An introduction:
Two weeks ago, I declared that Hogan Lovells could be considered as a shining example of the “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States. A transatlantic behemoth, Baker McKenzie is another great example of the “special relationship” at play. Though its roots certainly lie in the United States, the firm considers itself to be British, with an international network spanning the world.
Spin a globe and see where it stops, the odds are that Bakers have an office in their jurisdiction. This incredible global network provides ambitious prospective lawyers with the opportunity to work on large cross-border deals, from the comfort of a large office just off London’s Fleet Street. Importantly, the firm is keen to emphasize that London is the firm’s largest office.
Top-class pay, incredible training, and a vast global network make Baker McKenzie a prime candidate for the ambitious, globalist, modern prospective lawyer. Indeed, the firm’s prime objective is to compete on the largest cross-border deals.
Facts about the firm:
- Including its London base, the firm officially has 77 offices in 46 different countries. Provided a business case is provided, trainees are allowed to be seconded to almost all these offices.
- For 11 consecutive years, Baker McKenzie has been considered the largest “brand” in the legal world.
- In the firm’s most recent financials, profit per equity partner dipped 12% to $1.35 million (£984,000), whilst profit was down 9.7% from $1 billion to $903.5 million (£656.6 million). However, the firm’s large turnover of just below $3 billion is one of the largest in the world.
- 33 training contracts are offered by Baker McKenzie per year, this gives way to a “tight-knit”, friendly cohort.
- Baker McKenzie runs two Vacation Schemes in a year, one in spring and one in summer. During their placement, students visit two departments, which then ends with an exit interview with a partner.
- Interestingly, the firm offers an “International Clerkship” scheme to future trainees. This lasts for eight to twelve weeks and involves work over a myriad of practice areas.
- Money is the little object to those at Baker McKenzie. Pay for first-years stands at £48000, pay for second-years stands at £52000, and pay for newly qualified lawyers stands at a cool £90000.
Key practice areas:
Per the firm’s website, “Our London lawyers are market leaders in Banking & Finance, M&A, Tax, Competition, Dispute Resolution, Employment and Intellectual Property, advising clients on some of the largest, most complex transactions and legal matters in the European and global market.” A traineeship at Baker McKenzie offers the opportunity to work over a wide breadth of departments.
Notable recent deals/cases:
- Baker McKenzie advises Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation on the establishment of First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute, amid concerns over environmental and social issues.
- Baker McKenzie has advised the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company Johnson & Johnson on three separate virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in Europe, significantly accelerating progress towards the company’s ambitious goal to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025.
- Baker McKenzie has advised longstanding client Unilever on its acquisition of Paula’s Choice from TA Associates. Paula’s Choice is a leading digital-led skincare brand.
- Baker McKenzie advised Cognizant, one of the world’s leading professional services companies, on its acquisition of ESG Mobility.
- Baker McKenzie advised Cognizant, one of the world’s leading professional services companies, on its acquisition of ESG Mobility
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