Expect more

Your future at an international law firm

Variety

Opportunity

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5 About us

6 The opportunity to do work that matters

10 Collaboration: a one-firm, one-team culture

12 Variety: a chance to stretch yourself

16 A vibrant culture: life at Freshfields

18 What our people say

20 Innovation: a forward-thinking culture

22 Impact: an invitation to be your best self at work

26 Start your journey with Freshfields

28 Our benefits

What’s inside

Innovation

ImpactOpportunity

Variety Collaboration

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At Freshfields, we solve the most complex challenges for some of the world’s most dynamic organisations, using our knowledge, experience and energy to help them seize their most important opportunities.

We are a responsible, diverse and inclusive business. We treat everyone with respect, consideration and courtesy and we work together to deliver exceptional service that allows our clients to make confident decisions.Whether it’s entering new markets, defending corporate reputation or managing multijurisdictional regulation, at Freshfields you’ll be breaking new legal ground to help our clients go further.

Our unique eight-seat training contract draws upon our connected innovation strategy, giving you the foundation for a career at the cutting edge of corporate law and the opportunity to develop professionally and personally.

About us

The opportunity to do work that matters

At Freshfields, you’ll help the world’s biggest businesses, financial institutions and governments navigate their most complex challenges.From working on multibillion-pound litigation to staving off a huge potential class action or extending a coronavirus lifeline to businesses, our work is complex and dynamic, often crossing multiple geographical borders and practice groups, so teamwork is at the core of our culture. The work you’ll do at Freshfields tends to fall into three broad categories:

1. Grow: transactionalTransactional work primarily relates to the divestment and acquisition of companies or critical corporate assets. The transactions we structure and support range from stock market flotations to big-ticket mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

2. Strengthen: regulatoryBy ‘strengthen’ we mean regulatory work – making sure our clients don’t fall foul of complex laws and rules – from financial services regulation to combating bribery and corruption.

3. Defend: risk and disputesRisk management and disputes work helps protect businesses (and reputations) through litigation, arbitration and investigations.

From the complex mandates that are transforming our economy to inspiring pro bono work, you’ll be doing work that matters.

Expect opportunity

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Teamwork is at the core of our culture.

Training contractsOur unique eight-seat training contract (see page 13 for more details) offers a variety of opportunities to specialise in one of our many legal practice areas. For a taster, join one of our virtual insight events, or apply to join the next vacation scheme or one of our workshops.

Vacation schemeOur three-week summer vacation scheme is an exciting way to find out more about life at Freshfields before considering applying for a training contract.

You’ll gain exposure to live matters, participate in group exercises, meet associates and partners, and catch up at social events organised by trainees. If you decide you’d like to be considered for a training contract at the end of the scheme, you’ll have the opportunity to interview.

If we are unable to hold our vacation schemes in the office in 2021, we’ll still run them virtually, as we have done for 2020. This means the length and content may change but we’ll make sure you get the best possible virtual insight into Freshfields. You’ll still have the opportunity to have a virtual training contract interview.

WorkshopsA workshop or open day offers the chance to get an inside view of Freshfields. You’ll get a taste of life as an international lawyer and meet trainees, associates and partners. We also offer a two-day spring scheme for first-year students.

Please note that our winter 2020 events will all be held virtually. We are hoping our spring scheme can be held in the office, but if not, we’ll run this virtually as we did in 2020.

Virtual insight eventsWe are hosting a series of virtual events in November 2020 to give you an insight into Freshfields. Everyone is welcome to attend – just sign up to join. Keep an eye on the ‘What’s Happening’ page for further details.

The opportunity to do work that matters

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From day one, you’ll be a key part of a diverse team that champions a growth mindset, initiative and novel ideas.

Expect collaboration

Collaboration: a one-firm, one-team culture

No single person can take on the work we do alone. That’s why we have a ‘one-firm mindset’.

Our values embody our ambition to be exceptional, but also recognise that our people make our firm.Diversity is a powerful source of strength for a global organisation. We value fresh perspectives, creative ideas and thinking that draws upon voices from our network. No single person can take on the work we do alone. That’s why we have a ‘one-firm mindset’, encouraging and sharing in the success of all our colleagues. We want to develop people who aren’t afraid to be creative and innovative and who want to learn how to communicate their ideas clearly and succinctly. Most importantly, we want you to be empowered to bring your whole self to work.

