Frequently asked questions

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:       1 February 2025

Spring Vacation Scheme:        1 December 2024

Summer Vacation Scheme:    1 January 2025

Training Contract:                   1 April 2025

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 social channels. You’ll find us on Instagram.

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 a good way to start 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.

Supporting it all, you need to have an eagle-eye for detail.

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 enables you to work within two departments and 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.