Insight Scheme Review

The 2 days were very informative packed with lots of insights! I really enjoyed the insight because HR were extremely friendly and encouraged us all to ask questions. This, combined with the evening activity/social/drinks, made it a lot easier to relax and be myself. Therefore I felt comfortable to ask lots of questions and get the most out of the 2 days!

HR and trainees were interested in which Uni we were all from and also if we were studying Law or Non-Law. Therefore it came across they were genuinely interested in us on the insight scheme! I thought it was valuable receiving feedback from a group exercise we did; both positive and constructive criticism was helpful!

HR were most often around therefore we could ask questions if we had any. During the group exercise we had a trainee help us with our pitch which I thought was really useful. It was also useful to see how our task was similar to the work he was currently doing for Baker McKenzie. Also being allocated 1 trainee 'buddy' for the day was useful as they could answer your questions throughout the day.

I believe the skills learnt from the presentation/pitch were useful as it is likely we will have to do this type of work again at University. Also I believed the 'networking skills session' was highly beneficial because it will help us at employer presentations at University in the future and with Baker employees.

The insight was very structured; on the first day we received a time table with the break down of each activities. We got to speak to a range of partners and trainees which I thought was beneficial to contrast their experiences. HR were very organised with timings which made it run smoothly.

The general atmosphere was very good! HR were very friendly, as were all Baker trainees we spoke to! This made it very easy to relax. The other students on the insight scheme were very friendly and nice which again made it more enjoyable! I enjoyed the social evening activities as they provided a lot of laughs!

The day shadowing a trainee was useful because it allowed us to see what types of tasks we would be allocated if we were to work with Baker McKenzie. It would have been beneficial if we could have seen another department however the insights we got were useful and informative.

The 2 days provided a strong insight to Baker McKenzie's culture. It highlighted the different networks they have such as Baker Women and LGBT+ Community and how they do events to support them. The culture stood out as all employees were very positive about the work, people and atmosphere within the firm.

The content of the days were useful because we got to speak to several trainees in different seats. It is difficult to know which area of law I would like to specialise in however they assured us that you gain a broad insight due to the 4 seat rotations and it will become clear.

Yes Baker McKenzie kindly reimbursed us all for our daily travel expenses. They also offered to pay for a hotel if you lived a fair distance from London. The students who attended were from all over the UK in terms of home address and also University; therefore there was a good mix of students.

Both days provided networking opportunities. The first day we had a trainee panel Q&A, a networking skills session, trainee lunch time networking and also social activities in the evening. The social activities in the evening were a great way to network informally and in a relaxed environment with HR and other students on the insight scheme.

I would recommend the insight scheme to a friend who is studying law or non law. It was interesting to hear from trainees that had studied non-law as they could provide their experiences about the GDL. Baker McKenzie accepts both law and non-law therefore it is definitely beneficial to gain an insight regardless of your degree.