Adam Giuliano, New York Associate

Freshfields’ summer program provided me with a window into real legal work in a dynamic, internationally diverse environment. Looking back, I especially appreciate the realistic preview of the junior associate experience that it provided, as well as the relationships and friendships that it fostered in our close-knit New York office (as well as with my London colleagues during my weeks there). Rather than serving as a mere interlude between law school and practice, my summer at Freshfields proved an exceptional (and highly enjoyable) start to my professional career. I couldn’t recommend the experience more.

My experience in the summer program has echoed throughout my three years working here since joining as a full-time associate. Three things have stood out for me during this period – the exceptional work, the responsibility available to associates, and my dynamic group of colleagues.

The client work available to junior associates, it almost goes without saying, is of an exceptional quality and interest. More importantly, as a junior associate you have access to the full range of what Freshfields has to offer. You take on responsibilities quickly, work directly with partners and clients, and develop at a speed that’s right for you. When you’re ready to take on more responsibility, it’s offered to you – there is no set schedule to hold you back or force you along.

Because of the size of Freshfields’ New York office, I’m able to know everybody who works here and I feel comfortable reaching out to colleagues when I need a hand or advice. From day one I have benefited from natural, daily contact with senior associates and partners. Dealing with people here is a pleasure: a good sense of humor is a valued quality, as is a sense of engagement with the wider world. This has made it easy to keep the friends I made on the summer program and to make many new ones.