Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Baker & McKenzie. I was given a wide range of interesting work and the responsibility to complete it, everyone at the firm was friendly, and I was made to feel very welcome.

I felt very valued during my placement, as a result of the wide range of people who supported me and spoke to me, and the responsibility I was given to perform tasks. In particular, the allocation of a supervisor and trainee mentor to each student meant that I always felt I was being looked after. However we were not being 'baby-sat'. When I was given important tasks and responsibility, I felt valued for my intellect and like I was actually a member of the firm too. The graduate recruitment team were also very sociable and engaged with us during the evening events. There were many opportunities to speak to senior members of the firm; not only partners and associates during departmental talks, but also the Management Committee at a special lunch arranged for us. This made me feel particularly valued, given that such senior people were taking time out of their day to answer questions and have general chat. All these factors meant I felt that Baker & McKenzie cared about my development and ensuring that I had an insightful time at the firm.

There was support from mentors and supervisors, as well as the graduate recruitment team. I felt I was able to talk and ask questions to anyone; even at partner-level. My supervisor in the Pensions Department was a partner and he was always willing to answer my questions and guide me through the work he had given me. This was particularly helpful as pensions is a difficult and technical area of law, and there is a lot of technical jargon to learn.

The information I received was predominately useful in helping me to think about my future career path. This was mainly due to the departmental talks that exposed me to the wide range of work the firm undertakes. I also learnt how solicitors in law firms need to be succinct and clear in their advice to clients. I learnt how to pick up on the key issues and phrase advice in order to meet this simplicity and clarity requirement. This will probably assist me in my studies, when answering legal problem questions.

I felt there was a good balance of work, information sessions, and social activities. The only aspect for improvement I would suggest would be to evenly divide the time in different seats. I spent two weeks in Dispute Resolution and one week in the Pensions Department, and would have preferred perhaps 1.5 weeks in either. This would've given me a more balanced placement, as opposed to a deep insight into DR and only a brief insight into Pensions.

There were many social events that were scheduled, as well as opportunities to get involved with other departmental or firm-wide events. The vacation scheme students were never excluded, and you could get involved with as much or as little as you liked. Aside from the fun social events, everyone I met was friendly and willing to talk. This made me feel welcome and happy during my time.

We had a day at the beginning of the scheme when we received IT and phone training. Throughout the scheme, we also had departmental talks, and whilst we were working, we had continued assistance from our supervisors. The networking events also assisted our personal development, of which there were many.

The insight was very useful as I gained exposure to different type of work that lawyers undertake, in the different departments. The only drawback was that, as with probably all vacation schemes, they are slightly artificial. It is discouraged to stay late; whereas many lawyers do work longer hours in contrast. I also was lucky during my time in receiving a vast amount of interesting work; however I am aware that often trainees will perform more mundane tasks.

On paper, it is easy for many law firms to sound the same. However, my time at Baker & McKenzie made me truly realise the type of firm it was. This was due to the fact we were exposed to many different people and had the opportunity to speak to them.

I had been tossing up between choosing the barrister or solicitor route; after completing the scheme, I feel that becoming a solicitor in a firm like Baker & McKenzie is the right path for me. I enjoyed being sociable and having a wonderful support network. The insight was very helpful in making me realise this job was right for me.

There were various organised events (such as networking drinks and lunches); as well as additional events we could attend. I enjoyed going to the firm's 'Charity Evening', where I had the chance to meet many employees in a more informal setting.

There were a wide range of events, all deliciously catered for, some more formal than others and some very relaxed and fun. Overall, I had the chance to mingle with many different people from the firm in different settings, which I am grateful for.

I was aware of several employees within my department who played sports; and others who participated in pro bono. There was also a talk about pro bono work, and the opportunity to go along to a citizens advice session. I didn't go in the end as there was so much going on during my time and I didn't have the chance; however I definitely became aware of all the available activities and opportunities that employees have. The Charity Night was also a good chance to learn more about other activities employees are involved with.

Given the enjoyable time I had, the interesting work I received, and the very insightful experience, I would definitely recommend it.