Training Contract

We recruit 38 trainees each year and expect you to have obtained, or be expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 in your degree and a minimum of 340 UCAS points (or equivalent). You should demonstrate a consistently high level of performance throughout your studies.  Applications are accepted from law and non-law undergraduates, recent graduates or graduates who have spent time in business or pursuing another career.

Seat Rotations

Learning & Development

Secondments

Qualification

There is no Baker & McKenzie standard trainee but characteristics we value include:

• An international mindset
• Leadership
• Intellect and initiative
• Commercial acumen
• Creativity
• Commitment to excellence
• Impact and influence
• Desire to learn

The best time for law and non-law students to apply is after you have received your second year exam results. The closing date for training contract applications is 31^st July.

The same deadline applies to existing graduates.

Seat Rotations

During your two-year training contract, you will spend time in four key practice areas.  These each last for six months and are referred to as 'seats'.  In each seat you have a supervisor who acts as your work provider and mentor.  Every department has a trainee partner who is responsible for overseeing your progress and ensuring you continuously develop appropriate skills and experience. 

Our seat rotation policy ensures you experience at least three distinct areas of law, including contentious law (as recommended by the Solicitors' Regulatory Authority). A number of departments offer contentious experience, including Dispute Resolution, Employment, Intellectual Property and EU, Competition & Trade.  Corporate work is at the heart of the Firm and all trainees are required to undertake a seat in our Corporate department.

The Graduate Recruitment and Development team will discuss your interest in particular departments and these interests are considered in line with business needs.  While we aim to accommodate your preferences, this cannot always be guaranteed.

Midway through each seat you have an informal review to discuss your progress and development. At the end of each seat you have a more formal evaluation with a a trainee partner who will provide feedback on your progress and experience.

Learning & Development

To develop into a world-class commercial lawyer, you need the very best technical and skills training.  Our training is delivered by our own lawyers, often partners, so you benefit from the latest advice and experience in a Baker & McKenzie context.

Your training contract starts with a two-week induction programme, which equips you with the skills you need to start making an immediate contribution. We welcome you to the Firm, provide an overview of the Firm's structure, culture and procedures and support you with some of the practical skills you will need through our career management workshops. You will receive department-specific training at the beginning of each seat, and throughout your training contract you can also call on the personal and professional support of our Graduate Recruitment and Learning & Development teams.

Baker & McKenzie is the only firm to have been awarded Best Trainer in the Large City Firm category at the LCN/TSG Training and Recruitment awards five times over the last eight years, demonstrating our commitment and investment in developing our trainees.

Secondments

All trainees have the opportunity to apply for a three month secondment to one of our 69 global offices.  Popular locations include Singapore, Moscow and Hong Kong.

Depending on client needs, we are also able to offer trainee secondments to clients' in-house legal teams, giving you the chance to deepen your knowledge and skills and to gain a better understanding of the client's business.

Qualification

During your final seat, the Graduate Recruitment and Development team will facilitate and guide you through the qualification process. A briefing session held at the beginning of your final seat outlines the process and provides an opportunity to ask questions. This is followed by a meeting with Simon Porter - Partner and Trainee Principal - who will discuss preferences with you and will provide individual guidance.

Qualification decisions are communicated to trainees approximately three months prior to the end of their final seat. Should you not be offered an associate position, Baker & McKenzie will provide you with outplacement support.

We invest heavily in recruiting and developing trainees and aim to maximise our retention of the best talent in line with the needs of our business.