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100 New Bridge Street London EC4V 6JA 
Favoured by 10 users
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The lowdown (in their own words...)Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Good atmosphere at interview'; 'friendly, international culture'; 'I was impressed with the vacation scheme and found the firm very friendly'; 'an extensive international network with local expertise'; 'employee-friendly benefits'; 'excellent reputation for training'; 'the quality of its niche departments'; 'good CSR profile' How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Supervisors take a keen interest in your personal development'; 'hours are considerably better'; 'peers at other firms may feel more of a 'commodity' during their training contracts and face far lower retention rates'; 'I am not required to have a Blackberry' Best thing about the firm? 'Flat hierarchy and open-door policy'; 'friendly atmosphere'; 'culture: generally open and friendly'; 'the people'; 'the firm has a rare and winning combination of high-quality work and reputation on the one hand, and a pleasant and supportive working environment on the other hand' Worst thing about the firm? 'Bathrooms and lack of biscuits'; 'occasional long hours'; 'time pressures mean it can be stressful; 'foreign secondment opportunities are not as extensive as they used to be'; 'lack of client contact/feedback' Best moment? 'Assisting with a UNHCR Court of Appeal hearing'; 'running a deal while in the banking department'; 'getting a nightmare deal completed and getting some sleep'; 'being given the opportunity to attend a conference overseas in my first seat'; 'going to court'; 'having an integral role within a high-profile project' Worst moment? 'An 80-hour week'; 'making silly mistakes'; 'some of the compulsory PSC sessions '; 'bibling'; 'being handed a large proof-reading exercise at 17.31 as I was preparing to leave after a very quiet day' The firmBig-ticket, multi-jurisdictional mandates are Baker & McKenzie's forté. The US firm has 69 offices in 41 countries; it is among the most ubiquitous and well-known practices in the world. Its expertise in telecoms and IT is particularly notable, and the firm won the award for Employment, Pensions and Benefits team of the year again at the Legal Business Awards 2011. The star performersAdministrative and public law; Banking litigation; Brand management; Commercial contracts; Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Contentious trusts and probate; Customs & Excise; EU and competition; Emerging markets; Employment; Fraud; IP; IT and telecoms; M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £250m+; Media and entertainment; Pensions and pensions dispute resolution; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Project finance; Securitisation; Trade, WTO anti-dumping, customs. The dealsAdvising Mansour Group on establishing the Guernsey-based Man Capital fund platform; handled a £340m UK auto loans securitisation for UBS; advised the creditors' committee of BTA Bank; advised EQT on the financing of its bid to acquire a controlling interest in Stockholm-listed ArcadeMedia; advised Standard Chartered Bank on a $100m secured revolving credit facility for Harry Winston Diamond and Harry Winston Diamond Mine. The clientsAgricultural Bank of China; BAE Systems; Bank of America; BNP Paribas; Borders Group; Deutsche Bank; EQT; Fortuna Entertainment Group; Lufthansa German Airlines; RBS; Sociéte Générale. The winnersLegal Business Awards 2011 Winner Employment, Pensions and Benefits team of the year. The VerdictWith an extensive global network, offices in 41 countries and counting, and some very prominent clients, it is hardly a surprise that Baker & McKenzie is a very popular option for aspiring lawyers. Current trainees believe that it has a 'rare and winning combination of high-quality work and reputation, and a pleasant and supportive working environment'. The friendliness of the firm 'seems to massively outweigh peers' experiences' and this first becomes apparent on the 'great' vacation scheme, for which the firm is a Lex 100 Winner, third year running. Trainees are also attracted to the highly-rated niche departments such as employment, environment and IP/IT, offering 'more than just corporate support' roles. In fact supervisors take 'a keen interest in your personal development', and give interesting and challenging tasks 'making you feel part of the team'. Some trainees would like to see more opportunities for foreign secondments and like most City jobs, there will be some late nights, but, says one current trainee, 'I think it's fair to say we all enjoy our jobs and have interesting tasks to do quite regularly'. They also think their work levels are more manageable, despite the inevitable pressure that can come with some high-level deals. And with no Blackberry, your free time is just that, indicative of the level of respect afforded to trainees, which they feel is higher than peers' elsewhere. If you want a firm that puts real effort into its training, giving you the opportunity to regularly work on transactions for global clients set against a supportive and inclusive backdrop, consider Baker & McKenzie. A great choice for those aiming high, but wanting to keep their feet on solid ground. A day in the life of.....Alex Lloyd , trainee solicitor, Baker & McKenzie LLP
