If your dream is to be an outstanding lawyer, your journey to a world-class commercial legal career begins here. Start with Australia's first global law firm and set yourself on the path to excellence. Kick start your career with our world-class Clerkship. Build your technical legal expertise through our Graduate Program. Become an expert in your field.
Graduates want the best foundation for their careers. We have been developing global lawyers with in-depth local expertise in Australia for more than 50 years – each started out as a law student, just like you. Baker McKenzie prides itself on building that foundation with you and investing in your future. And with its strong global nature, we have a global approach to your career development. At Baker McKenzie, we attract market-leading clients, and challenging cross-border, local, and industry-focused work. We understand our clients' businesses, industries, and strategic objectives. Armed with this knowledge, we work with our clients to overcome the challenges of competing in the global economy. We are The New Lawyers for the New World. Let us show you that world, first hand.
At Baker McKenzie, we understand that the transition from university to legal practice can be challenging. We provide our Summer/Seasonal Clerks with a comprehensive induction program, to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Our training program is designed to help you get the most out of your Clerkship and set yourself up for success. We consult with our Clerks before they commence to understand the areas of practice in which they are interested in gaining experience. We structure the Clerkship program according to these preferences, and Clerks in our Sydney office also complete a one week client secondment.
Throughout the Clerkship, our Partners and Associates run professional development sessions on their areas of expertise. These sessions will give you the chance to:
Most importantly, as a Summer/Seasonal Clerk we want you to see what life is like as a Graduate and junior lawyer at Baker McKenzie. Right from the start, you will get involved in real work. You will be exposed to local and cross-border work for market-leading Australian and international clients through client meetings, shadowing, research, and other everyday tasks within your assigned practice group.
Our Clerks work closely with other lawyers, are guided by a Supervising Partner, and enjoy the extra support of an experienced Associate “Buddy”. You will also develop practical and legal skills through our national learning and development programs
The majority of our Graduate positions are offered to former Summer/Seasonal Clerks. We also offer our former Clerks the opportunity to undertake Paralegal roles with the Firm. Should you accept a Graduate position with us, you will also be eligible to apply for our unique International Clerkship program and have the opportunity to work for four weeks in one of our overseas offices.
Baker McKenzie looks for people who genuinely want to work with us and who understand Baker McKenzie's unique offering, values and position in the market. We look for well-rounded, motivated individuals who share our global perspective; who are intellectually curious and have sound academics; who display business acumen and are practical in their approach; who enjoy a challenge and seek new opportunities; who take responsibility and use their initiative; who act with integrity and honesty in all of their dealings, decisions and actions; who express themselves confidently while staying open to new ideas; who strive to provide excellent service to their clients; who seek a friendly, diverse, and inclusive culture; and who take seriously our role in making a difference to our local and global communities
To be eligible for a 2020/2021 Summer/Seasonal Clerkship position with Baker McKenzie, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or have the right to work in a full-time role in Australia from November 2020 - February 2021 (for the Sydney Clerkship) or from November 2020 - December 2020, throughout the month of February 2021, or from June 2021 - July 2021 (for the Melbourne Clerkship). You must also be enrolled in a law degree or equivalent which will qualify you for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. At Baker McKenzie, our Summer/Seasonal Clerkship Programs are primarily aimed at students in the penultimate year of their law degree. However, final year applicants may also be considered.
In Sydney, Summer Clerkships commence at the end of November and conclude in early February. Each clerk will undertake two rotations. All applications should be addressed to Angelique Holden, Talent Management Consultant, and should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests, and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above.
Candidates will attend two interviews and will also be invited to an information and networking cocktail evening, which will be attended by Partners and Associates.
For more information on our Sydney Summer Clerkship Program, please contact Angelique Holden, Talent Management Consultant, at angelique.holden@bakermckenzie.com.
In Melbourne, we run three Seasonal Clerkships, each with a duration of four weeks. The first runs from late November to December, the second runs throughout the month of February and the final Clerkship runs from late June to late July. All applications should be addressed to Natalie Mascarenhas, Talent Management Consultant, and should include a cover letter, as well as details of your work experience, extra-curricular activities, interests, and academic results. We do not require you to upload your CV, as the information from your CV is used to respond to the areas above.
Candidates will attend one interview and will also be invited to an Information Evening and Cocktail Event, which will be attended by Partners and Associates so that you can meet as many people from our firm as possible.
For more information on our Melbourne Seasonal Clerkship Program, please contact Natalie Mascarenhas, Talent Management Consultant, at natalie.mascarenhas@bakermckenzie.com.
Diversity statement
Baker McKenzie is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive culture for all its employees, with equal opportunity for all to progress and have a meaningful career with our Firm. Our mission is to foster an environment where individuals of every ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, disability, carer status, and working style may succeed professionally and fully contribute to the goals of the Firm. As part of our inclusive culture, we encourage applications from all genders, abilities and cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
As the first truly global law firm, we understand that organizations work best when people with different backgrounds and multiple points of view are brought together. Diversity and inclusion are in our DNA. Since our beginning, the diversity of our people has allowed us to work fluently across borders, cultures, and practices. Our own diversity mirrors our commitment to exploring multiple perspectives to develop the best possible solutions for our clients and to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion that celebrates diversity.
Our award-winning diversity strategy, initiatives and programs are focused on five key areas, in which all our people can participate:
Our bAgile program encourages a range of flexible work opportunities for all. We invite you to let us know of any reasonable adjustments you require to equitably participate in the recruitment process or in performing the requirements of a role at Baker McKenzie.