Early careers
Solicitor apprenticeships, workshops and virtual learning experience
Still deciding on your future in law or which firm to choose? Join one of our workshops to experience our unique culture and meet our talented trainees, associates, and partners. Our early careers team will guide you in enhancing future applications.
Workshops
Our workshops offer the chance to get an inside view of Freshfields.
Freshfields First Years Insight Scheme
Freshfields First Years is open to first-year students of any degree discipline. The two-day workshop enhances your understanding of our selection process and essential skills for securing a spot on our vacation scheme. Successful participants may be fast-tracked for a vacation scheme interview. If selected, you’ll complete the Watson Glaser test to assess critical-thinking skills. You will need to submit a 400 word Personal Statement on ‘why you’ and what you hope to achieve from attending a first year insight scheme at Freshfields.
Graduate workshop
For graduates of all disciplines, this practical one-day workshop tells you more about how to apply to Freshfields, including insights from lawyers who applied at a later stage.
Non-law workshop
For undergraduate students studying non-law degree disciplines, this practical one-day workshop tells you more about how to apply to Freshfields, with insights from lawyers who studied a subject other than law.
Virtual learning experiences
Explore the world of commercial law with our accessible and free virtual learning platform. No applications, no interviews – just dive right in and experience the exciting life of a commercial lawyer.
Our user-friendly modules are designed to be completed in just an hour.
Law and Fintech: a Freshfields virtual experience
Experience Freshfields work adapted from real-life with our engaging programme, designed for everyone.
Help our (fictitious) client purchase a crypto asset business, navigating five modules that showcase a junior lawyer's responsibilities. Gain multiple perspectives from various practices, reflecting our full-service offerings. Each module will take about an hour, but feel free to take your time.
You’ll be given a score at the end and a certificate of completion signed by Freshfields Partner Cyrus Pocha. Please don’t take it too seriously, though; we won’t crosscheck your results if you choose to apply to Freshfields.
Launch into Law: explore a career in commercial law
Join our Launch into Law Virtual Experience Programme, perfect for young enthusiasts or those new to commercial law.
Discover the life of a Freshfields lawyer while gaining hands-on experience with clients. Develop practical skills across five tasks simulating scenarios our junior solicitors might face.
Upon completion, you will receive a certificate signed by Freshfields Partner Annette Byron, ready to showcase on your social media and CV.
Solicitor apprenticeships
Freshfields will be launching solicitor apprenticeships from September 2025, and will be offering up to six solicitor apprentices the opportunity to kick-start their legal career with the firm.
The six-year programme will combine cutting-edge work and study, and apprentices will gain a law degree and SQE qualifications before qualifying as a solicitor.
Learn more about the City Century apprenticeship initiative here.
Click here to register your interest in the apprenticeship and receive updates regarding the application process.
Key dates
Freshfields First Years
11 and 12 April 2024
Applications open
6 November 2023
Application deadline
15 February 2024
Graduate workshop
7 December 2023
Applications open
2 October 2023
Application deadline
16 November 2023
Non-law workshop
8 December 2023
Applications open
2 October 2023
Application deadline
16 November 2023