BEGINNINGS Programme 2026

BEGINNINGS at Baker McKenzie is an 18-month social mobility-focused development programme for Year 12 students interested in a career in law. As a global firm that values diverse thought and inclusive opportunities, Baker McKenzie is passionate about breaking down barriers for talent from all backgrounds and communities.

Each year, 20 students will be selected to join the programme and attend regular events both in-person and online. These include virtual skills sessions that develop an individual’s academic prowess and employability in law, as well as engaging networking opportunities and a three-day summer work experience placement in our London offices. Students will also have a dedicated mentor assigned to them who will invest the time, advice and training needed to see them succeed. This is alongside a team that’s there to ensure you’re supported at every stage of your academic journey – from UCAS and exam guidance to pre-university preparation.

If you show a strong commitment and a real passion for a future in law, you could be invited to join our FUTURES at Baker McKenzie programme. This offers further support and development opportunities during your first year of university. You could also receive financial support and a place on our First Year Insight Scheme.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) and be attending, and have always attended a state funded, non-fee paying school/college.
• You must also meet one of the following to take part in this programme:

• You have been in, or are currently in, local authority care
• You are currently in receipt of, or have previously received free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or 16 to 19 Bursary
• You are, or have been a full-time or part-time carer
• You came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker
• Your main household earner’s occupation is categorised as a routine or manual occupation
• You are attending a state school or college with below average A-Level or Higher point score and/or low rate of progression to higher education
• You grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended University

Note: Young people who meet the local authority care criterion do not need to meet any other criterion.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a virtual interview between February and March – after which we will determine whether we will offer you a space on the programme. You must also be able to complete the three-day summer work experience at our offices in London. This will be paid and all travel and accommodation expenses will be covered throughout the programme.

Application Guidance

Work experience isn’t a necessity for this scheme and we do not score this on your application form. However, some of these fields under the work experience section are mandatory to complete, so please follow the steps below:

• Select ‘Yes’ to the question is this your current job
• Select 1/12/2025 in the start date field
• Enter ‘Not applicable’ in the company name and title fields
• Please leave the other fields blank

Education

We do not require information about your previous academic record and we do not score this on your application form. However, some of the fields under the education section are mandatory to complete, so please follow the steps below:

• Select ‘United Kingdom’ under the location field
• Select ‘Beginnings’ under the Institution/University/School field
• Select ‘Other’ under the degree type field
• Leave all other education fields blank

About us

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world‑class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Additional Information

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people – regardless of race, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age – to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.