Departments to date: Pensions, corporate (west)
University: Birmingham
Degree: Modern history 9.00am: We are acting for the buyer in the acquisition of a multinational property management company. As we are in the middle of a due diligence exercise, I am tasked with reviewing documents uploaded to the virtual data room by the seller and distributing them to the relevant specialist team or overseas office. As a corporate trainee I have responsibility for co-ordinating the input of Baker & McKenzie's international offices, specialist departments and affiliated worldwide law firms. 10.00am: It is now time to start reviewing any newly uploaded corporate documentation relating to the target company. Are there any transfer restrictions in the articles of association? Are there any specific risks associated with purchasing a limited liability partnership? 11.45am: I have been asked to carry out research into recent case law to help an associate with some drafting issues and confirm that our documents reflect the latest legal developments. On joining Baker & McKenzie I took part in a comprehensive training programme over the course of two weeks, covering everything from basic IT to advocacy. While the learning curve is steep and expectations are high, I feel that the firm has given me the training and support that I need. 12.30pm: I have lunch with the social mobility committee 'Baker Opportunity' to discuss the ways in which we can ensure that the firm recruits from a wide a range of schools and social backgrounds. 1.30pm: I go back to the office for a meeting with the rest of the deal team. The work that trainees do during the due diligence process informs the way in which the associates and partners draft the main transaction documents. It is important that the deal team has regular meetings to discuss our progress and any problems that we are having. 2.30pm: The afternoon is spent drafting sections for inclusion in the final due diligence report and amending and standardising the contributions of the overseas offices and specialist departments. This might involve telephone conversations with those involved, and gives corporate trainees the chance to work with lots of people in the London office and around the world. City law firms expect their trainees to work hard, and Baker & McKenzie is no exception. However, I have not experienced any pressure to meet time recording targets. 5.30pm: As we are approaching the close of business, it is time to collate and draft a list of questions arising from the due diligence process to be sent to the seller. 6.45pm: It is time to meet the football team in reception, before heading to tonight's legal league match at the David Beckham Academy. Baker & McKenzie encourages trainees to take part in a range of sports, allowing us to mix with other trainees, support staff and senior members of the firm. It also encourages staff to socialise by organising monthly Friday night drinks, regular departmental events, and summer and Christmas parties. About the firmAddress: 100 New Bridge Street,, London EC4V 6JA Telephone: 020 7919 1000  Fax: 020 7919 1999 Website: www.bakermckenzie.co.uk/londongraduates Email:
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Other offices: 69 offices in 41 countries. Who we are: A leading global law firm with a presence in every important financial and commercial centre. What we do: Our corporate department is at the heart of the firm. We also have a strong reputation in banking and structured capital markets, intellectual property, IT, telecoms, employment and pensions. What we are looking for: We are looking for trainees who are stimulated by intellectual challenge. Effective communication skills, the ability to be creative and practical problem-solvers, team players and a sense of humour are qualities which will help them stand out. What you'll do: Typically, trainees will spend four periods of six months in different departments, which includes a corporate and contentious seat. Trainees may also be seconded to overseas locations or to one of our clients. Perks: 25 days' annual holiday, subsidised gym membership, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, life insurance, group personal pension plan, annual season ticket loan, subsidised staff restaurant. Sponsorship: We pay fees and a maintenance grant for the GDL and LPC. Those studying towards the GDL receive a £6,000 maintenance grant, and those studying for the LPC will receive an £8,000 maintenance grant. Application processApply to: Justine Beedle, Graduate Recruitment and Development Manager. How: Online. When to Apply: Vacation scheme: 31 January 2012; training contract: 31 July 2012. What is involved: Group exercise, partner interview, case study, associate interview. Facts and figures Trainee places available for 2014: 38 Applications received pa: 2,000 Percentage interviewed: 5% SalaryFirst year: £38,000 Second year: £43,000 Newly qualified: £61,000 Vacation schemesSummer: 18 June - 6 July, 9-27 July, 30 July - 17 August 2012.
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