Student Review

The experience day at Baker McKenzie was very enjoyable. I learnt a lot about the firm and in particular about the atmosphere and environment. Speaking to the trainee’s, associates and partners was very beneficial as it gave a personal insight into the workers lives and they were able to answer our questions honestly.

I felt extremely valued during my time at Baker McKenzie. Everyone who i interacted with at the firm was very welcoming and made me feel at ease. The firm definitely exhibits a cohesive ethos to its visitors which is very attractive to prospective applicants. Not one person who I had an encounter with made me feel uncomfortable.

A lot of guidance and support was provided on the day from the beginning and throughout. For every task there was help provided. For example, before the networking commenced, Ellen gave examples of how to network well and provided us with some tips and question ideas so that we were able to network effectively.

The day was very informative about the firm itself and about the recruitment process and possible opportunities such as vacation schemes which I found useful. The presentation workshop was good however it did mirror things that many already knew, which isn’t always a bad thing as none of us were perfect at presenting. The age gap probably effected the opinion of usefulness in regards to this part of the session. That being said, the skills developed and reinforced as part of this experience day was still very beneficial.

The experience day was well structured in my opinion. The different parts of the day flowed well and fit nicely together. The only two parts of the day that were a little bit awkward was the networking whilst having lunch simultaneously. However, this was not a major issue. Secondly the trainee panel was very good but most questions got answered in the networking, but it was nice to speak to 4 trainee’s as not everyone got to speak to a trainee networking, so again this was not a major issue.

The atmosphere was very good on the day. Everyone got along very well which made the day even more pleasant and enjoyable. Everyone who worked at the firm was positive and honest which again made for a very nice atmosphere, and a very welcoming one. Overall, a great day with a great atmosphere.

In the amount of time we had the firm put a lot of effort into our personal development. This was done through giving us a day packed with information not only from the organisers on a PowerPoint but from individuals who work at different levels within the firm. Workshops, such as the presentation one and the CV and cover letter one, were also provided for personal development which was great.

The experience day gave me a great insight into what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm. From what I understood, the firm is very welcoming and it is a fast paced environment with a lot of opportunities to go abroad due to its global presence.

The experience day gave a great insight into understanding the company culture. If anything, this aspect was one of the most prevalent and is definitely one of the main things I took away from the day.

The content of the day was useful in deciding my career path. I’m currently deliberating between commercial law and criminal law and as I learnt a lot at the experience day about commercial law and about the firm I feel like I am in a much better position to start making decisions.

For me this wasn’t too bad but for others perhaps not being reimbursed travel cost might hinder them from attending experience days. As the days are very useful perhaps this would be beneficial to offer to people who do not have the financial means to travel to London at ease.

Yes there were plenty opportunities within the short amount of time we were there. The first opportunity was the networking lunch which was attended by trainees, associates and partners, the second opportunity was the trainee panel. We also had the opportunity to meet and work with a lady from learning and development during the presentation workshop. Not forgetting the recruitment team who led the event.

The networking and social opportunities were good, particularly in the short amount of time we spent at the firm. As stated however the networking whilst lunching was a little bit awkward and when it came to the trainee panel most questions had been asked at the first networking. Although as stated this was not a major issue at all and the opportunity was great, particularly for those who were less knowledgable.

I found out about some activities that employees get involved with outside of work during the trainee panel. We found out that there are sporting events and that they went on a trip abroad for some sport but that was about it. I’m sure if we asked them about this though that we would have found out a lot more.

For anyone with an interest in commercial law I would definitely recommend this experience day to them. It was very informative and I personally took a lot away from it. The staff were all very welcoming and the day was very enjoyable whilst not being too formal or too demanding.