BEGINNINGS at Baker McKenzie

Opening law careers to everyone

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 rare opportunities to Year 12 students (or equivalent).

What 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 will be selected to join the programme and attend regular events both in-person and online. These include virtual skills sessions that develop an individual’s academic prowess and employability in law, as well as engaging networking opportunities and a three-day summer work experience placement in our London offices.

Students will also have a dedicated mentor assigned to them who will invest the time, advice and training needed to see them 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 26^th and March 1^st 2024 – 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.