Baker McKenzie Vacation Scheme – January 2025

What was the full recruitment process?

1. Application

2. Situational Judgement Test (invited to take this after nearly a month)

3. Video interview (a week after the SJT)

4. Assessment centre (a week after the video interview)

5. Vacation scheme

What aspect does this cover?

Assessment centre

Where did the interview take place?

Online, via Teams.

What did the assessment centre involve?

1. Welcome by Grad Recruitment team (30 minutes)

2. Associate interview (45 minutes, with 2 senior associates)

3. Group discussion and presentation (1 hour, with a graduate recruiter)

4. Case study (25 minutes prep time, followed by a 1-hour interview, with 1 partner and 1 graduate recruiter) 

5. Document review exercise (~30 minutes)

Associate interview 

This was a strengths-based interview conducted by two senior associates. Questions revolved around competencies such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and importance of diversity for business. The interview was conversational, with follow-up questions and clarifications on technical terms. For example, I was asked to explain Blockchain after using the term in a response. 

I was asked questions including:

• Tell us about a time when you led a team. Did it involve conflict management? How did you resolve it? 
• Tell us about a time when you stood for integrity. 
• Tell us about an instance where you had to work in a high-pressurised environment.
• Tell us about an instance where you had to convince someone. How did you do it?

A positive aspect of this interview was that the interviewers often indicated the specific skill they were assessing in each response. The questions were detailed and often had multiple parts, so paying close attention to the full question was essential. Using the STARR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result, and Reflection) is highly beneficial in ensuring all sub-parts of a question are addressed comprehensively.

I recommend drawing from a broad range of experiences, including academics, extracurricular activities, and volunteering.

Group discussion 

We were given a case study (in a group of 3) to read during the first 15 minutes, and then engaged in a 40-minute group discussion and a 5-minute group presentation. It was supervised by a member of Grad Recruitment team.  

The case study revolved around providing advice to a management team about modifying/changing their business/marketing strategy based on data available such as consumer reports, an income statement, and other documents. It also involved certain decisions relating to, for example, opening/closing a business and hiring new talent. 

We as a group needed to agree on one specific business we would open/close and the possible steps we would take in relation to the other questions. There were quite a few options and therefore it took time to evaluate them and agree on one. 

The case study contained specific guiding questions, so we structured our discussion / presentation accordingly. A key tip is to remain calm and confident, avoiding any sense of being overwhelmed by the information in the case study. The discussion was primarily based on logical reasoning, but applying some commercial knowledge could provide an added advantage.

Case study interview 

During the preparation time, I received a short case study (4–5 pages) with a set of questions at the end. It could be helpful to read the questions first before going through the case study to help you focus on relevant details. 

The case study was based on private M&A and the background materials included snippets of certain standard documents that often form part of a transaction such as an NDA, exclusivity agreement, and non-compete and non-solicit clauses. The questions broadly involved identifying potential issues relating to the transaction and suggesting contractual and commercial protections accordingly.

The first 30 minutes of the interview involved discussing the case study, which was straightforward and required no prior legal knowledge. 

Having a good understanding of how M&A deal happens would be of great advantage. A strong understanding of commercial awareness was also beneficial, as the interviewer began by discussing industry challenges, geopolitical factors, and broader commercial implications before moving on to the case study questions. Understanding of warranties, condition precedents, indemnities, escrow arrangements and earn-outs was indirectly required. 

The final 30 minutes were led by a senior member of the recruitment team and focused on motivation and commercial awareness questions. Questions revolved around why law and why the firm, followed by specific questions about a business I like (I picked a Bakers client), challenges any particular industry is facing, the impact of AI on businesses, and the importance of sustainability for a business.   

Document review exercise 

This exercise did not require any prior legal/technical knowledge. The task was to review a contract and identify grammatical errors. The key skill assessed was attention to detail. A strategic approach would be to prioritise completing the entire document. Efficiency and accuracy were both important.

What was the outcome? 

I received a phone call within 2 weeks of the assessment centre to tell me I had been successful.

Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?

Remain confident throughout the day, as the decision is based on overall performance rather than any single exercise. For the case study part, completing modules from the Commercial Law Academy is highly suggested. Also go through Baker McKenzie’s Trainee Test Podcast on Spotify. The interviews are highly conversational, so take advantage of this by asking personal questions at the end instead of generic ones.

Baker McKenzie Video Interview - January 2025

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

2. Online assessment 

3. Video interview

4. Assessment centre

5. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Video interview

Where did the interview take place?            

iCIMS

What did the interview involve?      

I was required to answer three questions. There was a time limit on how long I had to prepare each question, and I was then given one minute and 30 seconds to record each answer. There was no option to re-record answers.

Which questions were you asked?

