Hi, I’m Madhawi Ali – a penultimate-year law student at the University of Edinburgh. Having attended various open days and interacted with different firms across the UK, I was particularly drawn to Freshfields. I was curious to understand what life as a trainee solicitor at such a prominent international firm might look like, and after spending two weeks at the Bahrain office, I can confidently say that I got a glimpse into that world.

During my time at Freshfields, I was shadowing the Global Transactions team. I assisted with reviewing legal documents, amending assignment contracts, conducting legislative research, and delving into case law to support the team’s work. These tasks gave me a deeper appreciation for the technical skill, precision, and commercial awareness required to succeed in this field.

Sitting in on client meetings was another highlight - I observed firsthand how legal advice is tailored to clients, how matters are communicated clearly and concisely, and how lawyers navigate commercial strategy while waiting on key client decisions. I also found that the work was truly international in scope: I supported colleagues in the Dubai office by researching Bahraini legislation relevant to their clients and observed how seamlessly the Bahrain team collaborated with associates from other offices.

What stood out most was the collaborative and supportive culture at Freshfields. From day one, the team was welcoming, eager to involve me in their work, and generous with their feedback. I never once felt like an outsider — instead, I felt like part of the team, working alongside professionals who genuinely wanted me to learn and grow.

Freshfields also provided a wealth of resources to support my development. I was enrolled in online courses such as The Firm as a Business and Understanding Capital Markets, which deepened my knowledge of how law firms operate in the broader business world and introduced me to key concepts in commercial law. But more than just resources, it was the people and their attitude that made the biggest impact. Everyone I met was driven, collaborative, and focused on a shared goal.

Reflecting on the experience, I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Freshfields. It has strengthened my interest in commercial law and confirmed my aspiration to work in an international, high-performing environment. I'm grateful for the opportunity and excited about what lies ahead.