Law-struck GRADUATE LAW CAREERS. bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates

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1 Law-struck GRADUATE LAW CAREERS bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates

2 Contents The Baker McKenzie journey Prepare to be law-struck Our clients The kind of lawyers we are We are inclusive and diverse Routes to a Training Contract Getting to know each other Vacation Schemes How to get a Training Contract Training Contract content Fast Track LPC The benefits of a Training Contract with us How to apply Interview hints and tips If you re reading this, the chances are you re about to embark on your career in law. Where you begin that journey matters. There ll be law firms queuing up to tell you that they re global in their reach and reputation. Others will be keen to push their dazzling list of FTSE100 clients. Some will major on the complex caseload they can offer. A select few will be able to lay claim to serving up all of the above. And we re one of them. Alex Chadwick London Managing Partner DOWNLOAD FOR FREE ON: bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 3

3 The Baker McKenzie journey Prepare to be law-struck We are The New Lawyers. Lawyers who collaborate across borders, markets and industries around the globe to solve our clients' most complex problems. Baker McKenzie presents a unique working environment that will leave graduates not just amazed, but law-struck. By the quality of the work we offer. The breadth of our international opportunities. Our relentless desire to be the most diverse law firm out there. And our friendly and collegiate approach to the way we work. We are innovators. One of the very first global firms. We embrace new technology, inspire each of our lawyers with the most challenging and high profile work and pay much more than just lip service to important issues such as gender, ethnicity and inclusiveness. Our roots can be traced back to a shared taxi ride home for two successful lawyers in In that cab, Russell Baker and John McKenzie discovered they had a shared vision the desire to create a global law firm of talented, local lawyers. Fast-forward 70 years and that firm now has offices in almost 80 worldwide locations. Our London office is the largest, with over 400 legal professionals serving our vast portfolio of clients, usually in collaboration with teams in our international offices. And it s in London that your exciting career in law with Baker McKenzie could soon begin. To be law-struck is to be excited by the huge potential of a career with Baker McKenzie. You ll find the best work here, along with 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 33, which means more visibility from day one, more early responsibility and more opportunity to thrive in our key practice areas: Banking Corporate Dispute Resolution Employment EU, Competition & Trade Intellectual Property IT/Commercial Structured Capital Markets Pensions Real Estate Tax Over the course of your training, you ll have the opportunity to experience up to four of these practice areas, one of which must be transactional, given the strategic importance this type of work has to our firm. 4 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 5

4 Our clients You ll want to assess the strength and diversity of a law firm s client list before taking your application further. Ours bears all the hallmarks of a premier law firm at the top of its game and includes: Venture capital funds Investment banks Tech powerhouses Household names Multinational technology companies Household consumer brands World-leading automotive companies Private equity houses That combination should give you an insight into the complexity and variety of the opportunities we offer. We see ourselves as indispensible business partners for each of our clients, with the ability to deliver local insights and a global reach. We collaborate with our clients to provide them with strategic commercial legal advice and help them grow. At Baker McKenzie, Trainees are expected to interface with clients pretty much from the start. So in training, I spent time on secondment in Hong Kong and that meant going and working with one of my clients on a listing there. James Heller, Associate Scan James with the Blippar app to discover more about graduate secondments at Baker McKenzie. 6 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 7

5 Baker McKenzie s working culture is incredibly diverse. In terms of the type of work you do, the type of clients you work with, and the various offices you work with. Sunny Mann, Partner The kind of lawyers we are Baker McKenzie is all about enabling our lawyers to be the best they can be. Yes, we are a big firm, but not so big that we don t recognise the importance of new talent. Scan Sunny with the Blippar app to hear more about the kind of lawyers we are. We never forget that we were all trainees once. Recent graduates excited about entering the world of work and a little awestruck by the potential and opportunities a career in law could give us. Join us, and you ll be part of a firm that will support you every step of the way, starting from day one. We re determined to stand out from the rest. Not just through the quality of the support we provide and the work we do, but also by the importance we place on promoting an inclusive and diverse culture. We are proud to be the first truly global law firm, a status achieved by our belief that a diverse workforce is stronger and best placed to serve our clients. Our approach is certainly attracting its fair share of admirers, as we are the only law firm to feature in the 2017 Sunday Times Best Companies To Work For and The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers Apply for one of our Vacation Schemes or a Training Contract and you ll soon find out why. 8 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 9

6 We are inclusive and diverse 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. We re one of just a handful of law firms with a dedicated Diversity Partner, and one of just eleven Social Mobility Business Compact Champions in the UK. We were also one of the first two organisations in any industry to become Contextual Recruitment Pioneers and to introduce name-blind recruitment. To prove our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we have a number of internal networks which you will be encouraged to join. These include: Corporate Social Responsibility We take CSR seriously, evidenced by our formal programme that covers: Charity We support two different charities every year and run a Volunteer Day Scheme, giving staff the opportunity to take paid time off to work with charities during office hours. Pro Bono Our major pro bono clients include NSPCC, Save the Children and Cancer Research UK. Sustainability We have implemented a number of initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, including establishing a green roof at our London office. 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, Associate BAKERWELLBEING BAKERWOMEN BAKERLGBT BAKERETHNICITY BAKEROPPORTUNITY Scan Bobby with the Blippar app to hear his views on inclusion and diversity at Baker McKenzie. 10 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 11

