Harvey Dychiao, New York Associate

Before interviewing with Freshfields during my LLM year, I distinctly remember being concerned that firms in the US might not necessarily consider non-US experience value added in an applicant (before embarking on the LLM, I had worked in several law firms in the Philippines as well as in the Philippine government). Freshfields not only appreciated my non-US experience, they valued it. The firm truly brings together people from unique backgrounds and finds ways to utilize their varying experiences to come up with a dynamic global practice.

Freshfields is truly a global law firm. Besides the fact that Freshfields has built a significant presence all over the globe, each Freshfields office will offer you an opportunity to meet and work with lawyers and staff from broad backgrounds. As such, my legal training has never been strictly limited to US law and I have had fantastic exposure to other legal systems while working with Freshfields’ lawyers from around the world. Overall, it’s been a tremendously gratifying experience. I credit my expansive view of the law and lawyering to my interaction with these lawyers, all of whom have had their own interesting stories to share.

Even more important than the richness of experiences gained here at the firm, what I simply love about working at Freshfields is the “real” interaction among the lawyers and staff. At this firm, your co-workers aren't just names in a directory – they become your friends. I place high value on the firm’s friendly and inclusive work environment. It’s commonplace to see people gathering in each others rooms – catching up, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. Freshfields is an outstanding place to be in – I can’t imagine working any place else.