Vacation Scheme Participant Review

It was good but not excellent - the insight scheme was designed to give us additional information on how to break into the legal sector. I enjoyed being advised on how to make my future applications stand out, but I got the impression that other people on the insight were overly competitive. We had numerous activities every day, including an introduction into Baker McKenzie's specialities (corporate law) and networking opportunities at the end of each day.

Not too much academically as the theory of the law is very difference from its practice. However, from a professional viewpoint I have learnt some basic rules on how to conduct myself in the legal sector, and what steps I need to take to submit a successful application for a training contract, having failed to secure a contract at Baker McKenzie. I also learnt how to network effectively with staff members at each level of a law firm.

I developed a thorough understanding of Baker McKenzie and how they stack up in relation to their major competitors. Baker McKenzie specialise in corporate law and as such, it hires a law number of trainees in areas such as competition and commercial law, from disciplines outside of Law. They are a very friendly firm, with a lot of collaboration between the different areas they operate in - obviously subject to usual client confidentiality agreements. This provides for an excellent environment for all of its employees.

Good but competitive - a lot of attendees gave me the impressive that they viewed others as competition. This created a hostile environment among some, and this was somewhat at odds with the generally very friendly environment that the firm likes to pride itself on. That said, the majority were very friendly. The staff worked hard to create a positively-themed insight day despite the high numbers in attendance, and gave us plenty on support prior to the day itself.

I enjoyed my insight day as it enabled my to see how Baker McKenzie differentiate themselves from other law firms and how we as candidates fits into their vision to become a key player in the industry. The fact that there were so many of us however, diminished our individual significance as it was like being a small fish in a big pond. I received some very good advice on how to conduct myself as an solicitor

Yes

There were networking sessions at the end of each day - these were invaluable as they allowed me to keep in touch with people despite having not been offered a training contract at Baker McKenzie. Make the most of the exclusive application advice throughout the vacation scheme both for the firm's application process and in pursuing a career in the legal sector in general. You are also encouraged to ask any questions about the firm and the legal sector - which is always a welcome sign.