Baker & McKenzie is a leading global law firm based in 70 locations across 38 countries.
With a presence in virtually every important financial and commercial centre in the world, our strategy is to provide the best combination of local legal and commercial knowledge, international expertise and resources. Our trainee solicitors are a vital part of that strategy and are exposed to the international scope of the firm from the moment they start. With a strong international client base, we have considerable expertise in acting on, and coordinating, cross-border transactions and disputes.
At the heart of the firm is the Corporate Department which has acknowledged expertise in international securities work, strong links with venture capital houses and has acted in relation to several privatisations. We also have a strong local reputation in several important specialist areas including Intellectual Property, Information Technology, Telecoms, Employment, Pensions, Banking & Finance.
Training
Our training programme starts with a highly interactive and practical induction programme, which focuses on key skills including practical problem-solving, interviewing, presenting and the application of information technology. It also includes important presentations on management and other business skills, as well as seminars and workshops on key legal topics for each practice area.
Typically, trainees spend four periods of six months within different departments (each six-month period being referred to as a “seat”). Our trainees are asked to complete a corporate and contentious seat, usually within our highly regarded Dispute Resolution department. Trainees may also be seconded for a three-month placement to one of our overseas locations including Sydney, Madrid, Chicago and Moscow.
We encourage trainees to participate in pro bono issues and offer a wide range of sporting and social activities.
Baker & McKenzie recruit 38 trainees each year, split across two intakes, March and September. We also offer summer work experience to those in their penultimate year at university. The deadline for applications to our summer clerkship programme is 31 January each year. For more information, please visit our website www.ukgraduates.bakernet.com.
