Spring Vacation Scheme Review

The scheme was 8 days (4 days each week) in total due to the Easter weekend. I was involved in a variety of tasks, including legal research, drafting legal documents, and attending client meetings. I also attended various sessions on the firm's practice areas, diversity & inclusion, pro bono and CSR. Networking opportunities included a bowling social, a networking lunch with trainee solicitors, a lunch with the firm's Management Committee, as well as a farewell lunch with graduate recruitment. I also had lunch and coffee catch-ups with trainees, associates and partners. Towards the end of the scheme, I took part in a group client pitch presentation and a training contract interview.

I learnt and developed a number of skills. A new skill I learnt was drafting legal documents. I also developed my teamwork and presentation skills through the client pitch presentation, attention to detail and written communication skills through a number of tasks I was assigned, verbal communication skills through various networking events and the client pitch presentation, research skills, as well as time management and organisational skills from having to balance various tasks during the scheme.

We were provided with lots of insight about the firm through various sessions on key practice areas, the firm's diversity and inclusion networks, pro bono initiatives and CSR commitments. I particularly enjoyed gaining deeper insight into the Baker McKenzie's London office strategy during a lunch with the firm's Management Committee, as well as speaking to people at different levels of the firm. Graduate recruitment also gave an overview of the training contract, as well as the support the firm provides prior to joining and when you join.

The firm had a very friendly atmosphere. People at all levels of the firm were always willing to make time to have coffee chats or answer any questions I had. I enjoyed speaking to them in both formal (e.g. during scheduled networking sessions) and informal settings (e.g. whilst getting a coffee or walking by their office). Different departments have days that everyone comes in so I was able to get a good feel for the departments I was sat in.

I really enjoyed it because everyone was genuinely willing to give insight, from trainees to the Managing Partner. Graduate Recruitment did a great job of organising varied events to ensure we met people across the firm. As we had networking lunches with trainees and the partners in the Management Committee, I would have liked one with associates. However, I had a chance to speak to associates across the firm because they gave practice area talks, and I also reached out for coffee catch-ups.

Yes

For the application form, be concise and have someone proof-read your application. For the Watson Glaser, ensure you understand what each section expects of you and do some practice tests. For the video interview, practice answers to common interview questions and record yourself to see how you come across (e.g. to see whether you're using filler words). For the assessment centre, prepare for common competency and motivational questions, work as a team during the group exercise ensuring you complete what the task asks, and brush up on your commercial awareness.