FAQs
This FAQ page is not intended to be exhaustive, but provides brief answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on applications and our training.
- Is there any point in applying if I am not an Oxbridge candidate with a 2:1/First in my degree?
- How do you regard non-law graduates?
- Should I have done a vacation scheme with Freshfields to be offered a training contract?
- Would an LLM help my application?
- Can I choose which seats I spend time in during my training contract?
- What are my chances of securing an international secondment during my training contract?
- Will two years be enough to decide what to specialise in on qualification?
- How likely am I to be kept on when I qualify?
- Will I be working in a huge ‘factory’?
Is there any point in applying if I am not an Oxbridge candidate with a 2:1/First in my degree?
We are not worried about the age of your university or the colour of its bricks - we recruit from a wide range of universities. However, we do place great emphasis on a consistently high level of academic performance, since we find this a reliable indicator of the ability to cope with complex legal issues.
If you did not obtain a 2:1 or First, we would expect to see exceptional academic ability demonstrated elsewhere.
Back to topHow do you regard non-law graduates?
A very substantial proportion of our Trainee Solicitors are non-law graduates (around 40 per cent in recent years, although we do not operate a ‘quota’). We value the diversity which this ensures. We are also confident that our in-house training compensates for the shorter period of time a CPE/GDL candidate will have spent studying law.
Back to topShould I have done a vacation scheme with Freshfields to be offered a training contract?
Not at all. We are keen to see those with a range of interesting work experience, whether gained in law firms or elsewhere. It is, however, helpful for a prospective trainee to have spent some time with a larger commercial practice to put their own mind at rest. Needless to say, we are pleased that many of the students who spend time with us in their vacations do go on to apply for a training contract here.
Back to topWould an LLM help my application?
If you are genuinely interested in doing an LLM, then you should do so. It is not a factor which we would usually take into account for selection purposes.
Back to topCan I choose which seats I spend time in during my training contract?
We consult you at regular intervals during the training contract to find out which of our practice areas most interest you, while at the same time giving you a broad and well rounded training. Corporate, Finance and Dispute Resolution seats are compulsory, since these provide a solid foundation for a career, whether or not you choose to specialise in them when you qualify.
Back to topWhat are my chances of securing an international secondment during my training contract?
Most trainees who ask for a secondment are successful, but overseas postings are very popular, so you may need to be flexible over your destination. It is extremely unusual for a trainee not to obtain a secondment if they are keen to secure one. Of course, language skills are vital for many international offices. There are often opportunities to travel during the training contract and secondment opportunities also arise for our qualified lawyers.
Back to topWill two years be enough to decide what to specialise in on qualification?
The system of seat rotation (up to eight seats) maximises the chance of a trainee finding the ‘right’ specialisation. We are always available to provide guidance and support during your training contract to give you confidence that your career is heading in the right direction. The range of work at Freshfields is very broad, and we aim to find the best match between your interests and skills and the firm’s needs.
Back to topHow likely am I to be kept on when I qualify?
We try to recruit the number of trainees which will allow us to offer all of them jobs on qualification. We do not plan on any trainees leaving us on qualification. We have an excellent record of retaining trainees, and having them qualify in the department of their choice.
Back to topWill I be working in a huge ‘factory’?
We are proud to be one of the largest firms in the world – our size gives us global access to the best clients and the best transactions. But we have not sacrificed quality of working conditions for quality of work. Our lawyers work in small teams and rate the collegiate atmosphere at Freshfields as one of the major advantages of working here.
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‘You’re often faced with problems that don’t have solutions in textbooks: you’ve got to solve them yourself.’
Tony Gregory
Trainee Solicitor