Find out more about our people's stories
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Richard Davies, Trainee
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Richard Davies, Trainee - video
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Our culture
Trainees at Baker & McKenzie get the best of both worlds. We are a major global law firm, which enables us to attract the highest quality international clients and work on large multi-national transactions. Yet our London office has a size and ethos that is friendly and welcoming.
We pride ourselves on this unique culture; on our supportive, ’collegiate’ environment. We recruit a relatively small number of trainees a year: 38, split over two intakes. It means we have the time and resources to provide the highest levels of support and attention.
Our investment in you begins even before you join us. As part of our ‘Keep in Touch’ programme, we have a range of initiatives, including a buddy scheme, to ensure that future trainees feel part of the firm from the moment they accept an offer. Once you do join us, there is a comprehensive programme of structured support and training designed to ensure that you are able to develop your knowledge and skills rapidly and multiply your potential. You will also benefit from our formal, award-winning trainee training programme.
Our trainee intake size enables us to provide you with the opportunity to take on early responsibility, supported by more experienced colleagues. You are likely to find yourself making an important contribution to complex, multinational deals right from day one.
We are committed to making the firm accessible and everyone places great importance on being approachable. The practice groups are close-knit, which makes it easy for you to fit in and develop relationships with colleagues.
This supportive mindset is reflected in our open-door policy. Whether it is a quick question on procedure or drafting, a query about technical law, or if you need informal advice, you’ll find partners and associates more than willing to share their knowledge and experience with you.
Play the video above to hear more about the experiences of one of our trainees, Richard Davies, or read about them below.
Richard's story
“When I joined Baker & McKenzie in 2008, I was already aware of its reputation for fostering a unique culture of friendship, diversity and approachability. It has more than lived up to those values.
People here are very passionate about the firm. Once you join you can understand why. You get the feeling that you are valued, that the firm really supports its trainees and associates and is interested in you as an individual, as well as in your professional development. It’s very non-hierarchical.
You’re given the opportunity to take on early responsibility. I’ve recently been working in a small team advising a major UK healthcare regulator, where I’ve been out meeting and discussing issues with the client. I’ve also been involved in major deals concerning assets in Russia, Ukraine, Germany and Tanzania. Whatever the work you are doing, though, you’re always aware that there is a wealth of support and advice if you need it.
The multi-cultural, global aspect of Baker & McKenzie feeds into the firm’s approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Almost as soon as I joined, I also became involved with Baker LGBT, one of the diversity focus groups. There is engagement at the highest level, but at the same time, the opinions of trainees are considered equally relevant. The very nature of the firm means that you are regularly dealing with people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, so there is a naturally open, embracing environment.
I have also been carrying out pro bono work. I’m part of a team that is advising the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. We also worked with the Nepalese government when it was drawing up a new constitution. I’ve worked alongside people from other practice groups at all levels of the firm, and been exposed to work that I wouldn’t be involved with as part of my regular responsibilities.”
Richard Davies, Associate
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RICHARD'S PROFILE
ACADEMIC
HISTORY
2002 – 2006 Law and French LLB, Bristol
SUMMER
PLACEMENTS
Macfarlanes and Lester Aldridge 2005
Travers Smith 2006
Baker & McKenzie 2006
GAP YEAR
Worked in France.
Travelled to Thailand,
Tanzania, Kenya,
Uganda and Rwanda.
Taught English in
Madagascar
TRAINING
CONTRACT
March 2008, 1st seat Dispute Resolution
June 2008, secondment to Council for Healthcare and Regulatory Excellence,
September 2008, 2nd seat Corporate West, March 2009, 3rd seat IT/Commercial September 2010, 4th seat secondment to Toronto office
CURRENT ROLE
Associate, Dispute Resolution
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++ UPDATES ++
FROMBAKER & MCKENZIE- Training Contract application deadline for Law applicants is 31st July
- Baker & McKenzie LLP boasts 95% NQ retention rate for September 2010 qualifiers
- The London office's 2010 International Summer Clerks will be travelling to New York, Chicago and Sydney
- Baker & McKenzie announces 93% NQ retention for March 2010
- Firm collaborates with Social Mobility Foundation to host two internship induction events
- Baker & McKenzie arranges trainee secondments to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi
- Baker & McKenzie to participate in diversity career events with MERLIN, Pure Potential, Target chances and Lawyer2b
- Firm prepares to welcome the 40 summer vacation scheme students of 2010
- Firm introduces group exercise into assessment day
- Firm Nominated for BEST TRAINER - Large City Firm by LawCareers.net
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