Baker&Mckenzie open day Review

I enjoyed the insight day at Baker&Mckenzie (B&M) a lot. From the minute I had arrived, I was introduced to some of the trainees who would be taking part in the insight day. I arrived to the insight day being very nervous and anxious, as when you think about big commercial city law firms, you automatically think that everyone within the firm have extremely high exceptions of applicants. However, this was not the case at B&M. Everyone who I encountered in the day were friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed the fact that the firm did not promote B&M in a way as “ We are the best, you should come apply here and no where else”. Instead, the firm genuinely looked out for your best interest and your future in law. I can remember, one of the trainees also recommending other firms and to try apply as many places as you can, as this will really help you to see what firm will be best for you. Overall, I enjoyed the insight day hugely. The firm is very diverse and welcoming.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I had felt hugely valued as potential applicant and trainee. The firm had shown a genuine interest in me. Whilst lunch was taking place, I had a chance to speak to an associate of the firm, James Heller. He showed a genuine interest in me, asking me questions from what I studied, what my favorite part of law was and what type of law I wanted to sit in.

I received a grand amount of support and guidance at the firm. All in which helped me tailor my application for B&M’s vacation scheme. The firm showed huge support in answering questions I had regarding their application process. I wanted to know about mitigating circumstances, more specifically how the firm deal with circumstances which have affected students grades. The firm were more than happy to assist me, by telling me to enter all mitigating circumstances which may have affected my studies and grades.

Massively, I gained many skills from this insight day. The main skills I learnt and took away from the day, were confidence and negotiation skills. These skills will help me a lot in the future, as to be a successful solicitor, you need to be confident and have great negotiation skills, these are skills which will help grow you client base.

Very well structured. Everything ran on time which was great, as I had a train to catch back to Huddersfield after the event had finished!

In a nutshell, the atmosphere was friendly and laid back. However, the firm showed a very strong work ethic.

I believe the firm invested in me greatly. They took time out to assist me with all my queries, which was extremely helpful.

Again, B&M helped me understand what It would be like to work for them hugely. I understood, although the firms wants you to be work hard; it wants you to also enjoy your time whilst working with them. They show what can seem to be a long hard working day, can actually turn out to be a day you don't want to end. The associates and trainees of the firm, shares some of their past experiences with the firm, in which they had been working till 2am in the early morning. They described it not being so long, as you do not concentrate on time, you just concentrate on your task.

I left the insight day, with the feeling that B&M were a very multi-cultural firm. From their employees, to their clients.

I knew half way through the day, that I wanted to work for B&M. They are the perfect firm! Extremely well rounded.

I was reimbursed expenses.

Yes, the firm held a very elegant lunch with partners, associated and trainees of the firm. I met a wide variety of people, who all showed great interest in me. I remember talking to an associate of the firm James Heller and someone from the graduate recruitment department.

Excellent. The insight day allowed you to network throughout the day.

Yes. I am aware that the firm, have a rugby and football team (who from time to time play the German office). The firm also hold weekly social gatherings at near by bars.

Yes. I know everyone will be nervous. I know I was extremely anxious and thoughts from time to time of not attending. However, with B&M no matter where you come from, or what you study they will welcome you and help you to gain valuable information and enjoy your day with them. Do not miss this opportunity and apply!