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Applying for a vacation scheme
Applying for a vacation scheme at Freshfields is very straightforward. We read every application we receive and shortlist applicants on merit alone. The vacation scheme has a salary of £450 per week. Candidates from a less socially mobile background can also apply for fully funded accommodation or a bursary to support their vacation scheme.
When to apply
The vacation scheme application window is open from 10 October 2022 to 7 December 2022.
We’ll be holding interviews at the beginning of 2023 for candidates applying for a place on our 2023 vacation scheme.
- Scheme one runs from 19 June to 7 July 2023
- Scheme two runs from 10 July to 28 July 2023
Am I eligible for a vacation scheme?
You’re eligible to apply for the vacation scheme if you are a penultimate-year undergraduate studying any degree. You can therefore apply if you are in your second year of a three-year course or third year of a four-year course.
You’ll also need the right to work in the UK as our vacation scheme is a paid placement. If you have a visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to ensure that our vacation scheme falls outside of your term time.
Our vacation scheme is very competitive. If you're applying for the trainee associate programme, don’t worry if you didn’t get a place on our vacation scheme – we will still consider your application.
To apply for a place on our vacation scheme, complete our application form and write a personal statement of up to 850 words. If you're invited to the next stage of the process, you'll complete the Watson Glaser test to assess your critical-thinking skills. If you're successful at that stage, we'll invite you to a half-day assessment centre.
Find out how to prepare for each stage of our application process.
A lot of trust is placed in you and you’re given opportunities to prove yourself.
Panashe Jinga, Associate
Applicants with disabilities
Freshfields is committed to being a disability-inclusive employer. We’re constantly searching for ways to attract and progress our disabled talent. We partner with Business Disability Forum, who help organisations become disability smart, and are part of their Global Taskforce. We also work with Myplus Consulting who advise on better attracting, retaining and progressing talented disabled undergraduates and graduates.
If you have a disability, we want you to be able to show your full potential. We’ll provide any adjustments and/or support you need during the recruitment process. Examples of adjustments we can make include alternative document formats, extra time, offering interviews at a specific time and ensuring ease of physical access.
Please let us know as soon as you can if you think you would benefit from any adjustments. Email ukgraduates@freshfields.com or call +44 20 7785 5554. Of course, all conversations will be kept confidential. To learn more about what Freshfields is doing to support our colleagues who are affected by disability, visit our diversity and inclusion page.