Application Process & Interviews at Baker McKenzie

Amazing. Our HR manager, is incredible. The interview process was the best out of the 10 firms I interviewed at as a clerk.

The firm has a fantastic recruitment and interview process. The firm does a great job of introducing the firm to prospective employees and the interview process is informal and easy to manage.

The application process consists of a written application (being cover letter, CV components, and short answer questions), a chance to meet members of the Firm at an event and then an interview. (Melbourne)

The hiring process for juniors is unapparelled. Nat is wonderful and takes a very hands-on approach to recruiting new talent. The interview process is streamlined and a nice balance of conversational and professional. There are no psychometric assessments or pre-recorded interviews which makes the process more personalised.

The recruitment process consisted of an online application copying across a cover letter, the key components of your CV and a few short answer questions. If successful, the candidates move to an interview process consisting of one partner and a senior lawyer. Prior to this, however, there is a networking evening the day before the interviews kick off. (Sydney)

Two interviews, each typically with a partner and a senior associate/special counsel. No assessments or psychometric training which is a plus. (Sydney)

Very conversational interviews, networking evenings to get to know the Firm. (Sydney)

Clerkship recruitment was relatively standard, but no psychometric testing required!

I went through the clerkship recruitment process. It was very well-organised and Baker McKenzie did a great job of keeping us all engaged in firm events prior to and after our clerkship. I also really enjoyed the interview process - it was a very friendly conversation with a partner and senior associate. It was my favourite interview out of all the firms as I felt like I could be myself. (Melbourne)

Interview was quite informal but structured. Was not asked any pre-prepared questions or too many behavioral which was nice. My interviewers had a copy of my resume printed and I thought that was a nice touch they knew my background before I went in. (Melbourne)

No psychosocial testing. Interviews were really natural and felt like a conversation, not an interrogation.

Online application and in person interview for a clerkship. Very friendly process with a buddy assigned to you along the way. (Melbourne)

The hiring process was great.

The interview process and support received is great. The process is well organized, with the firm offering support to candidates by placing them with a 'buddy' at the firm to answer any questions and help them through the process. The process is simple, with conversational interviews and no psychometric testing.

The interview process and assessments were similar to other law firms. The difference would be that the first interview was less HR focused/formal than other law firms. I liked that we didn't have to do psychometric testing. (Sydney)

Application, two interviews, networking evening (Sydney).

Application, interview, clerkship, graduate offer.

I liked that fact that we don't have psychometric testing - it is a human process.

One in person interview in Melbourne (two interviewers) and a cocktail evening.

You only attend one interview in Melbourne with two lawyers, and there is no psychometric testing.

Very conversational questions about my resume and experience. It was a really positive experience that made me feel comfortable and welcomed by the firm.

The interviews are largely conversational, with some questions about your CV and questions about Bakers being a global law firm.

I was asked: 1. Why do you want to work for Baker McKenzie? 2. What is a challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it? 3. What are some of your previous professional experiences and what did you learn from them?

I was asked a variety of questions about my interest in the firm and commercial law. The interview was a mix of structured questions and conversational questions which allowed me to get a feel for the firm while showcasing my skills and experience.

Why did you apply for Baker McKenzie, and what draws you to us? If you could work in any Baker McKenzie office in the world, which would you pick? How do you demonstrate your commerciality/commercial awareness?

It was very conversational so I was asked questions about myself and my experience.

Generally they were personality based and the interviewers asked about parts of our application they found interesting (ie exchange / hobbies), and really tried to get to know us as individuals.

I was asked about my previous job experiences and the extracurricular activities that I did at university. I was also asked about where I wanted to travel in the future and what I like to do for fun! It was a good mix of getting to know who I am professionally and who I am personally.

I was asked about my work experience, background, interests, why I was interested in commercial law, what I'm looking for in a firm.

Standard behavioural questions but also questions to understand me as a person and my operational style.

Questions on CV, behavioral and casual conversations.

Why Baker McKenzie? Why international law? What about you makes you a good fit in an international law firm?

What makes you globally interested, how do you show commerciality, tell us about a time you dealt with conflict.

Why Bakers? Why commercial law? How have you adapted to adversity?

Behavioural questions, situational questions, personal questions

What makes you globally interested, why do you want to come to this firm, what sort of experiences do you have, tell us about how you got here.

I can't remember exactly, but it was quite conversational.

I was asked questions about my interest in commercial law, working at an international commercial law firm, and specific questions about my previous work experience.

The questions were varied and were focused on my skills, attributes, extracurricular involvement, and academic experiences.

The first interview was a lot more structured - all the interviewees are asked a series of interview questions to get a sense of their personality and experiences. The second interview was a lot more casual and conversational. And where the conversation goes depends predominantly on how you connect with your interviewers.

Be yourself!

I think candidates should make sure they demonstrate an interest in global commercial law. Our global nature sets us apart from the market and candidates should show an interest in that.

I would encourage prospective candidates to research and get to know the firm before applying and show a genuine interest in working at the firm. In the interview process, candidates should be themselves.

Thoroughly research the Firm and work out what it is about it that resonates with you and focus on that in your application and interview. Also be yourself! The Firm attracts keen, authentic and intellectually curious people.

Do lots of research and talk to people from the firm. The application process is an opportunity to showcase the investment you have put into applying for the position. The more investment you put into researching the firm, the people and the kind of work Baker McKenzie does, the easier it will be to showcase your interest in the firm.

Be genuine and know why you're keen on Bakers.

I would say truly to just be yourself in interviews and at networking events. It's important to be at a workplace where you can feel comfortable to be yourself. In terms of preparing for interviews, I would be thinking about common interview questions and have a think about what about your experiences makes you a good candidate for Baker McKenzie. However, it's important not to be too scripted!

Be yourself! They definitely asked a lot about who I was and I think that helped the conversation flow quite naturally.

Be yourself! Make sure you research well on the firm as well. Show that you are interested in the global nature of the work.

Know your CV/resume back-to-front and understand how to demonstrate the links that you as a person, and your experience, share with international law.

Have an international mindset

Come prepared to the interviews with examples that showcase your skills and experience, but also be relaxed and conversational - don't put too much pressure on yourself

Focus on your international interests.

Be sure to have a few memories / experiences you can draw stories and learnings from.

Be prepared to talk about yourself and your background. They aren't trying to trick you.

Make sure you demonstrate an interest in international commercial legal work. Speak to people that work at Bakers - ask what their experience has been and what they like about working at the Firm.

Apply early, ask questions, and network with others who have had prior experiences with or who have worked at Bakers.

The general sense I get is that everyone has a story to tell at Bakers. Yes we are all lawyers but we also have ex-professional athletes, dancers, actors, singers and so much more. At Bakers we are equally interested in who you are as a person in addition to what you will be like as a lawyer. So do not be afraid to showcase your individuality in your application - you are so much more than just your grades.

Why do you want to work at Bakers (for me there were genuine reasons based on experience with pro bono work, insights into the culture from friends who worked there, global nature). Show your personality - people are here because they're engaging humans and good lawyers.

Go to events the Firm attends at universities, do a little research on the Firm generally, and have a genuine reason why you would like to work here.