Vacation Scheme Student Review

I had an incredible time at Baker & McKenzie and made some good friends throughout what was a thoroughly enjoyable three weeks. Bakers promised a high quality of work that was truly global in its nature, but most importantly I was impressed by the working environment within which it operates. Everyone I came across was very 'nice' and I think I underestimated the importance of this prior to working at Bakers. The fact that people truly enjoy working at Bakers and clients really enjoy working with Bakers says a lot for the kind of firm that they are.

From the moment I arrived at interview, right through to the day I finished the scheme I felt welcome and 'at home' at Baker & McKenzie. The firm did their utmost to ensure I was happy throughout my time at the Bakers by holding an informal mid-scheme review and a feedback session thus ensuring I could raise any issue(s) I had. The work I did was very varied but it was all very relevant and related to the current projects each department was working on at the time. I felt that the work I did, on the whole actually mattered and I wasn't given any meaningless tasks to do.

I was assigned a trainee buddy and a supervising associate/partner in each of the two departments I sat in at Bakers. I received clear instructions and guidance on the work I was assigned and received regular feedback on the work I completed. Everyone I met at the firm was very approachable and willing to spend time talking to me about the firm.

As my first vacation scheme, Baker & McKenzie confirmed to me that the corporate world was for me. I learnt how important it is for me to work in an environment where I am surrounded by genuinely 'nice' people who are easy to get along with my and who are willing to help you out as a new starter. If I am unsuccessful in my Training Contract application with Bakers this is the kind of 'Culture' I would be looking for elsewhere.

In terms of structure, we were provided with a timetable around three weeks before starting the vacation scheme, which remained on the whole unchanged throughout- it could not have been better organised! I found that the firm provided a good balance between departmental talks, and allowing me to spend time actually working in my department. In addition, I felt that the social events that where arranged helped students to relax and get to know one another.

Could not have been better. Really positive on all fronts!

The firm are very feedback focussed and as mentioned earlier, I received regular feedback throughout my time at the Bakers on all of the work I completed.

Lots of opportunities to network, with arranged lunches with Trainee's and Partners as well as drinks with Associates at the firm. We also had a Q & A with the Management Committee of Baker & McKenzie in London over a sit down lunch, a great opportunity to see where the firm is heading over the next 5 years and beyond.

Social events include everything from Pizza making to Bowling and Karaoke. These where well spread out across the three weeks and it gave us the opportunity to relax and get to know one another. Karaoke terrified me at first but after the first verse of Uptown Girl there was no stopping us!

Bakers is involved in several Pro Bono initiatives and lots of charity work. We received a presentation from CSR representatives of the firm regarding the different opportunities to get involved with these schemes. In addition we were told about the sports teams that Bakers has everything from Football to Sailing.