Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie is a law firm founded by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. It has been operating for over 75 years. The firm was the first global law firm to open an office in Australia, more than 60 years ago. It has offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Its practice areas include corporate, mergers and acquisitions, tax, finance, dispute resolution, projects, insolvency and restructuring, employment and real estate.

The firm has held the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation from the Federal Workplace Gender Equality Agency since 2010. It advised Macquarie Asset Management and PSP Investments on the AUD 24 billion sale of AirTrunk, Hysata on its Series B fundraising, the ACCC in obtaining a penalty of AUD 100 million against Qantas, WiseTech Global on its AUD 4.7 billion debt financing to secure purchase of US software firm e2open, Orora on the AUD 1.2 billion sale of its North America Packaging Solutions (OPS) business to Veritiv, RPMGlobal Holdings Limited on its acquisition by Caterpillar, and Synaptics in its proposed acquisition by onsemi. Its main services include advising on complex cross-border transactions, navigating regulatory landscapes, and managing high-stakes disputes.

Business clients attending the Barangaroo offices for commercial matters describe a polished and welcoming environment, with the conference facilities and harbour outlook drawing particular praise from those attending meetings and consultations. Professionalism comes up repeatedly in accounts of dealings with the practice, and visitors note that the service feels well organised and that staff put them at ease from the outset. The premises themselves are a recurring point of difference, with reviewers remarking on striking design, comfortable meeting spaces and an efficient atmosphere on arrival, while parking at the front of the building is mentioned as a practical convenience for those driving into the district.

The reception experience is characterised as warm and attentive. Reviewers link this setting to the standard of legal work delivered, describing interactions as responsive and detail-focused, with matters handled in a structured and reliable manner. The consistency of these accounts suggests a firm where commercial clients feel their needs are understood and addressed promptly, whether attending for advice, negotiations or ongoing representation. A recurring theme is the confidence that the surroundings and the service together inspire in those bringing business law matters to the practice.