What we look for
At Freshfields, there is no such thing as a typical lawyer. Our international focus, practice areas, and varied client base demand individuals with differing skills and interests. As such, personal attributes such as a diverse background, great potential, and a desire to work within China, are far more important to Freshfields.
Working with us also requires a strong academic ability, a broad range of talents, and language ability, although we can help you build this skill.
Here is just a selection of some of the qualities required for a career at Freshfields:
Analytical ability and creative thinking: Good lawyers get to the heart of a problem fast. They think through solutions clearly and structure their arguments well. They also explain complex issues in simple language and think laterally.
Drive and determination: While a career at Freshfields is intellectually and commercially satisfying, it is also challenging. It requires the ability to manage a busy schedule and approach tasks enthusiastically.
Flexibility: Pursuing quality, stimulating work means dealing with new ideas, adapting to new approaches, and being able to see the bigger picture as clearly as the detail.
Teamwork: It's a cliché to say team skills matter, but they really do. During the interview process, applicants may be asked to provide examples of the way they deal with different interpersonal experiences such as working in a team, delegating authority and accepting authority.
Organisation and discipline: When you manage major transactions across multiple jurisdictions you have to be organized. We need people who can multi-task, keep track of almost constant change and never lose their cool in the process.
Commercial sense: A genuine understanding of clients' markets and objectives usually comes with experience. What we look for is the enthusiasm to develop this commercial sense and a desire to acquire a broad understanding of the commercial and financial markets around the globe.
"My goal is to be a great lawyer. There are so many in Freshfields, I think I’m in the right place."
Huan Xiong
Legal Consultant, Beijing