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Job Title Training Contract 2023 (Finalists, Penultimate & Graduates)
Job Location London
Job Category Graduate Trainee
Practice Group N/A
Support Department N/A
Description

Baker McKenzie is the world's premier global law firm. London is home to the firm's largest office where Baker McKenzie has been well established since its opening in 1961. With more than 400 lawyers, we deliver high-quality local solutions across a broad range of practices and offer global advice in conjunction with our international offices. With a strong international client base, we have considerable expertise in acting on, and coordinating, complex cross border transactions and disputes.

You'll find the work here as interesting as it is impactful. We have 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 Training Contracts last for two years and give you the opportunity to experience four practice areas. All Trainee Solicitors are required to undertake a Corporate or Banking seat. There are also opportunities for client or overseas secondments.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Training Contract commences with a highly interactive and practical induction programme which focuses on key skills including practical problem solving, presenting and the application of information technology.

At the beginning of each seat you will be assigned a dedicated supervisor who will monitor your training and development throughout the seat. In addition, you will have formal and informal reviews with your supervisor to discuss your progress and regular meetings with the Graduate Recruitment and Development team to explore subsequent seat preferences. The firm's training programmes include important components on management and other business skills, as well as seminars and workshops on key legal topics for each practice area.

Given the nature of our work, we require Trainee Solicitors to function as part of a co-ordinated team. As our work can be very intensive with tight deadlines, a highly focused and organised approach is required. Deals often involve substantial contact with Baker McKenzie offices around the world, as well as other departments in the London office as necessary. 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 Trainee Solicitors are required to complete six months in a transactional seat. Each seat will vary and daily tasks will include (but are not limited to) drafting and proof-reading documents, researching relevant points of law and attending meetings with Clients.

There is also a range of opportunities open to all employees including our trainees from engagement in our Diversity projects and Community outreach initiatives to Graduate Recruitment.

What we look for

To be eligible, you'll need to be on track for a 2:1 degree. 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. Effective communication skills, together with the ability to be creative and practical problem solvers, team players and to have a sense of humour, are qualities which will help them stand out from the crowd.

Skills and qualifications

You will need to be on track for a 2:1 degree.

As part of the screening process we will also look at candidates' work experience, responsibilities and motivations to becoming a Commercial Solicitor at Baker McKenzie.

As part of the assessment process candidates will undertake the Watson Glaser test and must meet our benchmark to progress.

Find out more at:https://uk-graduates.bakermckenzie.com/
Salary package: £52,000 in first year
Posting date: 1st February 2021
Closing date: 1st April 2021
Location: London

Additional Information

Baker McKenzie has a culture of diversity and inclusion in its DNA - since our beginning, the differences of our people have helped us to work fluently across borders, cultures and practices. This is intrinsic to everything we do and underpins Baker McKenzie's vision to be the global law firm of choice. We understand that organisations work best when people with different backgrounds and points of view are brought together. We also know people perform at their best when they can be themselves at work. Baker McKenzie is committed to serving our clients with innovative solutions brought about by a diverse talent pool and an inclusive community.

The London office mirrors the wider firm in encouraging the best people, regardless of race, culture, religion or belief (if any), gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation or age, to fulfil their professional aspirations with us so as to create an exciting and diverse legal environment.

To help manage your expectations, please see below our assessment timeline:

  • February 1st 2021 - Applications open.
  • February 1st - April 1st 2021 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • April 1st 2021 - Application deadline.
  • April 2021 - Successful candidates sent invite to undertake online tests and a video interview.
  • May 2021 - Successful candidates will attend an assessment centre.
  • May - June 2021 - Successful candidates will be offered a Training Contract to commence in March or September 2023.