No single person can take on the work we do alone. That’s why we have a ‘one-firm mindset’, encouraging and sharing in the success of all our colleagues. You’ll need to be creative and innovative, and be able to explain your ideas clearly and succinctly.

Work worldwideFreshfields helps clients cross borders with confidence – you’ll learn to do the same. You can apply for a secondment in our extensive global network of offices (including Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and New York). You can also apply for a client secondment, including with our pro bono clients.

If you’re fluent in English and native in an Asian language, studying in your penultimate year or beyond at a UK university, you could apply for our London–Asia training contract and spend your first year in London and your second in Hong Kong, building your network and knowledge on both sides of the globe. You’ll then qualify with one of our offices in Asia as an England and Wales-qualified solicitor.

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StrongerTogetherWhere needed, we complement our lawyers’ comprehensive international experience with local advice from our StrongerTogether network. We have non-exclusive arrangements with more than 300 firms across the world, giving us the flexibility to build a team around every client’s specific needs. Our firms regularly train together and we second lawyers to and from Freshfields, helping us to build deeper cross-team connections.

Variety: a chance to stretch yourself

Our unique eight-seat training contract offers you a wide breadth of experience across our many areas of law.

Expect variety

All trainees take at least one seat in dispute resolution and at least two seats in global transactions (across corporate, finance and real estate).You can choose other seats in antitrust, competition and trade; people and reward; and tax.

We believe our future lawyers should be able to explore the firm and find their strengths. You’ll have the opportunity to choose several specialist teams that interest you or return to a seat you want to qualify into.

We’ll help you understand the different seats on offer before you arrive at Freshfields. After that, we offer regular drop-in advice sessions on seat moves. If you want to get a taster of what we do with a lighter touch, you can also apply for one of our workshops or vacation schemes.

GuidanceWe believe you get the best knowledge and experience by doing, so most of your training will be on the job as you work with partners and associates. You’ll always be able to find someone to answer your questions.

A two-week induction includes practical skills workshops and advice to help you hit the ground running. After that, we offer regular, in-depth legal and business skills development. You can count on the support of your trainee intake partner (TIP), who will be your personal mentor throughout your two-year training contract. One-to-one coaching is also available from our trainee development team.

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Variety: a chance to stretch yourself

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You’ll get close support and mentorship, rapid professional growth and the promise of more exciting opportunities around the corner.

Work with the best peopleJoining Freshfields means working with some of the world’s most talented lawyers and building a powerful network of colleagues, mentors and friends, forged in a challenging and stimulating work environment when a deal is closing or when your case is nearing trial. Building trust as you collaborate on high-profile work is an invaluable cornerstone of a successful career.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in sports and social events: I went on a netball tour to La Manga and play five-a-side football. To me, it’s not just a workplace, it’s a lifestyle.

There’s always something going on at Freshfields.Departments regularly host their own parties, get-togethers and trips away, whether to celebrate another work success or as a more informal team catch-up. Trainees also often arrange their own social events.

During lockdown, we’ve adapted our working arrangements to keep everyone safe and supported. Our trainees have kept in touch over video calls, including through quizzes, wine tastings and even a virtual murder mystery.

Outside of lockdown, you can join our football, cricket, hockey, rugby, netball, tennis and volleyball teams. Team tours, which pit you against other law firms in the Law League, include a trip to La Manga in Spain. (Players get ‘sports leave’ to go on these tours.)

You’ll also have the chance to swim, cycle, sail, ski or step up to the oche in our darts club, among other opportunities.

Creative types are catered for with our theatre-outing group, a choir and a house band. In fact, we have dedicated groups for everything from fly fishing to knitting. You could even start your own group.

Our diversity-related employee networks (Halo, Freshfields Enabled, Black Affinity Network, Women’s Network, Social Mobility Network and Mental Health Affinity Network) are open to all colleagues from across the firm. They host more casual and informal events and are a great opportunity to build your network.

All trainees are welcomed to the firm after their two-week induction at the trainee induction dinner, which is joined by the TIPs.

A vibrant culture: life at Freshfields

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I’d advise anyone considering Freshfields not to discount yourself. Forget any misconceptions about not ‘fitting in’. We are working towards being more diverse and people from non-traditional backgrounds can thrive here.