• Discuss Baker McKenzie’s cross-practice, multi-jurisdictional approach, and how this benefits our clients.
• What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
• How can you leverage AI as a future trainee solicitor?

Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?

Thoroughly research Baker McKenzie’s practice and values. Have general knowledge of the development of AI and how lawyers can leverage it. 

Baker McKenzie Vacation Scheme - January 2024

What was the full recruitment process?    

1. Application

2. Online critical reasoning & SJT assessment

3. Video interview

4. Assessment centre

5. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Video interview and assessment centre

Video interview 

I was required to answer three questions via a Baker McKenzie portal in my browser. I was given 30 seconds to prepare each answer, then up to 90 seconds to record each answer. There was no option to re-record answers. The questions were:

• Select one of Baker McKenzie’s practice groups and describe why you are interested completing a seat in this particular area. 
• What major challenges face businesses in the coming few years?
• Talk about a time you ensured diversity and inclusion in a team, and explain how it helped the team?

Practice STAR answer structures. Ensure you have a good understanding of the firm’s major clients and the commercial issues that affect them. Check Glassdoor or other sites for the questions the firm tends to ask. This will give you an idea of what questions to prepare for. It is difficult to have a perfect answer prepared for every possible question they could ask, but you can get yourself into a good mindset to come up with an ad hoc answer as and when it is needed.

The firm emailed me ~1 week after the video interview to tell me I had been successful (a friend of mine who wasn’t successful didn’t hear for 2 weeks).

Where did the assessment centre take place?            

Baker McKenzie’s office. 

What did the assessment centre involve?      

I was asked to pick a day from a selection of dates offered by Baker McKenzie. I was informed that I would be assigned one of two day structures. Both structures included the following activities, but in different orders:

• Group exercise: group discussion and presentation (15 minutes reading time, 30 minute discussion, 5 minute presentation, with two members of the graduate recruitment team).
• Interview: informal interview (~45 minutes, with two associates)

Break

• Case study: commercial and legal case study presentation and discussion (25 minutes reading time, then 45-60 minutes with two partners)

Lunch with current trainees

• Proofreading exercise: proofreading an employment contract to identify spelling, formatting and punctuation errors (30 minutes)

The duration of the assessment centre was from 9:30 to 15:00. When I arrived I met the other applicants in the reception area. After a 15 minute wait, I was brought to our ‘holding room’ where I could leave my belongings. I had an assigned seat on one side of the holding room table. All the applicants seated on my side of the table had the same day structure as me. After an introduction (where I introduced myself to the graduate recruitment team and other candidates), I was asked to undertake the first activity. 

Group exercise                                                  

My first activity was a group task. I was in a group of four, and we were first presented with a case study packet relating to a business in the leisure industry, which we were given 15 minutes to read individually. I was given a pen and a highlighter to use when working through this packet. 

The packet contained 11 pages of information that we were all given, plus an additional page that was unique for each group member. The information was a mix of written information, pie charts and infographics, and included an overview of the business’ assets, brand, strategy and certain metrics (e.g. market share). My unique page delved into more detail regarding problems highlighted in the shared information. For example, my page set out refurbishment costs of certain assets (this was an overhead that we were told was an issue in the shared information). 

Along with the other three candidates, I was asked to analyse the business’ situation and suggest a course of action for it to take in relation to a particular commercial problem, and provide general advice regarding its future commercial strategy. The focus was business advice, rather than legal advice.

Following the 15 minutes of reading, I had 30 minutes to discuss the brief and instructions with my fellow candidates. We then had to present, for five minutes in total, to two members of the graduate recruitment team (both of whom had been observing the session). The assessors left it open-ended as to how we should present. We presented as a group, while sitting down, with each group member focusing on a specific element. 

Interview

Immediately following the group task, I was taken to a room where I had an informal interview with two associates. It was encouraged that the interview be conversational. The questions I was asked ranged from ‘tell me about yourself’ questions and competency-based ‘tell me about a time when’ questions, to motivation questions such as:

• Why law?
• Why Baker McKenzie?
• Which practice area in the firm do you want to qualify into?

After the interview, I was given a 15 minute break in the holding room where I spoke to other candidates and gave myself some time to recharge in advance of the case study interview. 

Case study

Next, I was taken with other candidates to a room where we were each given another case study packet. I was once again given a pen and a highlighter to use when working through this packet. 

Myself and the other candidates were given 25 minutes each to read through the case study materials. The case study centred on the acquisition of a tech firm (the buyer was our fictional client). The case study packet included background about the client, the seller and the target, and two specific legal items pertaining to confidentiality and employment law. 

The case study had an annex with three questions: one relating to what issues I could foresee our client facing generally in relation to the acquisition, another on the confidentiality clause, and one on the employment law agreement that was attached. 

