BEGINNINGS at Baker McKenzie
Opening law careers to all
Everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential irrespective of their background or circumstances. BEGINNINGS at Baker McKenzie makes a career in law more accessible by providing extensive support and opportunities to Year 12 students (or equivalent).
Apply nowWhat does the programme involve?
BEGINNINGS at Baker McKenzie is an 18-month social mobility-focused development programme for Year 12 students interested in a career in law. As a global firm that values diverse thought and inclusive opportunities, Baker McKenzie is passionate about breaking down barriers for talent from all backgrounds and communities.
Each year, 20 students are selected to join the programme and attend regular events both in-person and online. These include virtual skills sessions that develop your academic prowess and employability in law, as well as engaging networking opportunities and a three-day summer work experience placement in our London offices.
On this programme you’ll also have a dedicated mentor assigned to you who will give you the time, advice and training needed to see you succeed. This is alongside a team that’s there to ensure you’re supported at every stage of your academic journey – from UCAS and exam guidance to pre-university preparation.
If you show a strong commitment and a real passion for a future in law, you could be invited to join our FUTURES at Baker McKenzie programme. This offers further support and development opportunities during your first year of university. You could also receive financial support and a place on our First Year Insight Scheme.
Who can apply and what's the process?
You must be in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) and be attending, and have always attended a state funded, non-fee paying school/college.
You must also meet one of the following to take part in this programme:
- You have been in, or are currently in, local authority care
- You are currently in receipt of, or have previously received free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or 16 to 19 Bursary
- You are, or have been a full-time or part-time carer
- You came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker
- Your main household earner’s occupation is categorised as a routine or manual occupation
- You are attending a state school or college with below average A-Level or Higher point score and/or low rate of progression to higher education
- You grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended University
Note: Young people who meet the local authority care criterion do not need to meet any other criterion.
To apply, please complete the online application form. If your application is successful, you will be invited to a virtual interview between February and March – after which we will determine whether we will offer you a space on the programme.
You must also be able to complete the three-day summer work experience at our offices in London. This will be paid and all travel and accommodation expenses will be covered throughout the programme.
Key dates
01/12/2025
Applications open
31/01/2026
Applications close
07/04/2026
In-person launch event
04/08/2026
Three-day work experience
From the 4th to 6th of August 2026
FAQs
18 months (designed to fit around your studies).
To be eligible for the programme, students must have achieved a 4+ in English and Maths GCSE.
All work experience will be paid and travel expenses will be covered throughout the programme.
Hybrid programme with some sessions delivered virtually and some at the Baker McKenzie offices in London.
Applications open 1st December 2025.
What’s everyday life like at Baker McKenzie?
Listen to the honest opinions of our graduates and find out why they believe this particular global law firm is the perfect place to be a Trainee Solicitor.
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