Insight Scheme Student Review

The insight scheme was excellent. It was well-organised, well-structured and very informative. Furthermore, all of the individuals involved with the scheme (students/staff/trainees/partners) were lovely, which made for an enjoyable experience. It was great to obtain such valuable information about the firm first-hand, and the opportunity to do some actual work on the shadowing day was insightful. I was also very impressed with all members of graduate recruitment, who made us feel incredibly welcome.

It was made clear from the offset that we had earned our place on the scheme - and the attitude at the firm reflected that. The little things, such as offers of tea/coffee and general assistance made for an enjoyable time at the firm. Furthermore the trainees really took us under their wings when showing us around their departments.

On the first day we received a significant amount of guidance and support. I never felt unsupported during my time at the firm. On the second day less guidance was given, which I thought was great as we were able to independently attempt the tasks our trainees had given us. It was nice to feel that I could be trusted with trying some work by myself.

The investment presentation was helpful as I'd never really done a pitch like that before. It was enjoyable to work with my fellow first-years and understand some relatively complex issues. This will undoubtedly help with my degree. However, what was personally most important was the information about the firm that I obtained simply from being there in person. This will 100% help with my decision as to where I will want to work in the future.

The scheme was very well structured. I think running the shadowing on the second day was the correct way of doing things as we were all able to learn about the firm and the different practice areas before joining the trainees in their seats. It was also great to have the social on the first day, as we could all get to know each-other without it feeling forced.

I gave this question 8/10, not because the atmosphere wasn't excellent, but because I wouldn't agree necessarily with the statement 'the fun never stopped'. My time at Baker McKenzie was incredibly enjoyable, and there was the perfect balance of professional activity and fun. Of course the fun (i.e. the escape room) is great, but what really stood out is the firm's ability to maintain a friendly, yet equally professional atmosphere.

Two days is obviously quite a limited time. That said, the firm used this time efficiently to balance independent/group work with skills workshops. It was very helpful to get feedback on our pitches, and the networking seminar was also useful. I personally felt that the firm invested a lot of time in giving us an insight into the culture - I imagine however that the real investment in training and development would be found on the vacation scheme.

Very much so. The shadowing particularly demonstrated two things to me. Firstly, it demonstrated the rigour and calibre of the work performed (which is important), and also the friendly culture that Baker McKenzie has to offer. Obviously there is much more to learn about a full time role at the firm, however, the graduate recruitment used the two days very well.

I think the last answer probably helps answer this. But another example is the talk from Sunny Mann. Obviously, Mr Mann is a very busy man, however, the fact that he came to talk with us and welcomed all of our questions showed just how friendly and helpful the culture of the firm is.

Very. The firm gave ample information for a first-year looking to determine their career path. It was not so much the information on the specific seats that helped, but it was really the information on trainee work/life balance and lifestyle that helped the most. I think this is probably one of the most important things for first-years looking to determine their career path.

The matter of pay does not apply to this scheme. Getting the hotel booked by the firm was incredibly useful (the rooms were great), and of course having all the food payed for and the canteen-card pre-payed was amazing. I haven't yet received any information on travel reimbursement - and If possible I would need to do this at some point.

Of course we all had the chance to shadow a trainee, which in turn lead to meeting their colleagues. This was great for putting into practice the networking skills we had been taught the previous day. Furthermore, the trainee lunch and panel was fantastic for gaining an insight into trainee life.

I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed the escape room and dinner. It was excellent to socialise with the fellow first-years and graduate recruitment staff in a non-professional manner. Furthermore, I'd really recommend keeping the practice of booking all hotels together - as the opportunity to walk with the other first-years to/from the hotel really helped with bonding.

I didn't really ask anyone about out of work opportunities about the firm, and I can't recall being told either. This is really my fault as I should have asked that question at the trainee panel.

I would 100% recommend this insight scheme - It is an excellent opportunity to get a taster of what the firm has to offer - and, in comparison to law fairs/websites, the experience is invaluable. All first year students looking for a career in a city law firm should apply.