After studying History at university, I took a law conversion course before doing a variety of Vacation Schemes at various different firms. Baker McKenzie was the obvious choice for me, because I didn’t know what I wanted to specialise in and I didn’t want to have to choose too early. As a full-service Firm, Baker McKenzie could give me experience in a broad range of specialisms and so I could make an informed decision about what area to specialise in.

I got everything I wanted out of my Training Contract. My first seat was in Corporate Energy, Mining and Infrastructure (EMI) – something I had always had an interest in. I’d always been interested in energy and I loved that this was a stretch from the usual mergers and acquisitions. I felt like I was making an impact on the world.

Then in my final seat, I did a secondment to New York, to Macquarie. It was a fantastic experience. It gave me a new level of understanding when it comes to client perspectives, the deals clients manage. I developed a client mindset and I’ve been told since that this is one of my key attributes. It’s a really crucial skill to have as a lawyer. I know how to find out what a client cares about, to really listen, and how to support a client from every area of the Firm. I’ve learned how to really develop the relationship.

The training didn’t stop after my Training Contract either. As an Associate, I now have the chance to study virtually for further qualifications, to gain further qualifications in specific areas I am really passionate about. My supervisors have worked really hard to give me the chance to do this, changing my hours to part-time hours so I can fit my studies in around my work. It’s an opportunity I don’t think I’d get at other law firms.

Baker McKenzie has so many top tier specialisms, and the drive to keep improving and moving forward is in every department in the Firm. It’s what makes it such a fantastic place to work, and I can see myself developing and learning at such a fast pace in this kind of inspiring environment.