Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) is an international law firm headquartered in London, with offices in 19 countries, across 30 locations. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything about Freshfields’ training contract and vacation schemes. You will learn all about the training contract requirements, application process, and tips to succeed at Freshfields.
Make sure to boost your chances of success by crafting a flawless legal CV and a personalized cover letter.
What is the Freshfields Training Contract?
With a training contract at Freshfields, you’ll receive unparalleled support and guidance from some of the best legal minds, and mentors who are invested in your growth and learning. You’ll be immersed in a dynamic environment, tackling real cases, and making tangible contributions to the firm’s success. The training contract is designed to challenge you, with the intent of honing your legal skills to their finest point.
As part of the contract, Freshfields also provides the Professional Skills Course (PSC), which is an essential component of your solicitor qualification. The PSC supplements your on-the-job learning with practical and procedural legal knowledge.
By the end of your training contract, you’ll not only be well-versed in different areas of law but also equipped with the practical skills and professional standards required to qualify as a solicitor. Freshfields aims to ensure that, upon completion, you’ll have a robust understanding of the firm’s culture and operations, which is vital in securing a role with them as a newly qualified solicitor.
Take a look at our training contract deadlines calendar.
Freshfields Training Contract Requirements
Eligibility to apply for the training contract requires that the candidate is either a law or non-law student in their final year or a graduate from any discipline. The firm sets specific application periods for these contracts, and candidates must apply within these timeframes.
Freshfields places emphasis on the skills and attributes of their applicants. While the exact requirements can vary and be updated over time, the firm looks for candidates who can demonstrate excellent analytical skills, effective communication, adaptability, and a keen interest in the diverse practice areas offered by the firm. It’s also expected that applicants have a solid academic background and can perform well in the assessments that form part of the application process.
What is the Freshfields Vacation Scheme
The Freshfields vacation scheme is an integral part of the firm’s graduate recruitment process and provides extensive insight into the workings of the law firm. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration & Structure: The scheme lasts for three weeks during the summer, where participants are paid £450 per week and may also receive an additional bursary if they come from a less socially mobile background.
- Eligibility: The scheme is open to penultimate-year undergraduates from any degree discipline and second-year students in a four-year course.
- Application Process: Interested candidates should apply through Freshfields’ application portal, and can only submit one application per academic year, either during the winter or the summer application window.
It is important to know when vacation scheme deadlines are.
Summer Vacation Scheme at Freshfields
The Summer vacation scheme at Freshfields is a pivotal experience for aspiring lawyers, offering a deep dive into the life and culture of a leading law firm. Participants in the scheme can expect the following:
- Program Length: A three-week program held during the summer which is designed to give participants a realistic glimpse into the day-to-day operations and atmosphere of Freshfields.
- Remuneration: Those partaking in the scheme receive a weekly stipend of £450, along with a potential additional bursary for candidates who come from less socially mobile backgrounds.
- Real Work Experience: The scheme allows participants to engage in actual legal tasks, contributing to meaningful projects and getting a sense of the responsibilities they would have as trainees.
What You Will Do During Freshfields Vacation Scheme
During the Freshfields vacation scheme, participants are engaged in a variety of activities designed to provide a comprehensive view of life as a Freshfields lawyer. Here is what they will do:
- Engage in Substantive Legal Work: Participants will undertake real legal tasks that may include research, drafting, and working on active cases or transactions, giving them a genuine feel for the work of a trainee solicitor.
- Participate in Group Exercises: They will collaborate with peers in exercises designed to simulate the collaborative nature of legal work and to test skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
- Attend Workshops and Presentations: The scheme often includes workshops on various legal topics, presentations by the firm’s lawyers, and insights into the firm’s practice areas and client work.
- Networking Opportunities: There are numerous social events and networking opportunities allowing participants to meet and learn from current trainees, associates, and partners, which can provide invaluable professional connections and mentorship.
- Experience the Firm’s Culture: Through both formal and informal interactions, participants will experience the firm’s culture firsthand, which is critical for understanding the environment and deciding if it’s the right fit for their career.
- Receive Feedback: Participants can expect to receive feedback on their performance and contributions, providing a learning experience that goes beyond mere observation.
