We’re Shrifa and Klaithem, second-year law students at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), soon entering our third year this August. As part of our journey into the legal profession, we had the privilege of participating in a one-week Work Experience Programme at Freshfields — an experience that exceeded every expectation and left a lasting impression on both of us.

From the very first day, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and professionalism by the entire team at the Freshfields Abu Dhabi office. The atmosphere was not only supportive but also intellectually stimulating — a place where we felt encouraged to ask questions, explore, and truly engage. We’re especially thankful to Mr. Luke, the Office Manager, whose guidance and encouragement helped shape our experience. Thanks to him, we had the chance to attend several insightful meetings and discussions that gave us a broader view of how an international law firm functions.

A particular highlight of our week was being paired with our buddy, Usama Khalab, whose mentorship was both approachable and impactful. He was generous with his time, always ready to explain legal processes and provide thoughtful insights into the day-to-day work at Freshfields. Through his support, we were able to deepen our understanding of how legal teams collaborate to deliver effective, client-focused solutions.

Throughout the week, we engaged in various activities and sat in on meetings that covered different legal departments. From attending a Business Development session to contributing to research tasks and e-learning modules, each opportunity allowed us to build a well-rounded understanding of the firm’s work. We were particularly intrigued by the firm’s focus on corporate law. Several discussions introduced us to areas such as private equity, transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, and joint ventures. Even though these topics were touched on briefly, they sparked a strong interest in the field and gave us a clearer perspective on its practical significance. This experience encouraged us to further explore corporate law and consider it as a potential path after graduation. These experiences not only strengthened our appreciation for the importance of teamwork, precision, and communication in legal practice but also gave us valuable real-world exposure beyond the classroom.

Though our time at Freshfields was short, it was undoubtedly transformative. We left the programme feeling more confident, motivated, and inspired to continue pursuing our legal careers with purpose and passion. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Freshfields for making this opportunity so meaningful.

Thank you, Freshfields, for investing in us, for your kindness and mentorship, and for showing us what excellence in legal practice looks like up close. This is a chapter we will carry with us for years to come.