Summer Vac Schmere Review

I really enjoyed the scheme - it was a good balance between getting an experience of the sort of work trainees get involved in, networking and also socials with other people in the firm and the vac schemers.

I felt very valued in the firm - I received regular feedback and often given responsibility over client matters.

Time permitting I received informal feedback just in my essays and just to discuss the task that I have been set. I've been given the opportunity to ask questions during informal lunches and also have had the opportunity to use PSLs.

This experience has greatly improved my skills in research, and summarising information as to what is/ what is not relevant. I think it is a good stepping stone for work as a trainee/ other work placements as many of the skills I have gained e.g. time management, proof reading, drafting etc. are transferrable.

Very well structured- good balance between talks on the various departments, socials, and getting an experience in work.

Very friendly and welcoming - Baker and McKenzie really have an open-door policy, and I did not feel reluctant to ask questions if I had any

The firm gave us a day of training with regards to the systems and with how to research etc. We also received regular feedback within the work setting e.g. through emails, or informally when we went to lunch with our supervisors for example. We were also given a presentation on to develop our presentation skills, had group feedback and also had the opportunity to demonstrate what we had learned through our client pitch.

It helped immensely to understand the sort of tasks and demands being a trainee would be, but also the type of people you would be working with. Having 1 and a half weeks at each department gave me a good insight of what work would be like in different departments, and the talks on other departments were also very insightful.

They had talks on CSR and diversity, as well as in socials getting to know the people so it was very good in giving me a taster as to the culture of the firm. I had the opportunity to go on a field trip to a power station, so it really emphasised that the firm wanted to understand the issues facing a client, from a client perspective.

Very valuable - the diversity of work and events that the firm put on gave a well-rounded view of what it would be like to work here and confirmed whether this was the sort of career I want to do.

£321 per week.

There were plenty of social events and were well spread out throughout the placement - pizza making, curry night, karaoke and bowling as well as many evening social drinks events.

Yes - a lot about their pro bono, tag rugby, various network groups etc.

Yes