After 25 minutes, I was taken to a room with two partners and asked to introduce myself, before providing a 1 minute summary of the case study. Following that, I was asked to present on the three questions included in the annex. These questions were supplemented by further questions that the partners asked, which seemed to be based on whim and curiosity rather than a formal list. After I finished discussing the case study with the partners, they asked me some competency questions and I was allowed to ask them some questions. 

Lunch

Following the case study, I returned to the holding room and had lunch with the other candidates and four Baker McKenzie trainees. The conversation focused on the trainees’ experience of their seats, the candidates’ feelings regarding the firm, and the SQE. I was not explicitly told that the trainee lunch was unassessed. A member of graduate recruitment was present at all times and was typing away on a laptop. 

Proofreading exercise

Following lunch, I had the final activity: the proofreading exercise. This was based on a 15-page employment contract that contained spelling, formatting and punctuation errors. I had 30 minutes to proofread and annotate (by hand) a hardcopy of the contract.

Graduate recruitment made it clear that any errors I identified would have to be explained in a corresponding margin note. No corrections needed to be flagged regarding the substantive content of the contract. 

Following the proofreading exercise, I left the assessment centre (after a goodbye from graduate recruitment).

What was the outcome?                                                  

Pending

Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?

Group exercise: be time conscious. There is a lot of information to absorb in 15 minutes and continuing to read during the 30 minutes of discussion time is a mistake. Prioritise reading your unique document and sharing that with the rest of the group. The presentation is only 5 minutes long. This tells you they are not looking for depth in what you present. What they are more interested in is the discussion and thought process they observe when you are talking. Practice analysing business case studies. Make sure to give others time to talk and to contribute. Don’t attempt to undermine or criticise others. A candidate, in my session, criticised another candidate for not speaking enough and it did not come off well. 

Interview: this is relaxed, but be prepared for competency-style questions. Make sure you have questions of your own to ask as this is a great opportunity to learn about the firm and to show your interest. 

Case study: practice analysing M&A case studies. Regarding the first element of analysing general issues, make sure you check the Commercial Law Academy’s mergers and acquisitions module. The legal analysis elements (employment law and confidentiality in my case) can be aided by having a knowledge of the law, but are more about verbal reasoning. I found that in the interview, the partners will coax you along if you nearly touch on a point. In many ways, it is about them understanding how you think and whether you can follow assistance rather than testing your capability outright. Remember if you could do a perfect analysis of an M&A transaction right now as a graduate, then their partner-level expertise would be worthless. They aren’t expecting perfection as much as a good basis to build upon in your TC.

Break/lunch with trainees: a general point to note for the breaks/lunch is that you will be with the other candidates and supervised by graduate recruitment. Be friendly and relaxed. If you are difficult or withdrawn graduate recruitment may notice this and take it into account. Most importantly, don’t let the feelings of others influence your perception of the day. A candidate on my assessment day was very nervous and kept talking about how worried she was for the case study interview and what she thought went wrong in the group exercise. Don’t engage in such conversation – politely redirect it to another topic. It has the potential to affect your own mindset and does not look good in front of graduate recruitment. Make sure you ask the trainees any burning questions you have about the firm as this is a good opportunity to learn more. 

Proof reading exercise: pay attention to formatting as well as spelling (double spaces can be subtle). The best way to prepare for these exercises is practice.

Baker McKenzie Vacation Scheme - January 2024

What was the full recruitment process?    

1. Application

2. Watson Glaser test

3. Video interview

4. Assessment centre

5. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Video interview

Where did the interview take place?            

Online platform

What did the interview involve?      

I was required to answer three questions. I was given 30 seconds to prepare each answer, then up to 90 seconds to record each answer. There was no option to re-record answers.

Which questions were you asked?

• Select one of Baker McKenzie’s Practice groups and describe why you are interested completing a seat in this particular area. 
• If you were a trainee solicitor at Baker McKenzie what would you do to demonstrate inclusive behaviour?
• Tell us about a business that you find impressive and why. 

What was the outcome?

Pending

Baker McKenzie Vacation Scheme - January 2023

What was the full recruitment process?         

1. Application

2. Watson Glaser test

3. Video interview

4. Assessment centre

5. Vacation scheme

Which aspect does this report cover?

Video interview

Where did the interview take place?            

Outmatch (online platform)

What did the interview involve?      

I was required to answer three questions. I was given 45 seconds to prepare each answer, then up to 90 seconds to record each answer. There was no option to re-record answers.

Which questions were you asked?

• Tell us about a Baker McKenzie deal or practice area.
• What does inclusion mean to you?
• Are employees or clients more important?

What was the outcome?                                                  

I received an email two weeks later to inform me that I had been unsuccessful. 

Do you have any specific advice on how to prepare?

Work on how you structure answers to questions more generally, as this can help you to make the most of the limited time you have to deliver your answers.