Baker McKenzie is the original global law firm, with a presence in more countries than any competitor and a reputation for seamlessly coordinating cross-border deals through its local law advantage. The London office is the firm's largest globally and handles some of the most complex multi-jurisdictional transactions in the City, with particular strength in tax, employment and antitrust alongside core transactional work.
Generated by Folio — folioapp.co.uk · 15 March 2026
Salary and deadline information is approximate. Always verify with the firm's official graduate recruitment page.
Culture & Values
Genuinely international and inclusive — trainees routinely describe working in teams spanning five or more jurisdictions on a single matter. Baker McKenzie has invested significantly in diversity and inclusion and consistently scores well in surveys of trainee satisfaction. The culture is collaborative rather than hierarchical, with a distinctive emphasis on local law capability over global brand standardisation.
Strategic Advice
Baker McKenzie interviews focus on motivation for international commercial law and awareness of cross-border deal trends — the firm expects candidates to understand what distinguishes a truly global firm from a large international one. Be prepared to discuss a recent cross-jurisdictional transaction and to explain why Baker McKenzie's multi-local model appeals over the Magic Circle's more London-centric offering.
Talking Points
Arguments for “Why Baker McKenzie?” and ready-made observations from recent news. Adapt to your own voice.
01
Baker McKenzie's multi-local model genuinely differentiates it from Magic Circle competitors — the firm coordinates cross-border transactions through embedded local law expertise rather than exporting a London-centric approach, which is essential for the complex jurisdictional issues clients face in deals like the White House's USD 36 billion energy project financing involving SoftBank and multiple regulatory regimes.
02
The London office's particular strength in tax, employment, and antitrust alongside core M&A positions Baker McKenzie uniquely for the kinds of multi-faceted deals that define modern commercial law — for instance, the Anduril USD 20 billion US defence-tech procurement involves navigating US procurement law, export controls, and employment structuring across jurisdictions simultaneously.
03
Baker McKenzie's proven track record in genuinely international teams spanning five or more jurisdictions on single matters reflects the reality of modern practice in a way that differentiated training cannot replicate — trainees develop the collaborative, cross-border problem-solving skillset that the Wolters Kluwer 2026 Future Ready Lawyer Report identifies as critical, particularly given the 44% surge in demand for sanctions and cross-border expertise.
Practice Questions
Active10 curated questions for Baker McKenzie
For Year 12 students (England/Wales), S5 (Scotland), or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) at state-funded, non-fee-paying schools meeting at least one socioeconomic criterion: local authority care experience, free school meals eligibility, carer status, refugee or asylum seeker background, household with routine/manual occupations, attendance at underperforming schools, or first-generation university eligibility. Must have grade 4+ in English and Maths GCSE. 18-month programme (20 participants per year): virtual skills training, networking events, and a three-day paid summer work experience placement in London. Mentoring and university application support throughout.
Applications open December 1 · closes January 31 · work experience August
Data Verification
Salary and deadline information is approximate and based on publicly available data from prior recruitment cycles. Last verified: 2026-03-10. Always check the firm's official graduate recruitment page for confirmed dates.
04
The firm's investment in diversity and inclusion, combined with consistently strong trainee satisfaction scores, indicates a collaborative rather than hierarchical culture — this creates an environment where developing genuine international capability is prioritised over reputation-building based on individual prestige or seniority.