About Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with office locations in nearly 80 countries. Over the last 70 years of operation, it has established a respected strategy that combines local insight with global reach. The firm prides itself on its open, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
Baker McKenzie's clients include investment banks, venture capital funds, large technology companies, and many household brands.
It works across ten practice areas: Banking; Corporate; Dispute Resolution; Employment; EU, Competition and Trade; IPTech; Pensions; Real Estate; Structured Capital Markets; and Tax.
The firm has opportunities for experienced hires and offers training contracts for graduates.
Individuals on training contracts also have the opportunity to apply for an International Vacation Scheme, to go on secondment to one of Baker McKenzie's offices across the globe.
There are also Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes and Insight Days for students to gain experience of what it's like to work for the firm.
Baker McKenzie Application Process
The application process for vacancies and training contracts at Baker McKenzie is competitive, as the firm is well-regarded and offers a sought-after remuneration and benefits package.
The recruitment process consists of an online application, online aptitude testing, a video interview, and an assessment centre – which itself involves a series of individual and group tasks.
Baker McKenzie Online Application
For the first step of the process, you'll need to create an online account with Baker McKenzie and log your application form. The online application requires you to input your work experience, academic background, and extracurricular activities.
You will also need to answer a few questions related to your skills, along with your motivation for law and your interest in Baker McKenzie.
Once you've submitted your application, it will be screened to ensure you meet Baker McKenzie's criteria. If you do, you'll be emailed links to complete some online tests.
Baker McKenzie Aptitude Tests
Baker McKenzie uses online psychometric testing to gain insight into a candidate's ability and behaviours. You will be asked to complete two assessments, a verbal reasoning test and a situational judgment test.
Baker McKenzie Verbal Reasoning Test
The Baker McKenzie verbal reasoning test assesses the capability of candidates to analyse and interpret written passages. The test will feature a series of paragraphs, each accompanied by a selection of multiple-choice questions.
You will be presented with statements based around arguments, deductions, or inferences from the text, and be asked to indicate whether each given statement is 'true', 'false', or if you 'cannot say' from the information in the paragraph.
To be successful, you will need to read the text – paying close attention to detail – and answer the questions based only on the information provided. The test will be timed, so maintaining speed and accuracy under pressure is vital.
Baker McKenzie Situational Judgement Test
The situational judgement test gives insight into how candidates respond and react to certain situations. They are used to see whether a candidate is the right fit for an organisation, based upon their behavioural preferences.
The test presents a series of hypothetical workplace scenarios. You will be asked to rate a selection of options, indicating which would be closest to your course of action in the given circumstances.
The test will be timed, so you'll have to work at a steady pace.
Situational judgement assessments are often tailored to the organisation's culture and values, so research these and keep them in mind as you complete the test.
Baker McKenzie Video Interview
If you achieve a high score in both online assessments, you'll be invited to complete a video interview. This interview requires you to answer a series of pre-recorded questions.
You'll be given a time limit to record each answer. Have skeleton answers and strong evidence prepared, so you're ready to respond confidently to any question asked.
There will be an opportunity to record a practice answer and get used to the interface, so don't worry about navigating the technology.
This is the first chance for the recruitment team to get more of an idea of who you are and how you come across, so remember to relax and be yourself. When recording your answers, be aware of your body language and look straight into the camera.
Use a quiet space, free from distractions, and ensure you appear professional – with smart clothing and a neutral background.
Baker McKenzie Assessment Centre
If you impress in the video interview, you'll be invited to take part in a Baker McKenzie assessment centre. This involves a group exercise, a document checking exercise, a partner interview based on a case study, and a final interview with an associate.
Depending on the circumstances, the assessment centre may be held online or at a Baker McKenzie office.
The group exercise aims to give insight into how well you work collaboratively. Teamwork is a strong part of Baker McKenzie's culture, so you'll need to show that you are a good listener who is open to the opinions of others, and that you are able to take initiative and drive the task towards.
The document checking exercise is an individual, timed task. You will be given a page of text or data and asked to highlight all the errors present.
For the next task, you'll be provided with a case study and a selection of relevant materials, such as client correspondence, emails from colleagues, reports, and articles. You'll need to consider the information and reach a conclusion about the best path forward.
You will have a set amount of time to do this preparation and will then present your solution to a Baker McKenzie partner during an interview. You'll be asked questions about your judgements and the impacts and repercussions of your proposed course of action, so be prepared to defend your stance.
The final hurdle in the recruitment process is an associate interview. This will be a competency-based interview which will also touch upon your motivations.
Don't be shy about your achievements to date, and make sure to convey your enthusiasm for both commercial law and Baker McKenzie.
Before the interview, look over your application form and revisit the answers you gave in the video interview. You may well be asked to expand upon points you raised.
As always, prepare a few insightful questions to ask your interviewer – an interview should be a two-way exchange.