- Consideration for a Training Contract: Performing well during the vacation scheme can position participants favorably for future training contract offers, making it an important step in their legal career journey.
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Freshfields
The application process for the training contract and vacation scheme at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is detailed and methodical. Here are the key steps applicants need to take:
- Online Application Submission: All applications must be submitted through Freshfields’ online application portal during either the winter or summer application window, with only one application allowed per academic year. The form is straightforward, featuring a main question that acts as a cover letter.
- Personal Statement: An 850-word personal statement must be included with your application. This statement should articulate your personal motivations and suitability for the role.
- Watson Glaser Test: Applicants must pass this critical thinking assessment, which evaluates abilities such as understanding information, logical deduction, and judgment. Find out how to prepare for the Watson Glaser Test.
- Half-Day Assessment: This includes general and analytical interviews and is part of the selection process.
Duration: The entire process, from application to the final assessment day, may take approximately two months.
Tip. Candidates should ensure that their application materials, especially the personal statement, are meticulously crafted to avoid errors and clichés, as these documents are crucial in making a strong first impression. Also, don’t forget to structure your answer to the why this law firm question.
Why You Should Apply to Freshfields?
When considering applying to Freshfields’ training contract and vacation scheme, there are several compelling reasons to do so:
- Diverse Experience: Freshfields offers a uniquely structured training contract that allows for an expansive exposure across the firm’s various departments. Trainees can pursue an eight-seat training contract, providing them the opportunity to work in a wide array of the firm’s top-tier practice areas, from Corporate M&A to Commercial Litigation. This breadth of experience is invaluable for anyone looking to gain comprehensive insights into the legal field.
- Hands-on Engagement: The three-week summer vacation scheme at Freshfields is designed to offer participants a genuine taste of the firm’s work and culture. Engaging in real tasks, group exercises, and social events with associates and partners allows for practical learning and networking, which are crucial for professional development. This first-hand experience can be instrumental in making informed decisions about a future career in law.
- Transition to a Law Career: The transition from a vacation scheme to a training contract is viewed as a “golden route” into law. Freshfields emphasizes the importance of this pathway, with trainees sharing how their experiences during the vacation scheme have shaped their legal careers significantly. It demonstrates the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up and the value they place on their vacation scheme as a foundational professional step.
- Merit-based Selection: The selection process for the vacation scheme at Freshfields is straightforward and meritocratic. Each application is thoroughly read, and candidates are shortlisted based on merit alone, ensuring a fair chance for all applicants. For those looking to progress to the trainee associate program, the vacation scheme serves as a platform for assessment and a potential interview, making it a crucial step for anyone serious about a career with Freshfields.
- Training Contract Opportunities: Freshfields offers 80 training contracts, with seats available in key areas such as dispute resolution, global transactions, antitrust, competition and trade, people and reward, and tax. Trainees spend three months within each seat, allowing for an in-depth understanding of each specialty. This structured approach to training is conducive to developing a well-rounded legal expertise.
History of Freshfields
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, colloquially known as Freshfields, is a multinational law firm with a significant historical footprint, having been headquartered in London since 1743. Its roots can be traced back to the early 18th century, and it holds the distinction of being appointed solicitor to the Bank of England—a relationship that has endured to the present day. The current entity of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was formed in the year 2000 following the merger of the UK-based Freshfields with two German law firms: Deringer Tessin Herrmann & Sedemund and Bruckhaus Westrick Heller Löber.
This merger not only fortified Freshfields’ presence in the European legal market but also extended its reach, capitalizing on over four decades of experience in the United States, with offices in New York, Washington, DC, and Silicon Valley. The firm celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2018, underscoring its status as one of the oldest law firms in the City of London. Freshfields’ enduring client relationships, exemplified by its continuous representation of the Bank of England, and its partners’ significant roles in legal history, including some who have joined the bank’s legal team, speak to the firm’s longstanding reputation and influence in the legal sector
What Makes Freshfields Stand Out
Freshfields is a unique firm that has a lot to offer to aspiring solicitors:
- Eight-seat Trainee Associate Program: Freshfields offers a unique eight-seat training contract, unlike the traditional six-seat contracts at many firms. This allows trainees to experience a wider range of legal areas and departments within the firm.
