Vacation Scheme

Discover your potential. Shape your ambition into a career in law.

Join our three-week Vacation Scheme and discover the reality of working at the forefront of international law. From your first day, you will be immersed in our culture, contribute to live client matters, and build the skills, confidence and connections to shape your future career.

Key dates

• Scheme dates: July and August 2026 (22 June 2026 - 10 July 2026) and (20 July 2026 - 7 August 2026)

• Programme duration: Three weeks

• Applications open: 1 October 2025 (applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early)

• Location: London

What to expect

As a Vacation Scheme participant, you will gain firsthand experience of what it means to be a Freshfields lawyer.

• Work alongside Partners, Associates, Trainees and fellow Vacation Scheme participants on real client matters across our practice areas.

• See how we combine legal expertise, innovative thinking and technology to solve complex challenges that shape industries and societies.

• Develop practical skills through hands-on learning, research and client-facing tasks on cross-border matters.

• Take part in interactive skills workshops, training sessions and networking events designed to prepare you for a future in law.

• Experience our culture beyond work by joining Trainee-led social activities, connecting with a buddy through one of our employee networks, and participating in our sports and social clubs.

• Receive guidance and feedback from your supervisors and mentors, giving you valuable insight into life at the firm and helping you decide if a career in law is right for you.

• At the end of the scheme, high performing participants may be offered a place on our Trainee Associate Programme.

Reward

Our Vacation Scheme is a paid placement, with a stipend of £515 per week to support your accommodation and living costs. You will receive 50% of the stipend two weeks before you start, and the remainder within the first three days of your placement.

We are committed to making our Vacation Scheme accessible to everyone. If you are offered a place, you will also receive information about our accommodation and bursary support options.

Eligibility to apply

We welcome applications from:

• Second year students on a three-year undergraduate course (any discipline)

• