Forging my path
Transitioning into the world of corporate law is no easy feat. Putting aside the difficulties associated with securing a seasonal clerkship or other legal work experience, the task of finding a workplace compatible with your interests, personality and professional aspirations is a challenge in and of itself. I had always had a keen interest in working on cross-border commercial transactions in a friendly environment, so Baker McKenzie stood out as an early favourite. However, it was not until I completed a seasonal clerkship in the Firm's Melbourne office in February 2019, and worked as a research clerk for several months subsequently, that I realised how perfect a fit the Firm was for me. I was immediately exposed to high-quality, global work in an environment where I was surrounded by genuinely supportive and down-to-earth people. I was delighted to receive and accept a graduate offer, and I commenced as a graduate with Baker McKenzie in March 2020.
2020 was not a year that anyone could have expected. Together with the eight other graduates who commenced at Baker McKenzie in March 2020, I was fortunate to attend a week-long Practical Legal Training intensive and our Baker McKenzie graduate induction in person. However, only three days after starting our first rotations, we were thrust into the world of working from home, which became the status quo for our graduate year. The vicissitudes of 2020 reinforced for me that Baker McKenzie was the right fit: the Firm was extremely supportive and acutely sensitive to the graduates' integration within the Firm and continued professional development, notwithstanding the remote working reality. I regularly received phone calls from partners and lawyers alike simply to check-in; I was even pleasantly surprised to receive home-delivered cupcakes for my birthday. I very quickly felt connected to the Baker McKenzie community, even while physically distant.
Graduate rotations
Graduates at Baker McKenzie in Melbourne undertake three rotations of four months each.
My first rotation was in Dispute Resolution. Since the start of my young career as a lawyer, I have always had a leaning towards front-end, transactional work. However, the Firm very appropriately encourages its graduates to have a breadth of experience prior to settling. I undertook the Dispute Resolution rotation with an open mind, as I would recommend to anyone in a similar position, and accordingly, the rotation was an invaluable experience that resulted in significant personal development and the formation of strong connections within a key area of the Firm. During this rotation, I was fortunate to work directly with partners and senior associates from the get-go on meaningful legal work. I was immediately given a large degree of responsibility across a variety of matters, including two class actions and a white-collar crime dispute. I was involved in preparing a mediation position paper, undertaking legal research, drafting briefs and memorandums of advice for counsel, and undertaking document review. The rapidly changing legal and commercial environment that occurred as a result of COVID-19 presented the opportunity to work on novel disputes, in which unique arguments such as contract frustration were often considered. A highlight was preparing for and attending a class action mediation at which the dispute was settled.
My second rotation was in the Corporate Markets team, where I have now settled. Again, I regularly worked directly with partners and senior associates. The matters in which I was involved included private and public mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and general corporate advisory work. I immediately clicked with the team, in particular, due to the truly global nature of the work. Multi-jurisdictional clients often choose Baker McKenzie for transactional work due to its international footprint, and as a result on almost every matter, I found myself liaising with other lawyers from one of our 77 international offices. My tasks within this rotation ranged from conducting and coordinating due diligence to drafting advices and transaction documents.
My third rotation was in the Energy, Resources, Infrastructure and Corporate team. Within this team, I worked predominately on renewable energy matters, including by assisting to draft power purchase agreements and conducting due diligence in respect of acquisitions of solar, wind and/or battery projects. This work was highly enjoyable, particularly given the exciting developments that are continuing to occur in the renewables sector.
More than just work
The Firm also has a strong focus on learning and development through a range of bespoke programs. During my graduate year, I was able to develop strong legal and technical skills, including by undertaking College of Law, the Firm’s general professional development program and the Firm's "Cornerstone" program specifically designed for junior lawyers. Ordinarily, graduates in Melbourne and Sydney attend two intensive learning programs held in the Sydney office, one focused on corporate/commercial law and the other on litigation/dispute resolution. While we were not able to attend these intensives in person, we undertook the same programs virtually which nevertheless provided an outstanding learning opportunity and an ability to interact with the Sydney graduates.
A highlight of the graduate year, and especially given the unusual circumstances, was the ability to be involved in the creation of the "Grad Revue": a short film curated by the Melbourne graduates and presented at the Firm’s end of year party. This was an excellent opportunity to collaborate with the graduates and a wide range of the Firm's staff on a fun and creative task. It was especially rewarding to be able to share a light-hearted and fun recap of the year at the end of a strange year - albeit that the end-of-year party was held via Zoom!
The true sense of friendship and community within the Melbourne office was one of the key reasons that I was drawn to Baker McKenzie after having completed a seasonal clerkship. Although the regular Friday night drinks and range of other social events were limited in 2020, the Firm went to great lengths during our graduate year to ensure that all staff remained socially connected by holding virtual events, which included trivia, cooking "classes" featuring partners, and even a dinner party involving cook-at-home meal boxes delivered from a renowned Melbourne restaurant.
Now that things have returned to some form of normalcy, it has been a delight to attend a range of in-person events and make up for the events we missed last year. I am also a member of the Sports and Social Committee, and we have been busy organising Friday night drinks and sports activities including a weekly running club
To wrap up…
Finding a corporate law firm that aligns with you as a person is not easy but to me, it seems integral to a fulfilling career. I consider myself very lucky to be able to say that I have found the right match in Baker McKenzie, and I am excited for the future and the opportunities which await me at this incredible firm.