Vacation Scheme Review

I was mainly tasked with research tasks for the departments that I worked in. I researched the UK rare earth industry and Brexit developments. I conducted due diligence tracking with Trainees for a client. I also did pro bono work related to maternity leave. I had many opportunities to network within the organisation too with colleagues from across the firm.

I developed my skills in producing research further. The Vacation Scheme was a good opportunity to develop my existing skills further but I found it most useful for providing me with a first-hand insight into the work of corporate lawyers.

I gained a much better understanding of day-to-day activities of Trainees first-hand. I also appreciated being able to network with colleagues from across the firm to gain insights into many different areas, even if I was not sitting in that department.

The working culture is fantastic and has been a significant reason why I chose Baker McKenzie for my Training Contract. All colleagues were very friendly and willing to make time to have a networking session. The diversity of the firm is also really fantastic with many diversity committees which emerged organically through the initiatives of the firm's employees. There are also many pro bono and CSR opportunities.

I really enjoyed working at Baker McKenzie because of the work culture and the colleagues I worked with. The scheme was also very well organised and all vacation scheme participants had many opportunities to interact too in socials.

Yes

Make sure you prepare for the application process. Practice the online tests beforehand if you are not from a legal background. For the interviews, make sure you have researched the firm well and understand some of their recent or current projects. The firm are interested in you as a person and your values, so show how these relate to the culture and values of the firm too.