Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a leading international law firm. Through our network of 27 offices in 16 countries, we provide first-rate legal services to corporations, financial institutions and governments around the world. We plan to recruit about 100 people each year to start as trainee solicitors in our London office. Whatever commercial area attracts your interest, there is a good chance that we have a thriving practice in that area. We are recognised as market leaders for a wide range of work.

Who we are looking for

There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer lawyer. Our broad array of practice areas and clients demands a wide range of individuals with differing skills, abilities and interests. However, you’ll need strong academic qualifications, a broad range of skills and a good record of achievement in other areas.

Training

Our trainees receive a thorough professional training in a very broad range of practice areas, an excellent personal development programme and the chance to work in one of our international offices or on secondment with a client in the UK or abroad. Your training contract will be unique to you. As well as high-quality training alongside your international colleagues, you’ll have regular feedback to help you develop. You’ll be working with and learning from one of the most talented peer groups in the legal world, and you’ll get the blend of support and freedom you need to evolve your career and take advantage of the opportunities our international network offers.

Balance

As a firm we believe in making sure that everyone counts, and organise ourselves accordingly. We believe that lawyers are better at handling the intense pace and pressure of work if they are part of a supportive team. We have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere which comes from having a diverse range of individuals who share a strong set of common values. We’re committed to helping you keep your life in balance, and encourage a range of activities from basketball and yoga, to our CSR programme. Many of our people participate in this programme, which includes house building in South Africa and helping London school children with their reading.

Fast Facts

Main business activities
International law firm.

Number of employees
5,496 (as at 1 August 2007).

Work locations
London. Offices also in: Amsterdam; Barcelona; Beijing; Berlin; Bratislava; Brussels; Budapest; Cologne;Dubai; Düsseldorf; Frankfurt; Hamburg; Hanoi; Ho Chi Minh City; Hong Kong; Madrid; Milan; Moscow; Munich; New York; Paris; Rome; Shanghai; Tokyo; Vienna; Washington.

Occupation areas recruited to
Trainee solicitors.

Number of graduate vacancies
100.

Degree disciplines required
Any discipline.

Language skills required
Fluency in another language is an advantage.

Salary and benefits
£38,000 for the first year and £43,000 for the second year; wide range of benefits including medical insurance, permanent health insurance, free gym, group personal pension scheme and subsidised staff restaurant.

Placements/internships available
Easter and summer vacation placements for penultimate-year undergraduates.

Application procedure & deadline
Firm’s application form.

Vacation placements:
25 March - 11 April 2008
16 June - 4 July 2008
7 July - 25 July 2008
28 July - 15 August 2008

Applications are accepted between  19 November 2007 and 18 January 2008.

Training contracts: Apply before 31 July 2008 for training contracts starting in August 2010/February 2011.