Firm profile:

Baker & McKenzie LLP is a leading global law firm based in 70 locations across 42 countries. With a presence in virtually every important financial and commercial centre in the world, the firm’s strategy is to provide the best combination of local legal and commercial knowledge, international expertise and resources.

Main areas of work:

Corporate; dispute resolution; banking; EU, competition and trade; employment; intellectual property; information technology and commercial; pensions; tax; projects; real estate; structured capital markets. In addition the firm has cross-departmental practice groups, such as media and communications, insurance and reinsurance, business recovery and environmental law.

Trainee profile: 

The firm is looking for trainee solicitors who are stimulated by intellectual challenge and want to be ‘the best’ at what they do. Effective communication together with the ability to be creative and practical problem solvers, team players and a sense of humour are qualities which will help them stand out from the crowd.

Training environment:

Four six-month seats which include a corporate and a contentious seat, usually within the firm’s highly regarded dispute resolution department. There is also the possibility of a secondment abroad or to a client. During each seat you will have a meeting to discuss individual seat preferences. In addition, you will receive formal and informal reviews to discuss your progress. Your training contract commences with a highly interactive and practical induction programme which focuses on key skills including practical problem solving, interviewing, presenting and the application of information technology. The firm’s training programme includes important components on management and other business skills, as well as seminars and workshops on key legal topics for each practice area. There is a Trainee Solicitor Liaison Committee which acts as a forum for any new ideas or raises issues which may occur during your training contract. Trainees are actively encouraged to participate in a variety of pro bono issues and, outside office hours, there is a varied sporting and social life.

Benefits:

Permanent health insurance, life insurance, private medical insurance, group personal pension, subsidised gym membership, season ticket loan, subsidised staff restaurant.

Vacation placements:

London Summer Placement - Places for 2012: 35; Duration: 3 weeks; Remuneration (2011): £270 p.w.; Closing date: 31 January 2012. International Summer Placement - Places for 2012: 3-5; Duration: 6-12 weeks divided between London and an overseas office; Remuneration (2011): £270 p.w.; Closing date: 31 January 2012.