Baker McKenzie is to expand in Belfast, taking in the strategy of near-shoring used by many global firms. The firm is to add 150 new roles to its Belfast legal services centre after securing extra space in the city.

Future expansion

Baker McKenzie has announced it has entered into an agreement with Belfast Harbour Commissioners to take additional office space in the City Quays development in Belfast, enabling it to grow to up to 450 staff. Baker McKenzie was the first tenant to move to grade A office space within City Quays 1 in June 2015 and currently employs just under 300 people. Now nearing capacity in existing premises, Baker McKenzie has confirmed it will lease a floor in City Quays 2 to accommodate future roles. The firm opened its Belfast office in late 2014, and the office has grown rapidly as an integral part of the firm's global presence of 77 offices around the world. In Belfast, the team provides over 30 legal and business services, including finance, corporate support, marketing and IT.

Innovation focus

James Richards, Executive Director of Baker McKenzie in Belfast, says ‘our lawyers and professional staff around the globe have been really impressed at what we have created in Belfast and we have become a major innovation hub for the firm. We have introduced a number of initiatives here that are not only benefitting our clients but have a direct impact on our financial performance. As part of integration into local business and community projects in Northern Ireland, the firm has championed innovation in the NI legal community and with academia, including a 'first of its kind' research partnership with Ulster University's Legal Innovation Centre.