The kind of lawyers we are
Baker McKenzie is all about enabling our lawyers to be the best they can be. To help people achieve more than they ever expected. Yes, we’re a big firm, but not so big that we don’t recognise the importance of new talent.
We never forget that we were all Trainee Solicitors once. Recent graduates excited about entering the world of work and excited by the potential and opportunities a career in law could give us.
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. This is illustrated by the tangible steps we’ve taken towards attracting, supporting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce. These steps include being one of the first UK law firms to demonstrate a strong focus on social mobility (we’ve just been ranked 5th in the government’s top 50 UK employers for social mobility). We’re one of the first organisations in the country to introduce name-blind recruitment.
We are inclusive. We are 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.
And you’ll be part of a firm that’s recognised widely for our diversity commitments, as you can see for yourself:
- Stonewall UK Top Employers, Workplace Equality Index 2012-19: ranked 10th and awarded ‘Top Trans Employer’ and ‘Star Performer’
- HERoes Champions of Women in Business 2019:
Sue McLean: 100 Women Executives List 2019 – ranked 54th
Joanna Ludlam: 100 Women Executives List 2019 – ranked 80th - UK Government’s Top 50 Social Mobility Employer Index 2017-19: currently ranked 5th and ranked 10th in 2018
- Business in the Community 2017: awarded the UK’s Best Employers for Race
Our networks
To prove our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we have a number of networks which you will be encouraged to join. These include:
More time for you
Sports & fitness
The firm has its own football, netball, cricket and mixed hockey teams, and we take part in an annual Rugby Sevens tournament. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, then our yoga classes – which cater for all levels – are held at lunchtimes and in the evenings. You’ll also benefit from subsidised membership of one of the various health clubs near to the office, or you can choose a gym closer to your home.
Social life
To help us get to know each other away from our desks, we arrange regular social events, most notably BakerMingle, a big London office get-together, and our Christmas party.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We take CSR seriously, evidenced by our formal programme that falls into three areas:
Charity
Each year, our London office elects two main charities which we support for 12 months. We also run a Volunteer Day Scheme that gives staff the opportunity to take paid time off to work with charities during office hours. In recent years, our people have refurbished classrooms, contributed to primary school reading schemes and served lunches to the homeless.
Pro bono
Pro bono work is a fundamental responsibility for all of our lawyers, from Trainee Solicitors through to Partners. Pro bono is an opportunity for lawyers to give back to the communities in which we operate, through support to local, national and international charities.
Trainee Solicitors at Baker McKenzie are given a wide range of pro bono opportunities in which to get involved, ranging from commercial support to charities, through to human rights research and advocacy. Our key pro bono clients include Amnesty International, Save the Children and UNHCR.
Baker McKenzie has a thriving clinics programme and all of our legal clinics are open to Trainee Solicitors, giving them a chance to use their skills to help some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, who would otherwise not have access to justice.
Sustainability
We have implemented a number of initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, including establishing a green roof at our London office which absorbs rainwater and creates a habitat for all kinds of wildlife.
