Being Open (Disclosure)
Inclusion and diversity are vital to our success. They create a positive working environment, encourage a greater range of viewpoints, boost our creativity and help us respond more effectively to client needs.
You’ll enjoy the freedom to be yourself at Baker McKenzie, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, HIV status and socio-economic background.
“I think the most striking thing about working at Baker McKenzie is their commitment to diversity. It’s something people here are truly passionate about. It’s not just a tick-box exercise.” Bobby Sarkodee-Adoo, Senior Associate.
Baker McKenzie Graduate Opportunities
For over 75 years, we have helped clients navigate the complexities of an ever changing world. From the civil rights movement, to the fall of the Berlin wall and the invention of the world wide web, we’ve witnessed fundamental shifts in business and society over the last eight decades. But as the original global law firm, we’ve been steadfast in solving our clients’ problems – wherever they are in the world – by providing a unique blend of local expertise and global context.
If you’ve always been curious about different cultures and legal jurisdictions, Baker McKenzie is the firm for you. With more than 70 offices, the majority of trainees get to do an international secondment, giving them a chance to practise law in a completely different city. Even when you’re not globetrotting, you’ll be speaking to clients and lawyers from all over the world.
Best Law Firm Advisory Team: Clean - Legal 500 UK ESG Awards
Top 20 Most Innovative Global Law Firms of the last 20 years – Financial Times Innovative Lawyers
International Firm of the Year & Gender Diversity Firm of the Year (Western Europe) – Women in Business Law Awards, EMEA
'Best Law Firm Office 2025', 'Best Law Firm for International Secondments 2025' and 'Best Law Firm for Client Secondments – Legal Cheek Awards
Being Open (Disclosure)
At Baker McKenzie, you'll find the work as interesting as it is impactful. We have a wide variety of practice areas, an impressive range of international opportunities and training that's proven to turn talented graduates into leading lawyers. At Baker McKenzie, we foster an environment that's genuinely collegiate, collaborative and supportive. Our annual graduate intake is 40, which means more visibility from day one, more early responsibility and more opportunity to thrive in our key practice areas.
1st Year Insight Schemes
We offer 1st Year Insight Schemes which are the ideal opportunity to experience what it’s like to work for a City-based, global law firm. Run over two days, the scheme involves a series of interactive workshops, networking opportunities, lawyer shadowing and one-to-one sessions with our Graduate Recruitment and Development team.
Vacation Schemes
Our Vacation Schemes give you the chance to experience life with us over three weeks. You will experience two of our main practice areas, be involved in live transactions, deals and cases and where possible we’ll encourage you to attend internal, departmental and client meetings. Training is provided to familiarise you with some of our typical transactions and to help you develop key skills. We place great emphasis on involving you in ‘live’ work with our Associates and Partners.
Training Contract
Our two-year Training Contract comprises of four six-month seats which include a transactional and a contentious seat. We also offer the possibility of a secondment abroad or with a client. Trainees have spent time in New York, Hong Kong, Dubai and Tokyo. During each seat you will have formal and informal reviews to discuss your progress and regular meetings to explore subsequent seat preferences.
Your Training Contract commences with a highly interactive and practical induction programme which focuses on key skills including practical problem solving, presenting and the application of information technology. The firm’s training programmes include important components of management and other business skills, as well as seminars and workshops on key legal topics for each practice area. There are also numerous diversity and social activities you can get involved in.
We know that applying for a training contract can feel daunting, and if you have a disability or long-term health condition, you may have additional questions about how best to navigate the process. We want to reassure you that your application will be assessed on your skills, potential, and motivation to become a solicitor – not your disability.
What employers are looking for?
Law firms recruit trainee solicitors for their strengths: analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and resilience. These are qualities that sit at the heart of a successful legal career, and they are the focus of our recruitment process.
Should I disclose my disability?
This is a very personal decision, and there is no obligation to disclose a disability unless you would like adjustments to be made during the recruitment process or in the workplace. If you do choose to share this information, it allows us to work with you to ensure you have the right support to demonstrate your ability and to thrive at work.
What adjustments can be made?
Adjustments are tailored to individual needs and could include:
We are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process and workplace are as accessible as possible so you can perform at your best.
What if I’m worried about standing out?
Having a disability does not disadvantage you. Many students worry that requesting adjustments will negatively affect their application, but this is not the case. Firms value diversity of thought and experience, and the skills you have developed in managing your disability – such as resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability – are often highly valued in a legal career.
Visit our website www.bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates for further details on all of the opportunities on offer to graduates and hints and tips on how to apply.
If due to your health condition or disability you require any support or adjustments, please do not hesitate to contact our Graduate Recruitment & Development team. Please log in or register to view contact details.
Additional time
Additional time to complete online test, interviews and assessment centres.
Hard copy
We can arrange for a hard copy version of your tests to be completed within the office.
Point of contact
You will have a dedicated point of contact within the Graduate Recruitment team. We will give you a call to discuss the structure of the day and to answer any questions a week or so before your interview.
At Baker McKenzie, we offer a wide range of support that can be adapted to an individual’s needs.
This includes an Employee Assistance Program, occupational health and a dedicated member of the Graduate Recruitment & Development team to support you through each seat rotation. We also have a dedicated Learning & Development team member to provide support in terms of 1:1 coaching.
As a firm, we strive to provide specific adjustments and support to all employees who join Baker McKenzie. Prior to and throughout your employment, we will work closely with the individual to offer support and ensure that any adjustments are already in place prior to start date to ensure a smooth first day and joining process.
Technology support and specialist equipment can be provided for employees.
We also have flexible working arrangements in place, including Agile Working which is very much promoted and encouraged at Baker McKenzie.
Within our Diversity & Inclusion agenda are a number of focus groups which all employees are encouraged to get involved in. These cover ethnicity, social background, gender, LGBT+, mental health and wellbeing.
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