Baker McKenzie Reviews

Based on 51 surveyed graduates working at Baker McKenzie. Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.

4.3

Based on 51 reviews

Pros & Cons

Getting to work with intelligent, thoughtful, kind and interesting people every day. Every member of the Firm is equally valued and our individual diﬀerences contribute to ensuring we have a strong culture of inclusion, diversity and equity. The Firm is large enough that as a junior you get to work on interesting matters for key global clients, but small enough in terms of numbers in our Australian oﬃces that you feel part of a family and get to know everyone and their areas of specialty well.
The culture of down to earth and kind people who are genuinely interested in investing in your learning and development. Everyone you work with is a genuine, good person, who makes time to give instructions and takes an interest in who you are and how you are (from a wellbeing perspective). The oﬃce is social, bubbly and happy. The work is fascinating with our breadth of international and domestic clients.
The responsibility you get early on and the exciting work.
Global exposure, I get to work on international matters and collaborate with offices from around the world.
The people are very invested in your development, and you are given the opportunity to work on meaningful work at an early stage of your career.

The tech issues can sometimes be a bit frustrating to deal with.
There have been some days where I will have to work long hours - though, this does not happen very often.
As a junior, it can be hard to control your workflow, sometimes resulting in longer hours than anticipated.
The global opportunities to work and travel can be competitive (and are from lawyer level upwards). But what you lack in that physical-global engagement, you gain in the sheer exposure to global matters and clients and working with colleagues from diﬀerent oﬃces, all while never leaving your home oﬃce.
The worst thing about working at Baker McKenzie is probably how lean some teams can be. This means that sometimes, towards the end of a project, you can ﬁnd yourself working very long hours. However, the upside to this is that you develop very quickly and you accelerate your skills and experience.

What Insiders Say

8.0

Career Prospects

8.0

Career Prospects

The firm has a structured program where lawyers progress in accordance with clear benchmarks.

Learn more

8.4

Corporate Social Responsibility

8.4

Corporate Social Responsibility

We support extensive pro-bono initiatives, as well as supporting indigenous organisations/initiatives.

Learn more

9.0

Culture

9.0

Culture

The culture at Baker McKenzie is as good as it gets. People are always willing to assist, and mentorship is second to none.

Learn more

8.4

Diversity

8.4

Diversity

"We have lots of committees and programs, which run their own events that people can attend. The firm is making a big effort in this way.

Learn more

8.5

Satisfaction

8.5

Satisfaction

I really enjoy the work I've been given so far, which has been both interesting and intellectually stimulating.

Learn more

8.2

Management

8.2

Management

The partners are approachable and provide excellent feedback and mentorship.

Learn more

8.2

Office Work Environment

8.2

Office Work Environment

We have a gorgeous office with stunning views and an in-house barista team where you can get unlimited coffees throughout the day, free of charge.

Learn more

8.7

Recruitment

8.7

Recruitment

The hiring process for juniors is unparalleled. Nat is wonderful and takes a very hands-on approach to recruiting new talent.

Learn more

8.6

Salary

8.6

Salary

We get paid very well at the firm and I am satisfied with the salary.

Learn more

8.4

Training

8.4

Training

The training as a junior is excellent. There are a number of programs designed to assist with core legal knowledge (such as our Cornerstone program) and there is a two day intensive which juniors complete in Sydney. On the job training is also prevalent across teams.

Learn more

8.1

Work Hours

8.1

Work Hours

My work hours have been really manageable. I usually finish around 6pm. If I have to stay past 6, it is usually pretty rare.

Learn more

7.5

Sustainability

7.5

Sustainability

We have a good recycling program but beyond this I am not sure.

Learn more