Summer Clerk Review

by Baker McKenzie

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.3/5
  • The Role
    3.6
  • The Company
    3.7
  • The Culture
    2.4

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • The Baker & McKenzie vacation scheme was excellent. Well organised with exceptional support networks, I really enjoyed the 3 week period on the whole. Bakers really looked to accommodate me in the best way they could, ranging from the people I worked with, my seat preferences, and the organised socials!

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • As a vac scheme student, I felt my input in the Corporate Department probably was more of a hindrance than a help, only due to the fact that they were pushed for time on such technical aspects of working to close a deal. However, my week in Disputes I could feel that everything I did was genuinely helping the trainees and associates towards their work. Moreover, the trainees were fantastic. I felt really accommodated on the whole and it took no time to fit in at all.

    4/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • In Corporate (West), my support was fantastic. I was sitting in a room with an associate who broke everything down for me patiently and encouragingly. However, in Disputes, although my supervisor was equally as brilliant, I was actually sat in an office with a busy Partner. Minimal interaction or conversation on this front made me feel quite undervalued at times.

    4/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • After a very quiet second week in Corporate, I was quickly working non-stop for my final week in Dispute Resolution on a range of tasks, having to balance the work-load against pressing deadlines. However, I was out by 6 every night which was nice.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • Vac scheme students are not taken on to be given responsibility. It was a fantastic experience, and the research and drafting tasks I was given were invaluable. But there was not much responsibility when it comes down to it. Everything you do will be run through your superior, as is natural.

    2/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Having never done a vac scheme before, I cannot overstate how valuable this experience has been. The variety of work I have been is incredible, giving me real insight into the necessary skills and pressures of working within a world-class law firm.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Good mix of the serious work with the amicable. A bit of 'work-hard, play-hard' kind of atmosphere.

    4/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • From start to finish, the vac scheme was well organised. Integrating you into the firm at first, and then the transition between your seats was seamless. Using "buddies" is also a great way to orchestrate things.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Really impressive investment in what the firm thinks will be their future trainees. Picking a like minded bunch of vac schemers meant we all got on well, and the time and money the firm clearly devoted to us was greatly appreciated.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Subsidised Canteen

    Company Parties/Events

    2/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • Very good retention rates as I understand, both from their vac scheme to become trainees, and then keeping trainees on to become newly qualified associates.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • As always, some enjoy the social side more than others, and I have made some great friends on nights out so far.

    4/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • London is as expensive as it gets, but as a student at KCL, I was used to it in fairness.

    1/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • The bars and pubs in the City are always a cool place to hang-out after work. Nothing crazy however.

    4/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • I wanted to get involved in the football but nothing was available or organised by the firm. Very disappointing, as this would have been a great networking event.

    1/5

    Report this review

Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

July 2012


View More Reviews