Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really had a great time during my vacation scheme at the firm. Everyone who worked there was very friendly and approachable, at all levels, and no one was too busy whenever I had any questions or queries. Throughout the three weeks there were a range of departmental talks, skills sessions and social events as well as the opportunity to work within two different departments at the firm. I feel through all of this I gained a real insight into the firm and thoroughly enjoyed it at the same time.

During my time at the firm I really did feel valued. Everyone who asked me to do work was always more than happy to take the time to explain the context and what I needed to do. All the work I was given needed completing and I didn't feel at any time that I was simply being set generic tasks. Even though I was only there three weeks, I really felt that the work I did was able to contribute in some way.

As part of the scheme I had the opportunity to sit in two departments. In both of these I was assigned a supervisor and a trainee buddy. These regularly checked up on me to see how I was getting on and if I had work to keep me busy, and were a great first port of call if I had any issues. I had a one-to-one talk with a member of the graduate recruitment team to see how I was finding the scheme overall. There were also several people outside of this who were happy to give me advice and guidance, even simply over coffee or lunch.

I completed my degree before starting my vacation scheme, however I do feel that the skills I've had the opportunity to develop and the information I've received have certainly been beneficial in terms of my professional and legal development. During the scheme we had regular talks from each of the departments, which broadened my knowledge of the legal sector and I found I was interested in areas that I hadn't previously come across. , Equally I felt that the networking and presenting sessions really helped me to develop my professional skills.

From my experience the vacation scheme was well structured. The placement lasted three weeks and each student sat in two different departments, spending a week and a half in each. I felt this was enough time to get to know the department and the work that they were doing, but it was also great to experience the two. We had talks most mornings from different practice areas, meaning we had the rest of the day to get on with work tasks. We also had a good mix of socials throughout each week, both with the other students and trainees, and also some firm-wide events.

The general atmosphere during the scheme was very friendly and open. I had been nervous before starting, however I soon found that I genuinely enjoyed coming into the office each morning. Everyone I spoke to at the firm was interested in how I was getting on and in getting to know me as a person. The firm was professional, but managed to be so without the feeling that there was a strict hierarchy. I also found I got on really well with the other students on the scheme and we've all kept in touch since it finished.

I definitely feel that the firm invested in each of the vacation scheme students. We had sessions during the scheme on networking and how to pitch to a client, which were very useful on a professional development side. We had lunch with members of the management committee. This was a great way to really understand more about the firm as a business. Finally, despite only being at the firm for a short amount of time, we were also invited to the firm-wide summer party.

The placement did provide a great insight into what working life at the firm would really be like. The work I was given were tasks for projects that trainees or associates were currently working on, so I felt I got a real taste of the work that normally goes on. As part of the scheme we also had a client pitch exercise, alongside the talks and socials going on, which was a good way to experience managing my workload at the firm as well as my other commitments.

The insight was very helpful in understanding the company culture, both through spending time working at the office and through all the social events.

The content of the vacation scheme was really valuable in helping me to decide. I found I really enjoyed the nature of the work that Baker & McKenzie gets involved in, both in terms of the international aspect of the work and the complexity. Having the talks from the different departments also meant that I was able to understand the range of work I could get involved in.

Throughout the three weeks there were plenty of opportunities to meet other people from the firm. We had networking drinks and lunches with the graduate recruitment team and trainees. We were invited to the firm's summer party, which was a great chance to meet a wider range of people. We were also invited to the trainee summer party and we were able to meet future trainees joining the firm and network with them.

The networking and social events at Baker & McKenzie were really enjoyable and the vacation scheme students were involved in a real range of events. One highlight has to be the bowling and karaoke social that was held with some of the trainees and graduate recruitment team. It was so enjoyable and everyone had so much fun!

During the vacation scheme we did have talks from the firm about the diversity groups and initiatives, the pro bono work that the different departments do and the more extra-curricular activities that are on offer. There were also a lot of opportunities to talk to current trainees about the activities they were involved in, with many just having returned from EuroBakers, a football tournament involving many of the firm’s global offices.

Yes definitely. I absolutely enjoyed the three weeks that I spent at Baker & McKenzie and would very much encourage anyone interested to apply for the vacation scheme.