest too much time on any one project, I was given plenty of responsibilities and genuinely felt like my work was valued.

Both teams I was part of (Tax and Banking) went above and beyond in offering their support whilst I was getting used to each department. Everyone was genuinely helpful and went above and beyond to provide me with feedback and guidance.

I was very fortunate to have taken part in the scheme, not least because I was offered a training contract at the end of it (maybe the biggest career milestone for any aspiring lawyer). However, even if that wasn't the case, I would have considerably improved my project management and problem solving skills, not to mention substantially increased my knowledge in the practice areas I sat in. The seats I took also allowed me to confirm my interest in the two practice areas I experienced, which is very important for the direction of my future career.

The graduate recruitment team were amazing at striking the right balance between offering opportunities to meet people from the firm, experiencing some of the additional activities the firm has to offer (such as workshops with school students and pro-bono work), whilst also giving you enough time to actually try the work in your chosen departments. Great structure, the scheme was very well thought out. The only thing that caused some discomfort were the multiple workshops on the different practice areas, scattered at various points throughout the scheme. However, as a big part of the scheme is to teach you to manage your time effectively, I actually found I learned a lot from the busy schedule.

Everyone was really friendly, respectful and supportive. Both teams I was a part of worked well together, and although there were some high-pressure moments when work became demanding for some members of the team (which is to be expected in a leading law firm), I felt their contribution was recognised and the whole team was engaged to make sure no one is left on their own. Overall, wonderful team environment to work in.

Bakers organised a number of workshops and training sessions. I feel the best part however was when we were asked to deliver a client pitch, as it really challenged us to think outside the box and make the most of the firm resources available (extensive knowledge and client resources). The best learning in my view is done on the job, and the vacation scheme really offered that opportunity without making you feel lost.

The scheme was a wonderful opportunity to experience working in the City, amongst legal professionals on the top of their game. There is nothing better to put your aspirations to the test, than seeing others being what you want to achieve in future, and the vac scheme with Bakers spared nothing in showing me a realistic view on the profession.

A vacation scheme is meant to give you an insight into how the firm works in reality, stripping the corporate slogans and pretty brochures. I was very excited to see that Bakers hadn't oversold itself for its culture of approachability and diversity, and I never would have been able to confirm this without trying out the job before I committed to the firm long term.

Having already done one vacation scheme in a very different firm, I was already more or less aware of what the different practice areas entailed. What I found really helpful during my vacation scheme at Bakers was the way the departments tailored the workshops to what they actually did on a day-to-day basis, without sugarcoating the not-so-exciting parts of the job (or the occasional long hours). This gave me an objective perspective on the profession, so when it came to it I could make an educated decision when thinking about my future career.

Everyone from the scheme was paid weekly at a rate in line with the rest of the City. Although it would have been helpful to have travel expenses incurred during the scheme reimbursed, it is not common practice and I found the pay to be sufficient to cover basic expenses whilst staying in London (not including accommodation, however).

Absolutely, plenty of them. They were also very well timed so as to allow a good variety of people from the firm to attend each time. This meant you can speak to associates and partners from various departments giving you great exposure to what working in the firm is like on a daily basis. Hearing about everyone's experiences during these networking events really allowed me to create an objective view of the firm.

We had a number of really fun socials, which invited a wonderful mix of people from all levels of seniority. All the social events were truly enjoyable and everyone felt included in the conversation. My highlights would have to be the bowling/karaoke night and the last social in the OXO tower. The socials really allowed us to relax and get to know people on a more personal level.

Yes, for example various sports clubs and charity initiatives. We also had plenty of opportunities to get involved during the scheme, which was a great way to meet people from other departments. The people I met from Bakers were also regularly spending time together after work, meaning you have the chance to develop strong relationships with your colleagues outside of the office too.

Without a doubt, especially if they are looking for a workplace where their views will be respected and listened to, and where they will be given the highest quality of legal work in the City. Considering how much I learned during my time at Bakers, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this experience to any of my friends (both from legal and non-legal degrees).