Vacation Scheme Student Review
at Baker McKenzie
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Employment Law, Corporate Law
London
Review Submitted: August 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The Vacation Scheme was incredibly diverse and allowed the interns to gain a very holistic insight into life at Baker McKenzie, despite the scheme being remote! On a daily basis the Vacation Scheme involved completing tasks for live client matters, attending departmental networking sessions, an assessed client pitch at the end of the Scheme, an assessed Pro Bono task and several social events in the evening.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
As this was my first vacation scheme, I was nervous prior to starting the scheme, but the scheme has given me such a better understanding of the way that Baker McKenzie works as a business and all of the legal and non-legal roles that play a part of this. For example, during the scheme I was able to network extensively/work with the non-legal Client Relationship Team which was fascinating!
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Absolutely! The main skill I developed during the scheme is my ability to practically apply the law. There is quite a difference between the knowledge you gain from studying law and the ability to apply that knowledge to client matters. Working on live client matters really helped to develop my application skills. The tasks were split into categories such as research and advisory tasks (EG on Pro Bono matters) and presentations (EG the client pitch).
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Prior to securing the Scheme I had acted as a Brand Ambassador for Baker McKenzie for three months. During this time I was already made to feel like part of the Firm. Everyone I reached out to made such an effort to assist me in my campaign and this translated even more so during the vacation scheme. The firm cultivates such a friendly culture and everyone wants to support you to succeed.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the Vacation Scheme! The highlight of the Scheme for me was the client pitch (ironically the part I was most nervous for!). I loved working on the pitch with the other Vacation Scheme students, it gave a real sense of what it would be like to work with other trainees in my future cohort. It was also really interesting to see how the firm wins clients from a business perspective.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Baker McKenzie
5/5
Would you recommend Baker McKenzie to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Baker McKenzie
Really try to get involved with the firm prior to the application stage - it will give you a much better sense of whether Baker McKenzie is the right fit for you than what you can find on the website. I would encourage anyone to apply to be a Brand Ambassador for the firm as this was such a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. If this is not possible definitely apply for the Specialised Open Days!
