Baker McKenzie Reviews

Promotions appear to be fairly predictable and linier. Once you settle in a team, you exit the graduate program and enter into the general promotion pool, which tends to advance high-performing lawyers and tenured seniors.

There are a variety of pro bono matters which lawyers of all levels can be involved in, and I have worked on matters for charities, refugees and domestic violence victims.

Culture is very team-specific, however in general we have a fairly flat hierarchy across the firm. The only significant difference in hierarchy appears at the partner level. There is not a discernible difference in culture after hours. Those who need to work later do so and often eat together.

There are several diversity committees in the firm that work to spread awareness and advocate for improvements in the diversity space. Bakers has industry-leading parental leave allowances and generally hires people from a diverse range of backgrounds. I do not get the impression that the firm is populated exclusively by applicants from privileged backgrounds. To that end, I understand that the firm takes a broad view of the various skills and achievements that applicants bring, not limited to the prestige of the university you attended. This is reflected by the diversity across the graduate cohort, with graduates from all different backgrounds and experiences.

The work is really interesting. In Financial Services I have a diverse and fascinating range of matters and get direct contact with my superiors. I love the team and the work makes it even better.

Your supervising partner also acts as your manager. Therefore, the quality of your manager depends on the managerial abilities of your supervising partner and how well you both get along. With that being said, I think mentoring more generally is abundantly available if sought out. Senior lawyers are more than willing to offer their time to explain concepts and help you through challenging tasks, as ultimately this will make you a better lawyer capable of helping them in the future.

I can't imagine a better office - top of Tower 1 in Barangaroo with amazing views and a cafe. The dress code is fairly casual - no suit and tie required - though this will depend on your team (and the expectations of clients). For example the corporate team will dress more formally and the IPTech team will dress very casually.

The interview process consisted of two interviews with two senior members of the firm and a cocktail networking evening. There are no psychometric assessments in the process which is always a plus for graduates. I was asked about my university studies and extracurriculars, my work experience and any interests outside of work. Know the company, know why you want to come here, and be able to relate your experiences to the business

As far as I understand, we are paid a good salary consistent with the top tier firms across Australia. Pay is reviewed half-yearly for the first two years, which have included generous pay increases. Graduates are not eligible for bonuses, however this does not bother me. Overall, I am paid more than most Australians despite only being at the beginning of my career. I can comfortably live within my means, and so my pay is more than sufficient to meet my needs. Free dinners (both catered or via UberEats), taxis home, free travel insurance, many corporate discounts. The café in the office (and the office itself) is amazing.

There is a formal training program which addresses all of the major practice groups and key skills needed for each of these teams. Graduates attend these sessions regardless of whether it relates to their current rotation, as a broad base of knowledge is useful regardless. However, I have found that the most beneficial training and development has come from the work itself. Being thrown into the thick of a matter has forced me to quickly come up to speed with new concepts, as well as conducting plenty of legal research. It also has given me the opportunity to work on my drafting skills across various types of documents.

My hours are very manageable, all things considered. Despite being busy, I don't find that I have to stay back late as nothing tends to be that urgent that it cannot wait until the morning. I appreciate that the firm and my colleagues recognise this reality, as it ensures that I do not burn out.

I can't imagine a better office - top of Tower 1 in Barangaroo with amazing views and a cafe. The dress code is fairly casual - no suit and tie required - though this will depend on your team (and the expectations of clients). For example the corporate team will dress more formally and the IPTech team will dress very casually.