7 Routes to a Training Contract Whether your degree is in law or another discipline, there are many ways to become a commercial lawyer. This illustration shows you the different paths you can take to secure a Training Contract offer: LAW DEGREE Getting to know each other Open Days Us getting to know you. You getting to know us. That s the purpose of our Open Days. We hold three every year, giving you the chance to find out more about the kind of lawyers we are and the work we do. You ll take part in workshops on topics such as Negotiation, Commercial Awareness and Application Skills. You ll also get the opportunity to meet and learn from the experiences of some of our Partners, Associates and Trainees over lunch. To register your interest, please visit: bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates First Year Programme Run over two days, the course gives you a broad insight into how a big, global law firm like ours operates and the sort of projects we work on. It involves a series of interactive workshops, networking opportunities, lawyer shadowing and one-to-one sessions with our Graduate Recruitment & Development team. Open Days 7th December th December th March 2018 First Year Programme 9th-10th August 2018 OPTIONAL VACATION SCHEME LPC TRAINING CONTRACT NON-LAW DEGREE GDL 12 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 13

8 When I did my Vacation Scheme, I very quickly realised this is the place I wanted to work. Sarah Williams, Associate Vacation Schemes Want to know what it s like to work for a global law firm before you ve even finished your studies? That s the purpose of the Vacation Schemes we run every year. Spring Vacation Scheme 2 weeks International Vacation Scheme 8 12 weeks Scan Sarah with the Blippar app to hear about our Vacation Schemes For law and non-law undergraduates in their final year, graduates and post-graduates. Scheme starts: 3rd 13th April 2018 When to apply: Open for applications between 1st October 2017 and 30th November 2017 Summer Vacation Scheme 3 weeks For law and non-law undergraduates in their penultimate year of study (or the second or third year of a four-year course). Scheme starts: 1st: 18th June 6th July nd: 16th July 3rd August 2018 When to apply: Open for applications between 1st November 2017 and 15th January 2018 Split between our London office and one of our international offices. Open to students who secure a place on our Spring or Summer Vacation Scheme and who accept a Training Contract offer with us. When to apply: We will discuss how you can apply for this scheme once you have accepted your Training Contract offer. Whichever scheme you choose, you ll experience two of our main practice areas, the ultimate aim being to help you develop your skills and experience life as a Trainee. We will involve you in live projects and common transactions, and where possible you'll attend client and internal meetings as well as court hearings. There ll also be opportunities to socialise and network with our Partners, Associates and Trainees. 14 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 15

9 How to get a Training Contract Each year, we recruit 33 of the best and brightest Trainees. Individuals who we believe will make well-rounded lawyers and help our firm continue to stand out from the rest. I think the best thing about the Training Contract is that I got a whole new group of friends from it. So when I started, I realised that each day I d be coming to work with my friends, which makes a big difference to your day. Rebecca Bland, Trainee To be eligible, you ll need to have (or expect to achieve) at least a 2:1 degree, backed up by a minimum of 340 UCAS points (or equivalent). We are aware of the changes to the UCAS tariff, but this won t affect Training Contract entrants until We re determined to recruit the best people from a variety of backgrounds. That s why we use a contextualised recruitment system which gives us the ability to understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained. So even candidates who demonstrate real potential but fall slightly short of our criteria can and will still be considered. We will also take into consideration any mitigating circumstances related to a disability or long term health condition. We encourage applications from law and non-law undergraduates, recent graduates or career changers. We re looking for those who have achieved a consistently high level of performance and have an international focus, strong leadership skills, as well as intellect and initiative. Make no mistake, every Trainee will benefit from the very best technical and skills training, delivered by our own lawyers, often Partners. When to apply for Training Contracts starting in 2020: Final year students and graduates: Open for applications between 1st November 2017 and 31st December 2017 Penultimate year students: Open for applications between 1st June 2018 and 31st July 2018 Scan Rebecca with the Blippar app to hear about our Training Contracts 16 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 17

10 Scan Jerrold with the Blippar app to hear about our Vacation Schemes In my banking seat I was exposed to clients such as financial institutions, hedge funds and also real estate funds. Right now I m on client secondment to a bank in the City. So that s been great fun. Jerrold Yam, Trainee Training Contract content Training Contracts last for two years and give you the opportunity to experience four of our key practice areas for six months each (known as seats). Our seat rotation policy ensures you experience different areas of law, including contentious law. Corporate work is at the heart of our firm, so all Trainees are required to complete six months in a transactional seat. All Training Contracts start with a two-week induction programme designed to equip you with the skills you need to make an immediate contribution. Throughout your Training Contract, you ll be able to call on the personal and professional support of both our Graduate Recruitment & Development and Learning & Development teams. During each seat, you ll get departmentspecific training and be assigned a supervisor who ll mentor you and provide you with work. Every department has a Trainee Partner who will be responsible for overseeing your progress and ensuring you continuously develop appropriate skills and experience. Midway through each seat, there ll be an informal review of your progress and development. At the end of each seat, a more formal evaluation will see a Trainee Partner feedback on your progress. All Trainees have the opportunity to apply for a three-month secondment to one of our international offices, or to one of our clients in-house legal teams for six months. At the start of your final seat, there will be a briefing session with the Graduate Recruitment & Development team which will outline the qualification process. It s followed by a one-to-one meeting with the Training Principal who will discuss your preferences and provide guidance. Our current Newly Qualified starting salary is 75, Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 19

