Open Day Review

I attended the Winter Open Day and found it to be very beneficial and informative. There was a wonderful friendly atmosphere, with every firm representative willing to engage with all the students, answer questions and simply discuss their role in the firm. The day was packed with presentations and interactive workshops; I was impressed at how structured and well presented the day was. It demonstrated to me how sincere Baker & McKenzie were in wanting to devise an interesting and fun day for us - and it worked. I thoroughly enjoyed the day.

I was made to feel valued indeed; everyone was warm and welcoming, wanting to know how my flight had been. At the end of the day I was well bestowed with wishes for a safe flight home which was lovely.The trainees were very friendly and willing to answer any questions I posed to them, yet also engaged in general chat and really did seem to want to know about me. Members of the graduate recruitment team were very approachable and willing to answer questions which I was grateful for. Knowing that so many employees took time out of an undoubtedly busy schedule demonstrated the sincerity of the firm to me.

From as soon as I walked into reception there was a smiling receptionist to offer guidance on where to go so a positive and welcoming environment was provided right from the outset. As previously mentioned, all representatives were willing to answer questions and the graduate recruitment team especially offered advice regarding applications which was highly useful. Prior to the commencement of each workshop, trainees would carefully discuss what would happen and give detailed instructions which were also provided to us in paper format. During the workshop the trainees would sit with each group and offer advice or encouragement if needed before providing feedback, which was good. After every group had completed the workshop, there would be a collective overall feedback session to provide further advice. The trainees throughout the day generally were supportive and willing to provide advice if requested.

Having participated in teams throughout the day which I really enojyed, I feel this will be very useful in the future as I participate in other team-led and devised activities. As I am on the committee of several societies this will help my communication and teamwork skills. Participating in workshops on negotiation, investment and evaluative skills will certainly prove useful if I should be fortunate to attend assessment centres. The information provided regarding applications and assessments will aid me as I complete vac scheme applications.

It was very well structured; very concise and coherent yet also highly informative and detailed. Having been provided with a timetable detailing the day's events in advance, we were provided with another timetable as well as the powerpoint slides for each presentation upon arrival. Every activity ran according to the time schedule and the presentations as previously mentioned were well presented and delivered.

It was a very warm and friendly environment where we were encouraged to ask questions, think independently and be willing to engage in conversation with everyone. We were also encouraged to steo outside our comfort zones and think creatively and on our feet! I feel this atmosphere is a true representation of the unique atmosphere of Baker & McKenzie.

The firm provided excellent opportunities for me to enhance a wide variety of skills and thus allow for greater personal development. The topics covered by the workshops are very important and relevant for example the Commercial Awareness workshop enabled me to practice pitching and working within a team; furthermore they all involve transferable skills which can be applied in many other situations.

Over the day I had the opportunity to take a tour of the offices, talk to trainees and listen to presentations about the firm, including its structure and practice areas; I found this to be very interesting and informative. There was also information provided on career opportunities, including secondments. Talking to trainees and partners allowed me to understand more fully the firm and its work as well as the daily routine of an employee!

As mentioned, the culture and ethos of the firm was demonstrated through the exemplary nature of all representatives - the welcome was warm and the atmosphere relaxed and friendly. The representatives were approachable and willing to answer questions; I was made to feel I had the liberty to ask many questions and was encouraged to think of how wider issues could impact upon the firm. I believe Baker & McKenzie places great emphasis upon communication, discovering solutions in advance to potential future problems and being highly aware of current affairs in order to provide the greatest possible advice to a client. Teamwork is vital and this occurs in a friendly atmosphere which I believe I had an insight into during the Open Day.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day and participating in workshops; talking to trainees also provided me with an insight into the life of a trainee solicitor. Hearing the routines of the trainees, the tasks and work they deal with was extremely interesting and has certainly motivated me further to purse a career in commercial law.

The firm will reimburse travel expenses up to £100.

There were many opportunities for networking throughout the day. This included over lunch, and during each workshop. The employees were friendly and approachable and were only too willing to engage in conversation.

I really enjoyed the networking events as they were relaxed, informal and fun yet also enabled me to glean a great insight into the firm and develop my knowledge of what is expected of a trainee as well as what to expect whilst completing a training contract! Overall, I found the opportunities to by many and informative.

Yes - at Baker & McKenzie employees are encouraged to be as involved as possible in events and societies outside the firm. There are many societies available to join, including choirs and sporting activities. There is a strong emphasis on pro bono and community work also, including the M.A.D. scheme.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day which I would only be glad to recommend.