19Folarin Odunubi, Trainee

What our people say

I met new friends at Freshfields, people aren’t just colleagues. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in sports and social events: I went on a netball tour to La Manga and play five-a-side football. To me, it’s not just a workplace, it’s a lifestyle.

Eloise Rennie, Associate

Being in the centre of political, legal and economic issues (like responses to COVID-19) can sometimes feel like being in the eye of a hurricane.

Daria Park, Trainee

You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be successful at Freshfields. Popular culture representations of corporate law as dog eat dog – in Suits or whatever – really don’t reflect the reality here.

Jessie Andrews, Trainee

The best thing about Freshfields is the people. When I get asked why I joined and why I’m still here after 16 years, I always give the same answer – the people. I get to work with a group of completely inspirational, collegiate, ambitious people who want to work on the most challenging global transactions, but also have fun along the way. I feel incredibly privileged to have such utterly brilliant colleagues.

What our people say

Alison Smith, Partner

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From embracing the latest technology to delivering pioneering legal advice, you’ll be part of a dynamic connected innovation culture designed to stretch ambitious minds.

Innovation: a forward-thinking culture

At Freshfields, you’ll cultivate a growing array of skills supported by a dynamic blend of people, processes and cutting-edge technology.

Our Freshfields Hub brings together lawyers, technologists, legal support staff and process improvement specialists to design more agile and efficient ways to deliver our services in locations throughout Europe and Asia. London trainees can experience the Manchester Hub’s pioneering work first hand with a six-month secondment.

The Freshfields Lab is a space for collaboration to explore digital technologies and develop new ways of working in response to today’s complicated legal challenges – cyber risks, global transactions, global investigations, mass-claims litigation and complex competition issues.

Trainees can experience the Manchester Hub’s pioneering work first hand with a six-month secondment.

Expect innovation

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Impact: an invitation to be your best self at work

We are committed to running our business in a responsible way and are working to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can achieve their potential.

Expect impact

A responsible, diverse and inclusive businessResponsibility is intertwined with our character, our values and our ethos.

Access to opportunityWe’re passionate about social mobility and widening access to the legal sector for the best students, regardless of their background, gender, race or ethnicity, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other dimensions of difference.

We partner with organisations such as Rare Recruitment, Aspiring Solicitors and MyPlus Consulting.

We use Rare Recruitment’s Contextual Recruitment System, which (among other things) rates candidates’ exam performance against the average for their school, recognising that getting a B from a less well performing school may demonstrate just as much graft and potential as getting an A* from another.

We have established the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme to address the disproportionate under-representation in the City of black men from low-income households.

Race and ethnicityWe are passionately committed to expanding the representation of race and ethnicity across our firm.

Our global Black Affinity Network brings together lawyers of black African and black African Caribbean heritage. In 2020, we launched BANbassadors – a group of our lawyers who have identified themselves as allies.

Promoting diversity and inclusion across our business and across the wider legal profession is an absolute priority for us.

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Claire Wills London Managing Partner

GenderWe have a number of initiatives in place to ensure we attract, support and foster the talents of women across our firm.

The EDGE Commitment, developed by our London Women’s Network in collaboration with colleagues across the firm, promotes gender equality. Our 12-month global sponsorship programme is a tailored learning and development opportunity for female lawyers. We have been at the forefront of the Equal Representation in Arbitration (ERA) Pledge, a commitment to improve the profile and representation of women in international arbitration, increase the number of female arbitrators on an equal opportunity basis and achieve a fair representation of women.

DisabilityFreshfields is committed to being a disability-inclusive employer, so wants to attract and progress disabled talent, and support colleagues affected by disability. We partner with Business Disability Forum and MyPlus Consulting, and bring together disabled colleagues and Champions in our disability network. If you’ve a disability, we want you to be able to show your full potential. We will provide any adjustments and/or support you need during the recruitment process. Examples of adjustments we’ve made in the past include assistive technology, extra time, offering interviews at a specific time and ensuring ease of physical access.

Sexual orientation and gender identityFreshfields strives to ensure that LGBT+ colleagues feel supported in all of our offices. We sponsor the LGBT Bar’s annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair and the LGBT Leaders graduate recruitment event. We also have an active global LGBT+ network, Halo, and a close relationship with Stonewall, and have earned recognition in this area.