11 Fast Track LPC Before you start your Training Contract, you ll need to complete our specifically tailored Fast Track Legal Practice Course (LPC). Our September intake of graduates start their LPC in January, with our March intake beginning their LPC in July. All non-law graduates and those without a qualifying law degree will need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) before commencing this Fast Track LPC. Throughout the LPC, you ll take part in practice group overviews and practical workshops with our lawyers. The purpose of these is to increase your understanding of our practices and develop your commercial awareness and client relationship skills. You'll study the city electives which are aligned with the Firm's global transactional focus alongside your future trainee cohort. So you ll get to know your peers before you start. You will also have the opportunity to convert your LPC to a Master of Laws (LLM). 20 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 21

12 The benefits of a Training Contract with us We believe in looking after all our people right from the start of their careers with us. With this in mind, we offer Trainees a starting salary of 45,000, rising to 49,000 in year two. That s in the upper quartile of City law firms. This comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Independent Financial Advice Childcare Vouchers, Emergency Childcare, Dependent Care and Home Care Gym Subsidy Employee Assistance Programme Dining Discounts Tastecard and Gourmet Card Cycle To Work Scheme Life Assurance & Income Protection Private Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Gadget Insurance Give As You Earn Scheme Concierge and Discounts Service Season Ticket Loans Group Personal Pension Plan Mortgage Advice Foreign Currency Exchange and Travel Insurance Employee Healthcare Programmes including health screening, onsite GP, onsite physiotherapy, private A&E, flu jabs and eye care GDL and Fast Track LPC students: We ll pay your course fees and a maintenance grant towards living expenses at 6,000 for the GDL and 8,000 for the Fast Track LPC 22 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 23

13 How to apply for our Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes 1 Online application Tell us about your academic record, work experience, extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility using our online form, and include a covering letter. 2 Online testing If you meet our criteria, we ll send you links to two online tests covering situational judgement and verbal reasoning. 3 Video interview The next stage of the process is a strengths based video interview that will invite you to respond to pre-recorded questions. 4 Assessment centre Our day-long assessment centre consists of a group exercise, a Partner interview based on a case study, an Associate interview and an informal lunch with our Trainees. 5 Offer If you are successful, you will receive an offer. If you need assistance in deciding whether to accept, our Graduate Recruitment & Development team will be on standby. Applicants with disabilities If you consider yourself to have a disability or a health condition, any information you share with us will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our aim is to provide you with as much help, support and reassurance as possible. If your disability or health condition makes it difficult to apply for any of our vacancies via our website, please contact the Graduate Recruitment & Development team on or londongraduates@bakermckenzie.com Interview hints and tips We want every applicant to be at their best during their interviews, so here are a few tips to help: Be prepared You re going to get asked questions, and we ll expect you to ask us questions. Revisit your research and be ready to share details of the achievements you re most proud of. Tell us what makes you determined to pursue a career in commercial law with Baker McKenzie. Be yourself You ve made it this far because you ve impressed us. Sure, you ll be a little nervous at your interview, but be natural. Let the real you shine through. Be confident Show us you ve got what it takes to succeed here. Make sure your passion and enthusiasm comes across, and always remember that the interview is a two-way process, giving you a chance to assess us as much as we ll assess you. Summary of key application dates First Year Programme: Open for applications between 1st March 2018 and 15th May 2018 Open Days: Open for applications between 1st November 2017 and 15th February 2018 Spring Vacation Scheme 2018: Open for applications between 1st October 2017 and 30th November 2017 Assessment Centres to be held in January 2018 Summer Vacation Scheme 2018: Open for applications between 1st November 2017 and 15th January 2018 Assessment Centres to be held in January and February 2018 Training Contract 2020 Finalists & Graduates: Open for applications between 1st November 2017 and 31st December 2017 Assessment Centres to be held in March 2018 Penultimate Year Students: Open for applications between 1st June 2018 and 31st July 2018 Assessment Centres to be held in August Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 25

14 Notes 26 Baker McKenzie bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates 27

15 bakermckenzie.com/londongraduates facebook.com/bakermckenziegraduates Baker & McKenzie LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC A list of members names is open to inspection at its registered office and principal place of business, 100 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6JA. Baker & McKenzie LLP is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein with member law firms around the world. In accordance with the terminology commonly used in professional service organisations, reference to a partner means a person who is a member, partner, or equivalent, in such a law firm. Similarly, reference to an office means an office of any such law firm. Baker & McKenzie LLP is regulated and authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. Further information regarding the regulatory position is available at This may qualify as Attorney Advertising requiring notice in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome Baker & McKenzie. All rights reserved.