When Freshfields partnered with the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) to launch the Aspiring Professionals Program (APP) in 2021, the aim was simple but ambitious: to open doors for talented young people from less advantaged backgrounds and help them see a future for themselves in professional careers. Five years on, the programme has become a flagship of our access to opportunity work – award-winning, widely recognized, and deeply embedded across our London and Manchester offices. 

Reaching students from across the UK - from all four nations, including coastal towns, former industrial centers and rural communities where opportunities can be limited - APP offers sustained support over four academic years, making it one of the most comprehensive initiatives of its kind in the legal sector.

For students, APP is often their first step into a professional environment – and it can be transformative. As Jasmine, a 2025 law intern in London, explained: ‘The entirety of this internship has given me so much confidence for my future, because I’ve been shown and reassured that I’m capable and worthy of these opportunities.’ Others echo that sense of change. ‘I have a belief in myself now that I didn’t have before,’ said fellow intern Joslin. ‘Meeting so many amazing people and getting to do real work has allowed me to realize my own capability.’ 

Internships sit at the heart of APP. Over the past five years, 48 students have completed four-week residential placements across legal practice groups and business teams. Each year, interns design and host a celebration event, marking not just the end of their programme but the beginning of new confidence and ambition. ‘I feel like this experience has put me ahead of a lot of my peers,’ reflected Manchester intern Miriam. ‘My goals and aspirations feel much more achievable and real – and for that I’m so grateful.’ 

Mentoring relationships also leave a lasting mark. Senior Associate Greg Garfield, who was paired with student Harvey in 2021, has stayed in touch ever since. Harvey describes the experience as life-changing: ‘You get this unparalleled insight into the career you want to get into. I’d confidently say that this programme changed my life. Just grab it with both hands and take everything you can – it’s so worthwhile.’ Harvey has since graduated from the University of Bristol, completed a Freshfields vacation scheme and secured a training contract with a leading international firm. 

For others, APP has provided a springboard into Freshfields itself. Aiden Mcaneny, who joined the very first cohort, went on to complete our internship, then earned a place on our Summer Vacation Scheme, and is now set to join as a trainee associate. ‘There is no substitute out there for the programme,’ Aiden said. ‘APP set me up beautifully for everything Freshfields had to offer – from building confidence to understanding the culture.’ Behind these journeys is the dedication of hundreds of colleagues who have volunteered their time and expertise to make the programme thrive. 

As Sarah Atkinson, CEO of the Social Mobility Foundation, reflected: ‘In 2020, Freshfields and the Social Mobility Foundation set out together to open doors that too often remain closed. Five years on, we’re celebrating so much more than the anniversary. 500 young people have gained knowledge, confidence and opportunity and a new generation of talent is coming through to join Freshfields. The programme has gone from strength to strength over the last half decade, growing and adapting to meet the changing needs of our students and harness all the support Freshfields has to offer. This partnership proves that when we invest in potential, we can transform futures — and we’re just getting started.’

These individual stories are echoed in the wider recognition APP has received. The programme has won two major industry awards – The Lawyer Award for Best Talent and Inclusion Initiative and the British Legal Award for Stand Out in DE&I in 2023 – and contributed to the firm’s rise in the Social Mobility Employer Index. It has also drawn in many of our clients, with organizations including J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Manchester City FC, Meta and Currys joining us to deliver insight days, workshops and other opportunities for students. Chris Smith, Head of Corporate and Commercial Law at Currys, said: ‘The Aspiring Professionals Programme gives young people invaluable exposure to the professional world in a safe, supportive environment. It builds confidence, creates networks and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.’

As business intern Zain summed up: ‘It’s made the future seem much less daunting and opened up possibilities I’d never considered. I now know I can do things and succeed if I put my mind to it.’

Five years in, that sense of belief in what’s possible is the true legacy of APP.