Baker McKenzie

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S 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. Associates have a billable hour requirement of 2,000 hours, and the firm offers a flexible working program. Compensation and bonuses are at market, with additional bonuses available for associates who exceed the yearly billable hour requirement. The firm could improve its technology, and wellness efforts vary by office location. One notable perk is associates have the opportunity to work in one of the international offices for six months, highlighting the global nature of the firm’s work. Promotion at the firm is possible, and the partnership process is open and transparent for those who want it, and exit opportunities are plentiful. Baker McKenzie is committed to fostering a diverse environment. Recruitment efforts have increased the number of diverse associates, and the firm is committed to training, mentoring, and promoting diverse members. Pro bono work is promoted at the firm, and associates receive credit for 125 hours for pro bono and diversity work.