Baker McKenzie is phasing out business services roles after a review that rethought its work "including through our use of AI"

Baker McKenzie, one of the world's largest law firms, confirmed in February 2026 that it is likely to cut roles across its business services teams. A spokesperson set out the reason in the firm's own words: "To position the firm for continued growth and remain agile in a fast-evolving business context, we recently undertook a careful review of our business professionals functions. This review was aimed at rethinking the ways in which we work, including through our use of AI, introducing efficiencies, and investing in those roles that best serve our clients' needs." The statement continues: "Subject to consultation processes in applicable jurisdictions, some roles will likely be phased out, while others will evolve." The firm has not given a number. Legal Cheek reports that less than 10 percent of the global business services team, roughly 600 positions, is likely to be affected, in departments that include research, marketing and secretarial support and offices that include London and Belfast. Most AI job cuts on record are at technology and finance companies. This is a law firm saying it of its own back office, three months after Clifford Chance cut about 50 business services roles in London.