Open Day Event at Baker McKenzie Review

I had really enjoyed myself during the Open Day at Baker Mckenzie. I was feeling very nervous but everyone present, along with the activities I was involved in, had allowed me to enjoy myself throughout the day. The receptionist, trainees, the graduate recruitment team and the ones who attended the Open Day had been really friendly.

Everyone was given a chance to ask questions at any time of the day of the event. Whether it was about the application process, the negotiation skills activity, commercial awareness activity or anything related to the firm, the trainees, the Partner present and graduate recruitment team actively answered to all the questions.

During the Commercial Awareness and Negotiation Skills exercises, at least one trainee had been assigned to every group to assist us should we have any difficulties or questions. After the exercises, the trainee(s) assigned to the group had given feedback as to how the group did. Since it was my first time to be involved in both exercises, the trainee had pointed out that it was okay to be making mistakes. He was also giving tips on how we should be approaching the situation. There was also the application process. The graduate recruitment team had been helpful in clarifying our doubts with regard to the application process. Furthermore, it had been made focused of what we should and should not be including in our applications.

For the two exercises I had (both Commercial Awareness and Negotiation Skills), they were prepared in a way that would help us to think on our feet when faced with the situations. As for the Negotiation Skill session, it was more focused on how one would approach and solve the issue at hand. It would involve both critical thinking and problem solving skills when dealing with the issue.

It was really well structured. From the timetable given to us, everything flowed well. It insight was done in a manner which allowed everyone to be given the maximum exposure to the firm within that short duration of time. There was a welcome speech given by the Partner to start the day followed by the 'Life as a Trainee' session, where the trainees had gone to every table on a rotational basis to speak of various topics in relation to the firm. For instance, the practice areas and the culture of the firm. We then had Negotiation Skills exercise. During lunch we were also given a chance to network with the trainees present before having the tour around the office.

Everything was not too intense. It was more relaxed and very welcoming. Trainees tried as much to tell us of their experiences, to get to know us (which University, which year, which Practice Area one is interested in) and allowed us to get to know them as well. There were a lot of opportunities for interactions, such as the 'Life as a Trainee' Session, lunch, office tour, Commercial Awareness Exercise and Negotiation Skills exercise.

The firm had placed a number of trainees and graduate recruitment team to be present during the event. Not only that I had various people to approach, I was able to know more of their recruitment process. From the exercises prepared by the firm, I would also be prepared and know what is expected by the firm.

The trainees have been very helpful in allowing us to understand how it would be like to be working with Baker McKenzie full time. I was able to know of the time spent in the office, the various work the trainees had to deal with and if the firm allows flexibility.

The firm focuses on diversity. Trainees present were all of different ethnicity and nationality. The trainees had also explained how the people are like in the firm, and how the firm provides opportunities for the trainees. For instance, a trainee shared her experience of how she was given the opportunity to video call with international clients and how the firm is one to encourage trainees to be heavily involved in the major work despite being a trainee.

I was more confident that I would want to be a part of the Bakers, and to be dealing with commercial work. The people and the experiences shared by the trainees had greatly helped me with my decision.

Yes. I was reimbursed for my travel expenses. The firm was generous enough to reimburse the travel expenses up to a hundred pounds for every individual who attended the Open Day.

As the event started, few trainees were present. Throughout the whole day of the event, you would find more trainees joining along the way for you to be able to network with them.

I had prepared a list of questions before attending the Open Day event. Not only had I got all of them answered, I was able to know more of the experiences of the various trainees when working with the firm. It was a rather great networking opportunity.

We have been told of the annual football tournament which takes place between the international offices. There are also events such as the BakerWomen and BakerEthnicity.

I definitely would. One is able to look beyond the Baker McKenzie website and is able to communicate with the trainees and graduate recruitment team. The exercises set out for us were also really helpful. It is an opportunity not to miss!