Summer Vacation Scheme Review

The 3 week scheme was designed to help us get the most out of the time with the firm and to fully experience what working as a trainee with Bakers would feel like. This was fully achieved and our time was maximised in order for us to get as much contact with other employees as possible.

There was not one piece of work that I completed which was 'made up'. People took the time to train you in your department and you were given important tasks which were useful to the department. We were given full access to all parts of the firm - the cafe/restaurant as well as all the departments that you weren't sat in.

The support from graduate recruitment was second to none. In addition, if you reach out to other staff members and show genuine interest, they are happy to give you more insight and more information. I was fortunate enough to have a fantastic supervisor in my first department who took time to get to know me and give me training well above what was expected in order that I could maximise my time in his office. Conversely, in my second department there was not as robust a support/guidance structure, but this is due to both the nature of the department (size and workload) as well as me being sat in an office where most people were away.

The skills I developed I will take with me to future jobs. I received 1st class feedback (I asked all individuals I had worked with to provide me feedback in addition to that which I will receive from graduate recruitment) which was constructive and thorough. It was also very honest.

The insight was very well structured. We had presentations from all the different departments, regardless of which departments we worked in. This ensured that we had clear views of as many parts of the firm as possible. We also had the opportunity to sit in 2 departments which increased our understanding of the work which Bakers does. In addition there were excellent socials and netowkring events - around 4-5 a week.

Very good. The people on the placement feel valued and got on very well together. People were forthcoming and helpful and you feel like you can approach and talk to anybody.

We were given training in the IT and phone systems, the centralised document systems (including company formatting of presentations etc). In addition we were given thorough presentation skills trainign and all the supplementary handouts to take away. I had an excellent supervisor who dedicated large amounts of his time to training me in the details and workings of a very technical nad specialist department.

During the insight we intercated with staff from all levels (including management board) who were candid and honest in their talks about the firm. We were also given time to talk openly with staff when graduate recruitment weren't there so that we could get a totally honest and open account of working with Bakers from the trainees.

The culture which Bakers projects of itself is so true. There is an open door policy and you really can talk to everybody. People are kind, diverse, friendly, helpful and fun.

We gained a true insight into the work of trainees which gives you a realistic expectation of what working at Bakers would be like.

We were paid more than other firms pay for their vacation schemes: £270 per week. In addition the food in the canteen was heavily subsidied. We were given about 7 lunches (some in very swanky restaurants) which were all paid for. Also we had many dinners, drinks events and socials which were all paid for. Therefore the value is well over £300 a week per vacation scheme student.

There were plenty of networking opportunities at the firm to meet people from all levels. In addition if you are proactive and polite, people are receptive to this and will arrange follow up meetings and chats.

Numerous. However sometimes people (especially Partners) are called away so occasionally there weren't as many attendees as anticipated. People on the whole are so forthcoming and helpful, no matter their seniority.

We found out about them, however obviously the sports teams and pro bono work were things that we couldnt participate in ourselves.

100%. For anybody wanting a career in commercial Law, Bakers is the place to go. Even if you don't end up working at the firm they provide you will an excellent skill set.