Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is one of a handful of leading international law firms.

The firm’s clients are mainly big commercial businesses whose names are well-known.  The type of work it does divides into helping clients achieve what they want through doing deals, advising them on real and potential problems, and helping them sort out their disputes.

Whatever clients want to achieve, their lawyers’ job is to find out whether and how they can do it.  Is it possible?  What will be the most effective structure?  What are the risks?  How should it be documented?

The firm wants its trainees to come from diverse backgrounds; and their choice of university or degree is immaterial.  Current trainees studied at nearly 50 different universities. Many did a law degree, but others read subjects ranging from music to biochemistry.

Whatever their background, trainees need some non-negotiable qualities.  They need to be intellectually talented and have excellent English skills.  They need to enjoy working on difficult problems, working alongside others, and never doing less than the best they can.

Trainees can move departments every three months, so they can see more of what’s on offer. Other firms are not so flexible.

All departments provide formal training.  But trainees learn most by working for clients alongside the firm’s more experienced lawyers.  They learn in London and in other offices in the US, Europe and Asia.  Some are also seconded to clients.  Every piece of research or drafting is an opportunity to learn more.

For further information please visit our website www.freshfields.com/uktrainees.