My Journey to Securing a Training Contract at Baker McKenzie

Introduction

I am a future trainee solicitor at Baker McKenzie and will begin my training contract in September 2020.

I secured my offer during my undergraduate degree, and I will be starting the Legal Practice Course in January 2020. Throughout my time studying for the LLB, I gained work experience, took part in extracurricular activities and spent time mentoring other students, all of which strengthened my applications and helped me reach this stage in my career.

Please share with us what the current stage of your career is.

I recently graduated from the University of York after studying law for three years. While I was at university, I was fortunate enough to receive a training contract offer from Baker McKenzie in London for September 2020. This means I will begin the Commercial LLM and LPC at BPP Holborn in January 2020.

Since graduating, I have had the rest of the year to use freely before starting law school. I travelled for a month in Vietnam, worked part-time to earn some income and, most excitingly, launched my law blog through renewed efforts on LinkedIn.

What experiences or advice helped you choose which type of law you wanted to enter?

My first legal work experience was at a high street family law firm when I was around sixteen.

It gave me my first real insight into what lawyers do day to day, from working with clients to drafting and amending documents. I had never studied law before university, so this experience was invaluable. Although I enjoyed it, I realised that I wanted to work in an area of law that offered a broader context beyond the local community.

The following week, I completed work experience at a corporate firm specialising in shipping. I found the transactional and outcome-focused nature of commercial work far more engaging, particularly within the international litigation department. From that point, I knew I wanted to work for a commercial firm with strong international capabilities.

During university, I completed an International Scholarship Programme with DLA Piper.

The programme offered masterclasses in many areas of commercial law and provided work placements both in the UK and abroad. It gave me an invaluable insight into how commercial law operates across borders, involving local, national, international and bilingual contracts. I also attended training sessions and meetings with partners and senior staff to discuss the future of law firms, and I met with departmental heads in marketing, global mobility and HR to develop my commercial awareness.

This experience confirmed that I wanted to work at a larger commercial firm, most likely in London. Baker McKenzie stood out to me because of its small trainee intake, which allows trainees to gain unparalleled opportunities, especially international secondments. The firm’s culture, values, clients and rankings all contributed to my decision to apply.

As I have moved away from mandatory modules and begun exploring my own interests, I have started to consider which practice areas appeal to me most.

Technology, media and sports law are at the forefront of my interest for three reasons. I have always had a personal passion for these sectors, the work is varied and stimulating, and each represents a rapidly expanding area that will shape the future of the profession. I believe the gaming and e-sports industry in particular will continue its explosive growth over the next decade.

What extracurricular activities or positions were you involved in at university?

I took part in several extracurricular clubs and societies, including musical theatre, drama and basketball.

I also volunteered as a mentor and Freshers’ Week Guide, which I found very rewarding. I spoke about these activities during my interview with Baker McKenzie, and the partners were genuinely interested in hearing about what I had been involved in outside my studies.

At the moment, I focus primarily on my blog and writing content as a side hobby. I have been fortunate enough to interview inspiring individuals and mentor many aspiring lawyers who have reached out to me. It is encouraging to see so many driven students entering the profession with ambition.

I believe the next generation of lawyers will transform the industry as technology continues to integrate with legal practice and career paths become more flexible.

What tips would you give to students who are currently applying for a training contract?

I write extensively about training contract applications on my blog.

Having been unsuccessful many times during university, I try to answer the questions I once asked myself. My biggest tip is to identify your unique selling points before you begin your application. These could include notable work experience, a project you founded or managed, or a genuine passion for a particular area of law.

When you write your application, you can then present a clear picture of your skills and experiences and show the recruiter why you stand out from other candidates.

Finally, what is your most memorable achievement to date?

Handing in my dissertation and completing my degree was an unforgettable moment. It represented the culmination of three years of academic and personal growth. It is interesting to reflect on how much I have changed since my first day at university. The journey is not always easy, but it is part of the process, and I would not change any of it.