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Overview

Introduction

As one of the world’s largest law firms, with 69 international offices and over 6,000 lawyers, Baker McKenzie is known for its cross-border work. The firm often recruits candidates with global experience—or at least a genuine interest in international matters. The firm offers associates satisfying work experiences, genuinely friendly colleagues, and autonomy over their caseloads.

Firm Stats


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Total No. Attorneys (2023)

5K - 6K

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No. of Partners Named (2023)

19

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Featured Rankings

Vault Law 100
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No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2022)

27


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No. of Summer Associates (2023)

24 total (24 2Ls)


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Base Salary

1st year: $212,500-215,000
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Vault Verdict

BigLaw doesn’t get much bigger than Baker McKenzie. The firm focuses on cross-border work and looks for associates who want to work with international colleagues and clients. Candidates should be at the top of their class, committed to the firm, and diverse—and it doesn’t hurt to have foreign language skills and relevant work experience. Baker McKenzie stands by its “culture of friendship” mantra, and associates report that partners and senior associates provide respect, transparency, and regular feedback. The firm has extensive formal training, and new associates find mentors both formally and informally who provide guidance and readily answer questions. The work at the firm is challenging, pushing associates to develop in their practice areas very early on in their careers. Asso...

About the Firm

Baker McKenzie takes “global” to another level with dozens of offices spanning every continent. The firm’s geographic and practice-area diversification has enabled it to ride out financial storms while outrunning a legion of BigLaw competitors. The firm counsels more than half of the world’s largest public companies in a range of practices.

Parlez-Vous ‘International’?

It all started in 1948, when Russell Baker and John McKenzie shared a cab and discussed the idea of an international law firm. By 1949, the two had launched Baker & McKenzie, with Baker focused on building the international practice while McKenzie handled the litigation work. The rest is history. 

These days, any firm with a few outposts outside its home city or a number of foreign-based cl...

Associate Reviews

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  • “Baker McKenzie really has some of the most kind and incredibly intelligent people I've ever worked with. A+ when it comes to culture.”
  • “People are very kind and social. There are regular social events in the office that almost everyone attends. Everyone interacts with lawyers and staff with respect and kindness. There's a lot of chit-chat and casual conversation on top of the work. It's a really great environment, and as a first year, I feel respected.”
  • “Lawyers are in the office, and it’s an open-door policy. Easy to approach people with questions. Social events happen from time to time, and there is a very close group atmosphere.”
  • “We are like family. Pizza after work on Wednesday, holiday gatherings, volunteer work. It's a wonderful place to work.”

Diversity at Baker McKenzie

"Baker McKenzie is comprised of talented and diverse professionals who are connected by a deep intellectual curiosity, collaborative approach and a steadfast focus on client service. Our broad and extensive experiences and global vision help clients to lead, differentiate and adapt in a constantly changing world. We view our people as our greatest asset and strive to foster an inclusive culture that recognizes and gives voice to diverse individuals and perspectives, with the opportunity to grow, be engaged, feel valued, and fully..."

Getting Hired Here

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  • “The firm is looking for smart individuals who are also great team players. Baker McKenzie has a ‘culture of friendship,’ and I believe the firm stands by that message. Everyone at the firm is cordial and respectful, and I think that plays a big role in who the firm hires.”
  • “We generally look for candidates who have a real interest or passion in the practice area they seek to join, and who have an interest in joining Baker. Most of the recent hires I have seen have been individuals who have previously reached out to Baker attorneys to have coffee, or an informal call about their practice/Baker. We tend to hire those who have made this personal connection, as opposed to a candidate no one has ever met who only looks good on paper.”
  • “The firm is looking for great students, and also those who want to be at Baker. Diversity is very important to Baker as well.”
  • “Hiring process is generally done through summer associate recruitment or laterals. I was hired through the firm's client-diversity program. Newer associates tend to come from many schools. Personality is considered highly, although grades and performance are also important.”

Perks & Benefits


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