Patrick Sheridan - Lawyer
I joined the corporate team in Belfast in November 2021 as a Junior Lawyer and was promoted to Lawyer in 2024. I was attracted to Baker McKenzie because of its world-renowned status as a leading corporate law firm. I was particularly excited by the prospect of working in a global team of lawyers with extensive expertise in managing complex cross-border transactions. The opportunity to work on corporate projects of a multi-jurisdictional scale greatly appealed to me, and so far my hopes and expectations have been exceeded.
Since joining the Firm, I have worked extensively on a spinoff project for a multinational client, which has been both extremely challenging and rewarding. The work for this matter has consisted of contractual due diligence, researching and identifying specific corporate governance laws in numerous jurisdictions, liaising with lawyers from various jurisdictions to ascertain and clarify certain legislative requirements, and drafting and reviewing corporate documentation. The exposure to such high quality work has allowed me to develop my skills as a lawyer and enhance my knowledge of the intricacies involved in corporate projects of this scale.
Whilst the nature of the legal work at Baker McKenzie has been immensely exciting and rewarding, there are many other benefits of working at the Firm. We have a great CSR programme, and there are a range of CSR committees and Sports & Social Groups that employees are actively encouraged to get involved in.
All employees of the Belfast office get one day a year to take as a volunteering day, which doesn't come out of our annual leave entitlement. This year, along with many others in the Belfast team, I participated in the Cash for Kids annual 'Mission Christmas' Campaign, which aims to ensure that each child in Northern Ireland wakes up to a present on Christmas Day. We contributed to this campaign by taking an afternoon off work and helping to pack the children's presents. It was great to be able to take a short time out of the office and help a great cause, and I think that this level of involvement across the Belfast Office is representative of the Firm's global ambition to play our part as an ethical and responsible business. I have tried to involve myself as much as possible in the CSR programme and it has been hugely satisfying.
During my first year at the Firm, I have found Baker McKenzie to be a brilliant place to work. There is always a warm and friendly atmosphere in the office, and I consider myself very fortunate to have a team of colleagues in the corporate team who are always willing to help, which was particularly beneficial to me in my first few months at the Firm. On top of this, the exposure to work for high profile clients on complex and high value matters has been incredibly fulfilling, has provided me with invaluable experience, and helped enhance my skills that I can build on throughout the course of my career.