Vacation Scheme student Review

I enjoyed my time at Baker Mckenzie as I was able to experience two of their leading practice areas Corporate and IP. More importantly, I networked with a variety of people at the firm from Partners, associates, HR, support staff and paralegals. This gave a greater insight into the working culture of the firm.

Whilst on the scheme, I was given the opportunity to question the management committee about thier diversity and ethnicity figures. I felt that this demonstrated how the firm were willing to let Vac Scheme students ask important questions of the firm and not just generic questions. These were questions which were important to me and again allowed to understand if the firms commitment to diversity was genuine.

I was given appropriate guidance in the tasks I was set. Prior to any work, I was assigned, my trainee went over the context and where exactly the work I was doing fit into the grand scheme of things. Also, we were the opportunity to ask trainees about their TC experience and how it has shaped their choices in what department they would like to qualify in.

The main skills I used from my degree were my research skills and knowledge of Intellectual Property which helped put into context the work I was undertaking in my second seat. With regards to my research, this was the most useful in navigating around the Practical law website and Lexis Nexis in finding certain precedents to help support an answer.

The two scheme was very well structured in providing the right balance between events, talks with the firm and working in each department. We were given a clear itinerary with timings as to each talk and the individual running each session, which helped us research beforehand in asking pertinent questions.

The general atmosphere was fairly relaxed. In each department I sat in Private Equity and IP, trainees mentioned how the firm make sure the working enviroment does not breed anmosity by encouraging networking events and socials as way of getting to know your department and intake prior to your TC.

The firm made sure we attended a full day of training in using the IT system / Library resources so that in each department we maximized our time. We were also given 2 hours of coaching on how to present in preparation for our group assessment in the second week.

The two weeks have helped me to understand the realities and the necessary skills to be a successful commercial lawyer. Having been to put different departments I was able to understand how certain departments work more closely with another in a transactional seat compared to a more technical advisory seat.

The Vacation scheme helped provide snapshot of the working culture and provided the realities of working in a fast-paced environment. The firm demonstrated a real emphasis on diversity as I met a range of trainees, associates and partners from different backgrounds which helped me understand the unique qualities everyone brings to bakers.

The two-week scheme was very insightful as it has reaffirmed the areas of law I would like to experience and hopefully specialize in. It also helped me understand the necessary skills needed to be successful in my chosen field, especially in corporate having commercial acumen is vital in understanding your clients business.

We were paid 1 week in arrears on the Friday of each week.

There many networking opportuntities throughout the scheme to meet and socialise with your intake and learn more about partners and associates journey within the firm.

The social events were varied and were a good way to unwind. We went to Bounce, had a curry night and lunch at Oxo Tower as part of the social opportuntites.

We had a whole session on the CSR and pro bono opportuntties the firm undertakes in London and around the world. Also speaking to trainees about the numerous interests group within the firm.

Yes I would recommend the scheme to a friend.