Mental healthOur ongoing commitment to creating the right environment to foster open and frank communication underlines the importance placed on mental wellbeing at Freshfields, which forms part of a broader approach to wellbeing at the firm. We are driving this conversation at all levels in a number of ways, including (in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England) a fully trained Global Mental Health Support team, equipped with the skills to recognise, support and provide guidance to those who may be experiencing mental health issues. The team currently consists of over 260 people from across the firm.

Environment and sustainabilityWe manage our own environmental impact: Freshfields has been carbon-neutral since 2007 and since 2015 we’ve offset emissions through a 10-year investment in the Freshfields Reforestation in East Africa Programme (REAP), an innovative community forestry project in Kenya and Uganda. (You can also choose to offset your non-work carbon footprint with carbon credits from REAP.) We calculate and make publicly available our annual carbon footprint and report annually to CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project).

You can use the law to make a difference through pro bono work.We take our pro bono work seriously, and we expect you to as well. At Freshfields, you won’t distinguish between pro bono and other client work. Our pro bono clients range from individual asylum seekers to some of the world’s biggest charities.

We bring together cross-border, cross-practice teams to maximise impact. For example, as Stonewall’s pro bono partner, we help create Global Workplace Briefings. We also support Save the Children from 22 of our offices worldwide.

You could be using decision-tree tech to help society’s most vulnerable gain access to justice or be leading the way in developing innovative solutions such as social impact bonds.

You can also choose to act directly for victims of human trafficking referred by NGOs such as ATLEU. We also send volunteers to legal clinics such as the Tower Hamlets Law Centre (which we’ve supported for 45 years).

We’ll use the experience and connections you gain from this work in strategic mandates to bring systemic change, such as our class action suit for Iraqi and Afghan visa applicants facing mortal danger.

Our pro bono work also responds to the needs of our local communities, including helping small businesses through coronavirus lockdown and advising on a new ventilator developed to aid those most seriously affected by COVID-19.

Impact: an invitation to be your best self at work

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Our pro bono work also responds to the needs of our local communities, including helping small businesses through coronavirus lockdown.Paul Yates Head of Pro Bono

Start your journey with Freshfields

You can apply for a training contract, vacation scheme or workshop online.This is also where you can find out more about our application process and eligibility criteria.

Training contractThis year, we’re offering up to 80 training contracts for intakes in our London office in 2023.

We look at every application individually and shortlist applicants on merit alone. Whatever your background, if you think you can make it as an international commercial lawyer, you should apply. You can find more information on application dates here.

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£45k starting salary

A brand new office in 2020

Secondment opportunities

Sports and social  activities

£51k in your second year

There are many reasons graduates choose to join us, including our flexible eight-seat training contract, a competitive salary and benefits package, and the chance to work internationally.We pay trainees a £45,000 salary in the first year, rising to £51,000 in the second year, and offer a range of lifestyle benefits and other perks. If you stay on as a newly qualified associate, you’ll earn £100,000.

As a trainee, you can also have:

• 26 days’ paid holiday per year;

• the option of four weeks’ unpaid leave at the end of your training contract;

• a £2,000 interest-free loan when you join; and

• a season ticket loan (if appropriate).

We offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including:

• an office located 60 seconds from Liverpool Street Station;

• a range of social and sporting activities; and

• agile safety-focused working.

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Our benefits

Before you arrive at Freshfields

When you’re at law school, we’ll pay all your tuition and examination fees for the graduate diploma in law (GDL) and legal practice course (LPC).

We’ll also give you a bursary of £10,000 for the PGDL (if you’re a non-law student) and the SQE preparation course (pro rata if you’ve already started the course when you accept our offer) to cover your living costs while you study.

If you accept a training contract with us after you’ve completed either of these courses, we may be able to reimburse some of your tuition fees on a discretionary basis.

We also offer:

• a discretionary grant of up to £2,000 to support you while you’re doing a legal internship; and

• mentoring support and coaching to some of our future trainees who come from under-represented backgrounds, to help them hit the ground running when they start their career with us.

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This material is provided by the international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (a limited liability partnership organised under the law of England and Wales) (the UK LLP) and the offices and associated entities of the UK LLP practising under the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer name in a number of jurisdictions, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, together referred to in the material as ‘Freshfields’. For regulatory information please refer to www.freshfields.com/support/legalnotice.

The UK LLP has offices or associated entities in Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP has offices in New York City, Silicon Valley and Washington DC.

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

© Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, September 2020, 08384

freshfields.com/ukgraduates

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