We’re Meera, Alia, and Hafsa – Legal Studies students from New York University Abu Dhabi. Despite being at different stages of our academic journey, we all joined the Freshfields Work Experience Programme hoping to gain practical exposure to the legal profession – specifically in Dispute Resolution and Global Transactions.

From the moment we stepped into the architectural masterpiece of the DIFC district, it was immediately clear that we were stepping into a space where innovation, ambition, and global business intersect. It soon became clear that Freshfields was a mesocosm of that – and we were lucky to be guided by its’ amazing team: Yazan Al Shwaimat, Rabiya Farooq, Giles Barron, Darrin Carrey, and Stefan Pislevik. Each of them brought something different to the table, being qualified in different jurisdictions. Their mentorship gave us a very well-rounded view of the legal landscape. One of the most memorable aspects was the business lunches with our buddies. We’d throw out a variety of questions, and the senior and trainee associates would be eager to discuss. Their insights didn’t just help us understand the legal world better – they gave us a peek into the real-life logistics and challenges of working in a top-tier international firm.

Our research tasks were also fascinating. Unexpectedly, we dove into KSA Construction Law – looking at how the industry is regulated, how contracts are interpreted, how arbitration works, and the constantly evolving role Sharia law plays in the Gulf legal systems. Another research task we conducted involved presenting on a topic of our choosing, related to Corporate Law, to our buddies – pushing us to adopt a lawyer’s mindset. We chose to present on dual legal systems and the interplay between Sharia and Civil Law in corporate governance, while providing real-life scenarios and examples we encountered throughout our tasks.

In line with thinking like a lawyer, we also proofread legal documents for a cross-border sports dispute case – which let us truly witness Freshfields as a global network. Alongside these practical tasks, we also completed learning modules that gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how the firm runs.

Not to mention, the atmosphere of the office was exceptional. There was a wellness room, calming background music, and a real sense of flexibility in how people worked. All in all, the work environment, approachability of the lawyers, dedication to employee well-being, and hands-on tasks is what sets Freshfields apart for us a firm.