Life as a Graduate
You have probably heard the term 'culture' being used time and time again. But what does it really mean? Having recently completed the graduate program, which involved three six-month rotations in Baker McKenzie's Sydney office, the culture at Baker McKenzie can be described as doing great work in a supportive environment, with genuine people around the globe.
A supportive culture from the outset
Upon commencing the graduate program, I participated in a three-day induction program with the other graduates in my cohort. There were a range of sessions on offer (including sessions on legal research, commercial drafting, and personal branding), which were designed to support our transition from university to work and ensure we were well-equipped to succeed in the graduate program and beyond.
I was also paired with a buddy in each of my rotations and they helped me get settled in my teams, as did my supervising partners, the broader teams, and my graduate cohort. My supervising partners, in each of my rotations in the Financial Services, IPTech, and Dispute Resolution (Competition) practice groups, were not only great work providers but encouraged my learning and development, and made me feel a part of their teams early on.
In addition, the Firm organises various learning and development opportunities as part of the graduate program, including the 'Transaction and Litigious Intensives' and the 'Cornerstone Series', which involved presentations by partners and senior lawyers across the Firm. These sessions were valuable in gaining a better understanding of different areas of law and the work of different practices groups, and they actually helped me decide where I wanted to rotate next.
Small teams, great work
From assisting with ASX and NSX listings in Financial Services, to representing one of Australia's largest media networks in a contractual dispute in IPTech, to advising on complex competition and consumer law issues in Dispute Resolution (Competition), my rotations at Baker McKenzie involved real, hands-on work from the get-go.
The teams I have rotated through have been lean, which has given me the opportunity to work directly with partners. Having exposure to senior lawyers at the Firm, who are generous with their time and invested in your development, fosters a positive learning environment as a junior.
I have also had the opportunity to meet clients early, attend client calls, and build my own network – another benefit of being in smaller teams!
Now, having recently settled as a Junior Associate in our IPTech group, I work on a broad range of matters, covering media law, intellectual property, consumer law, and technology. It is an exciting and constantly moving space, with interesting work and great clients.
Local presence, global network
A regular day at Baker McKenzie often involves working with one or more of our 70+ offices around the globe.
During my rotations in the Financial Services and IPTech groups, we frequently received queries from our colleagues in the UK and in Europe. Similarly, in the Dispute Resolution (Competition) group, I worked on a large merger clearance matter, together with colleagues from various jurisdictions. With Baker McKenzie's strong focus on pro bono, I have also worked on global pro bono projects with our colleagues in the Asia-Pacific.
Safe to say, almost every matter at the Firm has an international element, but with a strong local presence. Our Australian offices also work collaboratively and our teams span multiple states. Our IPTech practice group has lawyers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and we start our Monday mornings with a national team meeting, with lawyers dialing-in from all three cities – it's a good way to start the week and discuss all the interesting matters the team are working on!
From colleagues to friends
Beyond the work and the global network, Baker McKenzie stands out because of its people. As clichéd as this may sound, there is a culture of genuine friendship that is fostered at the Firm, because of the people who work here and the various initiatives organized by our committees. From Friday night drinks to end of year celebrations, the Firm has a packed social calendar led by the Social Committee. Our Inclusion, Diversity & Equity committees, such as BakerDNA, BakerWomen, BakerPride & Allies, BakerWellbeing, BakerBalance and Baker Indigenous Engagement, also host events and initiatives throughout the year.
In 2023, I participated in the 'Mentoring Circles' initiative organized by BakerDNA – a program that provides mentoring to culturally diverse individuals, and aims to encourage connection and open discussion. I was lucky to meet and be mentored by three senior females from the Firm, who are genuine, approachable, and candid – like many others at Baker McKenzie.
Reflecting on the last 18 months, I feel very lucky to have started my career at Baker McKenzie and look forward to my future with the Firm.