Vacation Scheme Student Review

The Remote Vacation Scheme was an invaluable experience not only to learn about the culture at Baker McKenzie, but also to deepen my understanding of a career in commercial law in the City. The Vac Scheme was really useful in allowing me to learn about how Bakers specifically operates both from a legal and business perspective. The insight was also really enjoyable as I had the opportunity to socialise with the other vac schemers on planned remote socials, as well as network with people at all different stages in their legal careers through planned networking events/ coffee catch-ups.

I was sent some really exciting work to get involved with and was even given the opportunity to attend client calls with the rest of the team. My exposure to the work that Bakers is doing was unparalleled and made me feel incorporated fully in both practice areas that I sat in. I was also invited to all of the team Zoom catch-ups and social events, which made me feel included in the team and valued.

Having a trainee buddy and associate supervisor was really helpful in giving me the support I needed to really make the most of my time on the Vac Scheme. The regular Zoom catch-ups with both my trainee buddies and supervisors enabled me to learn about the practice areas, the work that was currently being carried out within these areas, as well as gain helpful guidance about how to best complete the work I was tasked to complete.

As a non-law student, the introduction to legal research skills will be invaluable when it comes to by GDL and LPC qualification. Learning how to communicate effectively in an office environment will also serve me well in the future. The information I learned generally about a career in commercial law, coupled with specific information about Baker McKenzie and their practices areas has helped me to make an informed decision about my future career plans and has highlighted practice areas that I might like to pursue.

The Vac Scheme was incredibly well structured. Before the scheme began, we received a comprehensive welcome booklet with a timetable for the whole scheme, including graduate recruitment events and social activities. The Vac Scheme was well structured to allow us to gain a great insight into the seats we were sitting in as well as the firm as a whole. I was initially worried that completing the Vac Scheme remotely would mean I would be sitting at home worrying about what I should be doing and when, but this was absolutely not the case. We were given pre-planned tasks to complete and out practice areas planned busy schedules for us, so there was always something to do!

Everybody at Bakers went out of their way to ensure we were all included and supported throughout the scheme. The famous Baker McKenzie friendly and supportive culture really shone throughout the whole scheme; everybody was approachable for help or a quick catch-up chat and made the effort to reach out.

I received a lot of time and attention from both trainees, associates, partners, graduate recruitment and other people in the firm to ensure I could gain an in-depth insight into life at the Firm. The opportunity to have Zoom coffee catch-ups with trainees at different stages of their training contracts (as well as those trainees on secondments) meant that I was able to understand both the role of a trainee solicitor at Baker McKenzie, and also how they are supported throughout their training. The Grad Rec team also planned networking events with people at different levels of the Firm which allowed me to gain an insight into progression at the Firm, as well as the various roles that are involved in a firm such as Baker McKenzie.

The Baker McKenzie culture was probably the main takeaway from the scheme. The friendly and supportive culture that Baker McKenzie prides itself on was shown throughout the whole scheme and I genuinely believe that this culture is the case at all levels at the Firm. The Vac Scheme also allowed me to learn that D & I is not simply lip-service at Bakers, but is something that the Firm are striving to improve and place great importance on.

The in-depth insight, particularly for somebody like me with no prior legal work experience or exposure to the commercial world, was an unparalleled experience. I was able to assist on real client matters, attend calls with clients, and my trainee buddies and supervisors went out of their way to explain what their roles entailed. The Vac Scheme also highlighted the qualities I want from a future law firm, and that Baker McKenzie is a fantastic example of a firm that I will strive to train and work at.

I was still paid weekly, despite the scheme being carried out remotely. I thought the pay was very generous. If we were to have been in the office in London, however, this would have not been enough to cover living expenses in London. Graduate Recruitment organised a 'Takeaway and Quiz' social evening, and we were given £15 to spend on ordering any takeaway we liked, which I thought was very kind and a good way to get people involved socially given the challenge on completing the Vac Scheme remotely.

There were always opportunities to network and meet other employees of the Firm. These ranged from speed networking events, a session with the Management Committee, and Corporate breakfast with Banking, Corporate and SCM, all organised by Graduate Recruitment. In addition, my individual practice areas organised a fantastic array of networking opportunities. These ranged from trainee lunches, coffee catch-ups with the department heads and training partner, and team social events. I was also encouraged to reach out to people and schedule Zoom coffee catch-up's.

There was an excellent session about the opportunities Baker McKenzie employees have to get involved with volunteering and fundraising both outside and inside of work.