Freshfields
A Magic Circle firm known for M&A, disputes, and competition
About Freshfields
Freshfields is a global law firm with a long-standing track record (founded in 1743) successfully supporting the world's leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments on ground-breaking and business-critical mandates. The firm's 2,800-plus lawyers deliver results worldwide through its own offices and alongside leading local firms.
In 2024, Freshfields formally rebranded from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer to Freshfields, introducing a modernised identity to reflect the firm's evolving ambitions.
Freshfields offers one of the most distinctive training structures of any Magic Circle firm. Trainees move seats every three months across eight rotations, with the flexibility to decide what they would like to experience next or to remain in a seat for longer. This means trainees at Freshfields gain broader exposure across more practice areas than at any other Magic Circle firm before choosing a qualification seat. In the final two seats, trainees have the opportunity to undertake a six-month international secondment in one of the firm's global offices — including destinations such as New York, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. The firm funds SQE preparation in full via BPP and provides a maintenance grant during the study period.
Practice areas & rankings
Freshfields continues to be recognised as one of the world’s leading law firms. In 2025, the firm was named Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards, a title it has now won in consecutive years.
The firm achieved 38 Band 1 rankings in Chambers Global 2026, an increase from the previous year. In 2025, the firm won M&A Law Firm of the Year, Arbitration Law Firm of the Year, and Competition Law Firm of the Year at the Lexology Index Awards, and was named Transatlantic Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards.
Corporate and M&A
One of the leading M&A practices in the world. Freshfields won M&A Law Firm of the Year at the Lexology Index Awards 2025 and advises on the highest-value domestic and cross-border transactions for FTSE 100 companies, private equity sponsors, and financial institutions. Ranked Band 1 by Chambers UK for Corporate/M&A at the top tier.
Disputes and international arbitration
A world-class disputes practice spanning commercial litigation, international arbitration, and public international law. Freshfields has a significant depth of resources in major arbitration centres including Washington DC, London, and Paris, with extensive experience across Latin America and Asia markets. Ranked Band 1 globally by Chambers for international arbitration.
Competition and antitrust
Freshfields has an excellent reputation across all aspects of competition law, highly sought after for merger filings before the CMA and multi-jurisdictional merger clearances, as well as representing clients in CMA investigations and high-profile follow-on damages actions. Named Competition Law Firm of the Year for the 21st consecutive year at the Lexology Index Awards 2025.
Finance and restructuring
A leading finance practice advising on leveraged finance, acquisition finance, and structured finance alongside a top-tier restructuring practice. The firm won Restructuring Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2025 and European Practice of the Year at the Global Restructuring Review Awards 2025.
Regulatory
One of the strongest regulatory practices at the Magic Circle, advising financial institutions and major corporations on regulatory investigations, financial services regulation, and compliance matters across multiple jurisdictions.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The Freshfields application begins with an online application form. The programme is open to penultimate and final-year undergraduate students from any degree discipline, as well as recent graduates. Note that personal statements are no longer required as part of the current application process as the firm has simplified the written application stage significantly compared to previous years. The application form is straightforward and covers your background, academic record, and basic candidacy information.
How to answer why youFreshfields: quick answers
How much does Freshfields pay trainees?
Freshfields pays first-year trainees £56,000, rising to £61,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Freshfields earn £150,000.
How many trainees does Freshfields take on?
Freshfields takes on around ±80 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Freshfields use in its applications?
Once you have submitted your application, Freshfields invites you to complete an online assessment. The assessment uses interactive tasks and scenarios designed to reflect life at Freshfields and the trainee role. The firm describes it as an opportunity to showcase how you think and work. It is not a standard verbal or numerical reasoning test but a bespoke situational and behavioural assessment. Freshfields provides a dedicated Preparation Portal with resources and tips to help you prepare. The firm specifically encourages candidates to approach the assessment authentically rather than trying to game it as the scenarios are designed to surface genuine strengths and working style.
What grades do you need to apply to Freshfields?
To apply to Freshfields you will generally need a 2.1+ degree. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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