Life as a graduate
It seems like only yesterday I was gearing up to submit my clerkship applications. It's hard to believe I've now completed my graduate program and settled into my permanent group!
The transition from student to graduate
The transition from student to graduate was an exciting time. Before we commenced, we completed a one-week off-site PLT intensive. It was great to catch up with the other grads and chat about our travels over the break (and, of course, do some learning!).
Upon commencing with the Firm, we had an induction program designed to help us succeed during our graduate program. Sessions included technical training sessions on the Firm's systems, legal and commercial drafting and research sessions, and soft skills training sessions on areas such as communication, client service, wellbeing and resilience, and other useful and practical topics specifically for new graduates. These sessions were highly valuable and really supported our transition.
As part of the induction program, we also had structured sessions with senior lawyers who shared their own career stories with us, and the strategies and habits they have entrenched in their own practices throughout their careers. Having senior lawyers take an hour out of their day to invest in the development of the graduates was a real highlight and truly reflects the sense of community and care at Bakers.
Straight into real work!
The Baker McKenzie graduate program in Melbourne consists of three rotations of four months each. You are given a supervising partner and junior lawyer buddy in each rotation who give you work, get you involved in a variety of matters, and support your transition to the team.
As recommended by the Firm, I balanced my graduate rotations to ensure I was exposed to a mix of transactional, advisory and litigious work. I commenced in the Commercial Real Estate Group (where I kicked off my Bakers career as a clerk!) in my first rotation, followed by Corporate M&A for my second rotation. In these transactional learning rotations, I worked on due diligence projects, drafted transaction documents and correspondence, and updated completion checklists. From day one, it was rewarding to be given interesting tasks that meaningfully contributed to the Firm's leading work and clients. One highlight in my first rotation was a deal signing taking place for a large commercial real estate portfolio, with a deal value of >$1billion. I was able to jump straight in and assist with the signing of the many sale documents, all while gaining invaluable experience and mentoring from the senior lawyers on the matter.
I capped off the graduate program in Dispute resolution by working on a broad range of matters, including regulatory disputes (acting for both private clients and government regulatory bodies), commercial disputes, and restructuring and insolvency matters. In this rotation, I undertook legal research, prepared memos and briefs to counsel, and drafted court documents. Of course, being a DR rotation, I had the opportunity to attend court multiple times to watch all of our hard work come to life in the court room.
It was invaluable to undertake different areas of legal practice as I gained broad skills and a strong understanding of various commercial clients, particularly thanks to my partner supervisors and buddies who were really invested in developing me.
One thing that also stood out to me in my graduate program was the interconnectedness of Bakers' network. In any given day, you could be working with your Australian colleagues across the eastern seaboard or overseas colleagues on an international, cross-border due diligence project, which happened seamlessly through our various global platforms.
Beyond Work
It's not just about work at Bakers. I am a part of Bakers' sport and social committee and am the co-captain of Bakers' mixed netball team, “Here if you Knead” (apologies to anyone who does not appreciate this baking pun). These avenues are a great way to meet new people, get to know colleagues outside of work, and, of course, contribute to the Firm's culture. I also assist with running the footy tipping competition and prepare weekly footy write-ups, which are circulated to the broader Firm. As a magpies supporter, it’s a great opportunity to take swipes at the Carlton supporters among the Firm!
For a successful graduate year, we are told we have to do two things: firstly, pass PLT and become admitted, and secondly (and arguably more high-stakes), prepare a grad revue for the end-of-year party! Each year, for the grad revue, the grads film a series of skits with people across the Firm, making fun of life at a law firm. This often references a few things in popular culture that occur throughout the year too. It is a great way to have a laugh with your colleagues and enjoy some light-hearted banter at the end-of-year party.
Reflecting back
When I reflect back on my graduate year, what comes to mind is lots of exciting work, huge growth and learning, and many fun moments, especially at our Firm-wide celebrations. The common feature that has stood out throughout the year (and, in fact, since I commenced as a clerk) has been the people. During each step of my journey, I have felt supported by genuinely friendly, highly approachable, and thoughtful colleagues, many of whom have become my good friends.
I am so glad to have started my career at Bakers and am excited to see where my future takes me!