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Freshfields launches virtual learning experience to improve access to opportunities in UK
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has launched a new virtual learning experience to widen access to the legal profession and inspire the next generation of commercial lawyers.
The new programme, entitled ‘Law and Fintech – a Freshfields virtual experience’, will be hosted on Forage, a free, open access platform, and will aim to upskill aspiring solicitors and enable them to build their knowledge and understanding of the profession. Students will get a taste of life as a commercial lawyer, with scenario-based training across a number of modules. The experience is the first of its kind to cover blockchain and cryptocurrency legal issues.
Claire Wills, Freshfields London Managing Partner commented: “Increasing access to opportunities across the legal profession is not only the right thing to do, it’s essential for our people, our business and for society. By launching the programme, we hope to provide the tools to enable anyone to explore a career in commercial law.”
The work experience programme will be based on real Freshfields client work, and students will take on tasks, typically undertaken by the firm’s junior lawyers, all in the context of assisting a fictitious client in acquiring a crypto asset business. The virtual experience will offer modules covering different practice areas to reflect the firm’s full service offering.
Cyrus Pocha, Freshfields sponsor partner for graduate recruitment, said: “Through the programme, we hope to give students a head-start on their careers by building invaluable skills and career confidence through exposure to realistic client work scenarios in the exciting areas of fintech and cryptocurrency. This launch combines our investment in innovation with our commitment to levelling the playing field for all, and I look forward to seeing how it inspires the next generation of lawyers.”
The virtual experience is the latest initiative to be introduced as part of Freshfields’ commitment to social mobility and inclusiveness, and will be complemented by a companion programme aimed at secondary school pupils, which will be coming soon. It adds to a number partnerships and programmes already in place at the firm, including summer vacation schemes and workshops. Earlier this year, the firm also launched the UK Freshfields Aspiring Professionals Programme to support talented students from social mobility ‘cold spots’ to gain access to professional careers through a series of work experience and skills sessions.
For more information on the virtual learning experience programme, visit our UK graduate webpage: Virtual learning experience | UK graduate careers site | Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer