First Year Insight Scheme Review

I was selected as one of 12 participants for this two-day in-person Insight Scheme. On Day 1, I sat on talks by a Banking and Finance Partner, an Employment & Benefits Associate and a Pensions Associate who was an ex-Pro Bono Trainee in relation to overviewing their practice areas. I also received personal branding coaching and demonstrated proactivity in a commercial awareness preparation session. During Day 2, I shadowed a Trainee Solicitor in their Corporate Reorganisations document drafting and Associate calls tasks, plus I also took part in a group activity, where aside from my designated presentation section, I was responsible for preparing and sharing our presentation.

I learnt to use the Companies House register as part of my Trainee Shadowing and practiced presenting in front of assessors. I also developed my communication and teamwork, not to mention that I upskilled my knowledge on various departments and commercial awareness issues. Furthermore, the Insight Scheme was a great opportunity to practice networking in a corporate environment as well as in social settings. Lastly, I submitted a video about my experience which later got used for promotional purposes, so this was a nice way to build on my marketing skills.

I felt the Baker McKenzie First Year Insight Scheme provided a thorough overview of the firm's Banking and Finance, Employment & Benefits, Pensions, Corporate Reorganisations and Pro bono practices via a series of interactive talks. The speakers (Partners and Associates) took every question on board and I left the scheme with about two dozens of notes - this demonstrates the amount of information that was communicated to us. I was also given more details on the firm's Vacation Schemes and Training Contract, as well as its Brand Ambassador programme (later became a Brand Ambassador for the firm just five months after finishing the scheme and started representing Baker McKenzie at the University of Leeds in September 2022).

The culture was amazing - all the way from the reception, you are greeted with understanding and care. The Graduate Recruitment team were really accommodating and I noticed that even though one of the participants was unable to attend in-person, he joined us virtually. I think this speaks in itself how flexible the programme was. I got to meet two Leeds alumni too and they were really open to hearing about how I am finding my law studies at university. We had a social at The Alchemist and were hosted at the Premier Inn hotel next to the firm - I felt very VIP!

I enjoyed it so much that I decided to apply for a Brand Ambassador role with Baker McKenzie and successfully obtained this role, relying on the positive experiences of my participation in the Insight Scheme. This was my first ever in-person Insight Scheme and the bar was definitely set really high.

Yes

Take the time to fill in the application form with great care as if you get this right, you are straight off to an pre-recorded video interview. Make sure to devise a list of possible questions that you could be asked and practice these. Look at the camera, wear business attire and speak clearly. Research the firm in advance and carry a 'key facts' sheet with you during the scheme. Ask lots of questions and aim to network with people. Be polite and smile and you will receive the same in return. Follow up with the Graduate Recruitment team after the scheme has ended, e.g. via sending a 'thank you' note as a minimum.