FAQs

Absolutely. You will need a 2:1 degree, but the subject is not important. In fact, more than half of our trainees come to us from a non-law background.

It depends which programme you intend to apply for. Here are the key dates:

• First Year Insight Scheme: 1st February 2027
• Spring Vacation Scheme: 4th December 2026
• Summer Vacation Scheme: 1st January 2027
• Direct Training Contract: 02nd April 2027
• BEGINNINGS at Baker McKenzie: 18 January 2027

Our main website is a good place to start. It’s packed with information about our areas of expertise and the services we provide, as well as our history and strategy for the future.

If you’re looking for more of an insight into the culture of the Firm, check out our Instagram @bakermckenzie_londongraduates.

By far the best way to find out more about us, however, is to join us at one of our Open Days and talk to the people who already work here.

Firstly, keeping up with the news is great for building your commercial awareness. The Financial Times and BBC websites are a good place to start.

Then, really think about what interests you in the commercial world. Select two or three topics that really catch your attention, and do some more in-depth reading around those subjects.

This will prove invaluable in your interviews and assessment centres where you are likely to be asked questions around what might be impacting the legal sector now and in the future.

Strong communication skills are obviously key. Beyond that, we look for good team-working, problem-solving and leadership capabilities.

Just as important as your skills, however, are the personal qualities you bring. Things like resilience and adaptability, creativity and persuasiveness.

The short answer is yes.

If you’re an international Master of Laws (LLM) student, but have little or no experience in English law, you’ll need to start as a Trainee Solicitor and complete the equivalent of a two-year Training Contract to get that experience.

If you’ve already qualified as a lawyer overseas and have significant experience in English law, you could work with us as an Associate while undertaking the SQE to qualify as a Solicitor in England & Wales. Check out our careers page to see if we have an opportunity for you.

Yes, we positively encourage applications from mature students, as well as those considering a change of career.

It is entirely your decision as to whether you want to apply to a Vacation Scheme or a Training Contract. However, it is worth noting that a large proportion of our trainees undertook a Vacation Scheme with us and Vacation Scheme students are considered for a Training Contract before we review other applications.

The Vacation Scheme gives you experience working within two departments and let’s you really get a feel for the work that Baker McKenzie lawyers undertake, along with understanding the culture of the Firm.

Please note that you cannot apply for both within the same recruitment year.

We do require good academic grades for our Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts, however, our recruitment process is based on a contextualized system. This enables us to recruit the best people from all kinds of backgrounds, and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained. So if you show real potential, but don’t quite meet our selection criteria, you will still be considered. We will also take into consideration any mitigating circumstances related to a disability or long term health condition.

At Baker McKenzie, we recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important part of the way people learn, work and solve problems. We believe it is important for our future lawyers to understand how to use AI tools responsibly, effectively and ethically in order to enhance the way we work as a firm and deliver for our clients.

We welcome candidates using AI as a learning and research tool throughout the recruitment process. For example, AI can be helpful when researching Baker McKenzie, exploring developments in the legal sector, building commercial awareness, preparing for interviews, or identifying areas for further research (although candidates are strongly encouraged to verify any AI output independently to ensure its accuracy).

Candidates may also use AI tools to help review their application, for example by identifying spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or areas where their writing could be clearer. However, it is important that any application submitted should remain the candidate’s own work and accurately reflect their own experiences, achievements, motivations and communication style.

AI should not be used to generate, substantially rewrite or provide answers that are then copied directly into an application or used to complete online assessments, assessment exercises or during video interviews. We want to understand your individual experiences, perspectives and motivations for applying to Baker McKenzie, and your application should reflect your own thinking and authentic voice.

Used appropriately, AI can be a valuable tool to support learning, research and preparation. However, when you submit an application or complete an assessment, the work must be your own and represent an accurate picture of your capabilities and potential.

Where we believe AI has been used in a way that compromises the integrity of the recruitment process, we reserve the right to investigate and, where appropriate, withdraw a candidate from the process.

In summary

You may use AI to:

• Research Baker McKenzie and the legal profession and identify areas for further research provided any content submitted is your own work
• Develop your understanding of commercial and legal issues
• Prepare for interviews and assessment centres
• Practise interview questions
• Review your application for spelling, grammar and clarity

You should not use AI to:

• Write or generate application answers
• Substantially rewrite your application
• Copy AI-generated content into your application
• Complete online assessments or tests
• Assist you during video interviews or other assessment exercises
• Obtain an unfair advantage or undermine the assessment process