- Broad Range of Practice Areas: Trainees at Freshfields can work in various tier-one practice areas, including Corporate M&A, Commercial Litigation, antitrust, competition and trade, people and reward, and tax. This diverse experience is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal field.
- Supportive Training Environment: A “Trainee Intake Partner” supports trainees throughout their contract, and the firm’s Manchester-based Hub helps to relieve some of the workload pressures, allowing trainees to focus on their professional development.
- Emphasis on Dispute Resolution: Freshfields places a greater focus on dispute resolution compared to other Magic Circle law firms, preparing trainees to become highly skilled in this crucial area.
- Global Transactions Experience: Every trainee is required to take at least one seat in dispute resolution and at least two seats in global transactions, covering corporate, finance, and real estate, which prepares them for high-profile, precedent-setting work that is international in scope.
- Professional Growth: The structure of the training contract is designed to not only provide legal expertise but also to kickstart the trainees’ international graduate careers, setting a strong foundation for future high-profile legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the Freshfields training contract and vacation scheme:
How hard is it to get into Freshfields?
Getting into Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s training contract program is highly competitive. The firm typically receives around 3,000 applications annually but only offers up to 100 training contracts. This means that the acceptance rate is approximately 3.3%, indicating a high level of difficulty for applicants.
How much do Freshfields trainee solicitors make?
In terms of compensation, Freshfields trainee solicitors are well remunerated. The starting salary for first-year trainees is £50,000, which rises to £55,000 in the second year. After completing the traineeship and qualifying, the salary can significantly increase. For those who stay on as newly qualified associates at Freshfields, the salary jumps to an impressive £125,000. Compare UK solicitor salaries in our detailed guide.
How many trainees does Freshfields take?
As for the number of trainees Freshfields takes on, the firm has recently increased its intake to 100 training contracts, up from the previous 90. This is across their spring and autumn intakes and represents an 11% increase for the recruitment year mentioned.
What do Freshfields look for in a trainee?
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer seeks a diverse range of attributes in its trainees, and there is no singular model for a successful candidate. However, they emphasize the importance of personal statements in applications, free from clichés and tailored specifically to Freshfields. Candidates should exhibit a range of qualities, including being a team player, having flexibility and adaptability, a sense of humour, diligence, and determination with resilience.
During interviews, the firm looks for candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of Freshfields, articulate their reasons for pursuing a career in commercial law, and show how their experiences have developed relevant skills. It is also crucial for candidates to exhibit good body language, make eye contact, and allow their personality to shine through.
Who are Freshfields biggest clients?
Freshfields advises some of the world’s leading organizations and has provided advisory services to 70 percent of the S&P 1,000 largest US corporates over the past three years, either in the US or globally. They have a strong record of advising on high-profile, cross-border transactions and litigations, including advising UBS Group AG on its acquisition of Credit Suisse Group AG, defending Google in antitrust litigation, and representing Volkswagen in global emissions litigation.
What skills are Freshfields looking for?
In terms of skills, Freshfields looks for candidates who can demonstrate a number of key competencies throughout the recruitment process. These include critical thinking, resilience, curiosity, and teamwork. Critical thinking involves approaching problems logically, outlining complex issues clearly, and making sense of complicated situations.
Resilience is shown through the ability to overcome obstacles and determination to succeed. Curiosity relates to the ability to adapt to new situations and explore new ways of working, while teamwork entails the ability to work collaboratively and respond well to feedback. An understanding of the firm, a natural aptitude for law, and strong analytical skills are also emphasized as necessary for success in the application process.
How many people do Freshfields interview?
Regarding the interview process, Freshfields is quite selective, typically receiving 3,000 applications annually for only 100 training contracts. The firm recruits on a rolling basis, and candidates are advised to apply as early as possible. Thorough preparation for the application and the interview process, including practising for aptitude tests, can significantly improve the chances of success.
What is the personal statement for Freshfields vacation scheme?
For the Freshfields vacation scheme, applicants are required to complete a form and write an 850-word personal statement as part of the application process. This personal statement is a critical piece of the application, as it is an opportunity for candidates to express their interest in the firm, demonstrate their relevant skills and experiences, and showcase how they align with the values and expectations of Freshfields.
