My name is Afra Almesmar, and I’m currently in my final semester at the University of Saint Joseph in Dubai. Prior to my internship at Freshfields, I had the opportunity intern at several law firms in the city, such as Tamimi, Hadef & Partners, and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher. Each of these experiences was incredibly enriching and filled with extensive learning experiences.

During my first week placement with Freshfields, I was placed with the Dispute Resolution (DR) practice, where I shadowed two of the legal interns, assisting them with case summaries and document reviews. Working in this practice was crucial in helping me understand what I truly want to pursue in my future career, and what areas I want to focus on.

In my second week, I transitioned to the Global Transactions (GT) practice, where I again shadowed two legal interns. Together, we worked on due diligence tasks and conducted research related to corporate law. This week was equally beneficial and provided valuable insights.

Reflecting on my time at the firm, I can say that it has significantly enriched my understanding of the various departments within a law firm. It tested my teamwork abilities and helped me develop my communication skills in a professional setting. These experiences have been vital in preparing me for the future. I am thankful for this opportunity and for the mentorship and support I received during my time at Freshfields.