Baker McKenzie
London·Chicago
Cross-border M&A·Tax·Employment
Founded in Chicago in 1949, Baker McKenzie pioneered the idea of a truly multinational firm decades before it was standard, and still staffs its overseas offices with local lawyers rather than sending expats in.
Why this firm
The original global law firm
Pioneered the multinational law firm model in 1949, decades before it became standard, and still staffs overseas offices with local lawyers rather than sending expats in
A genuine cross-border practice spanning M&A, tax and employment work across jurisdictions most firms only enter through referrals
Around 90% of trainees complete an international secondment during their training contract, one of the highest rates of any London firm
What this firm looks for
Drawn from Baker McKenzie's own recruitment materials
Based on the firm's published recruitment materials, graduate recruitment commentary and stated values.
Global citizens, not just linguists
Training principal James Robinson emphasises candidates who understand and appreciate the firm's genuinely global, multi-jurisdictional way of working, not just an interest in international law on paper.
Non-law interview parity
Graduate recruitment officer David Roe: "We interview as many non-law as we do law students, so there's not a lot of focus on legal terminology. Rather, the day is focused on your commercial awareness and ability to work with others."
Candour as a named value
The firm's own recruitment site states its culture is one of collaboration, candour and respect: candour specifically named alongside the more generic collaboration and respect pairing.
Past applications
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Choose one of our clients and explain a challenge they are currently facing. What could the organisation do to overcome this challenge and how could we assist - Baker McKenzie
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