Irish Legal News understands that the firm is set to shed up to 10 per cent of its business professional roles globally, subject to consultations.

Around half of the firm’s global headcount of 12,500 — and all of its staff in Belfast — are business professionals rather than lawyers.

In a statement, Baker McKenzie said: “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.

“Following the review, and consistent with many other organisations, we are proposing a series of changes to how we operate and deliver important business services.

“Subject to consultation processes in applicable jurisdictions, some roles will likely be phased out, while others will evolve.

“We have not taken decisions around these proposed changes lightly, but felt it was necessary to deliver on our long-term plans.

“We appreciate the valuable contributions our impacted colleagues have made to the firm and will be supporting them.”

Baker McKenzie’s Belfast centre was established in 2014 to provide business and professional services support to its clients and offices around the world.

Helena Woodward was appointed as its executive director late last year following the retirement of James Richards after more than 30 years with the firm, 11 of them in Belfast.