International Clerkship Report

Lauren Huntley, September 2007

Sponsoring Office:  London, England
Receiving Office:    Sydney, Australia

After spending six weeks in the London office and meeting two intakes of vacation scheme students I am now living in one of the world's most dynamic cities – Sydney – and experiencing Baker & McKenzie's international network first-hand.

The fantastic Graduate Recruitment team organised every step of the clerkship, making the transition from London to Sydney effortless. There is a strong link between the two offices and many lawyers have worked in both cities. The London office ensured that I was put in touch with the trainee and associates who are here on secondment and it was valuable to hear about their experiences over lunch.

During the clerkship I have undertaken a fascinating range of work and been lucky enough to receive high-quality training on everything from presentational skills to joint ventures. In London I was based in the Corporate and IP departments and in Australia I am part of the Tax group. Spending time in a number of different practice areas enables you to get a taste for what life may be like as a trainee.  Another benefit of doing a longer vacation scheme is that time is spent at the Firm both during and outside of the standard London placements. This means you experience the Firm in its natural environment and can participate in the many skills sessions and social events.

Highlights have included attending client meetings, researching points of law and reviewing documents for trainees, associates and partners. Even the more routine work has been interesting as it is usually of a multi-jurisdictional nature and always enables you to find out more about the Firm's work and clients. Learning about the tax system in Sydney is proving to be intriguing and I have even been given responsibility to draft a Brief for Counsel in advance of litigation at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. I have also been involved with some of the Firm's pro-bono work and to see that the Firm takes this seriously is encouraging in such a competitive legal marketplace.

I have been fortunate to visit more of Australia during my time here and have been to many of the Sydney suburbs as well as Melbourne and the Whitsunday Islands. A few of the trainees took me to the Blue Mountains for a weekend and I became very jealous of Sydneysiders who have incredible cities, beaches and countryside (or bush) on their doorstep!

An array of social events were organised by the London Graduate Recruitment team – a private film screening, a night at the Comedy Store, a City quiz, lunch at the Oxo Tower – and there were so many delicious lunches and drinks events that I quickly lost count! These were a great way to get to know other students and to meet people from all levels of the Firm.  In Sydney I have been treated equally well. The office often holds lunch and drinks events and even offers subsidised massages and yoga lessons! At all times I have felt like a valued member of the team, which reflects the high calibre and friendly attitude of the Firm's people. I am now in my last week of the clerkship and although looking forward to going home and seeing friends and family, will be sad to leave behind my perfectly-located apartment, new friends and the vibrant Australian culture.

I have really enjoyed my time here and have learnt a lot about Baker & McKenzie and developed firmer plans for my career and future. I would strongly advise anyone thinking of applying for a Baker & McKenzie clerkship to do so. Special thanks must go to Justine Beedle in London and everyone in Sydney for what has been a memorable, interesting and productive summer.