Student Review

The work was very varied and always interesting. It included a lot of legal research in one department and business development in the other. It was never artificially created exercises but always work they needed done (with the exception of a couple pieces, where I was given work to discuss as an assessment with a SA when there was no work they could set).

On a couple occasions I felt as though I was begging for work and providers struggled to find something useful for me to do. This was due to my choice of a technical department and it’s timing during the holiday. 80% or so of work done seemed to be of real use, particularly that which was provided by trainees.

I received substantial support throughout from people within and outside of my departments. Other vac schemers were great and the trainees were the most useful; many of them had completed vac schemes. I was lucky to sit in a room next to a really helpful partner who regularly invited me over to listen to calls/chat/set work.

I have definitely learned a lot of transferable skills. The legal research was relevant to my studies and where the law was not a module I take, the study skills I gained were useful. I also gained a lot of confidence from the scheme, particaulry in feeling comfortable talking to partners etc and being in an office environment.

There were days where we were not at our desk nearly long enough due to HR events, which although useful, meant that completing tasks to a high standard was difficult. The first social should have been earlier (it was on the first Thursday and I would have like the icebreaker earlier). All planned events went ahead really smoothly and there were no organisation hiccups.

The atmosphere was VERY supportive and so many members of staff were clearly making an effort to try and help us get the job at the end! I had three people come into my office in one afternoon to give me interview advice and confidence. I still felt that along us vac schemers there was a tense attitude regarding getting the job, the number of places etc. It probably depends on how desperately you want to work at bakers; the better the atmosphere the firm, the more stressed you are about making the most of the vac scheme.

There were presentation skills, networking skills, introductions to each department etc. They provided many different people including learning and development people, partners, diversity and inclusion officers etc. It was clear that even those who didn’t receive a TC would still leave with a lot of learning about law firms and what to expect.

I think there was a good idea given to those who asked their supervisors etc. I learned a lot about their work life balance expectancies, their experiences and their thoughts on the job or firm. The work itself however for vac schemers was slightly different and we were encouraged to go home at 5:30 which for many is unrealistic.

Bakers was very keen that if we took nothing else away, we knew about the culture of bakers. They were very proud of their global lawyers under a bakers umbrella, their diversity and inclusion initiatives, their open door policy etc. It was however clear that the culture differs between departments.

It helped me appreciate what a career as a solicitor might look like and all the different variations within that umbrella. It also helped compare to other firms and careers. However I was already relatively certain, so it didn’t decide so much as help solidify my current thoughts. This is reassuring.

I was paid £368 (Ish) a week.

There was a networking event the first day. This was quite awkward as we had not entered our departments yet or done much other than training, so it was difficult to break the ice, everything was very new! There were always trainers, associates and partners from a variety of departments.

The socials were great fun and well provided for. There was always good food/drink/activities and as the time went on we all knew each other better. The rounders at the park (although an ad hoc event that was thrown together) was probably my favourite as it was the most relaxed.

I went to do some pro bono work with the LAC while I was there with a trainee, a paralegal and an associate. I desperately tried to play netball with the team but both times the opposing team dropped out the afternoon of the match. I learned about other sports teams and department socials. I got a lot of emails about stag dos!

It was a great experience. The scheme was planned meticulously and HR were particularly fantastic. The work providers were clearly properly briefed on helping advertise the firm and test us on our suitability and I was generally supported. I learned much more than I expected and I am very Glad I participated.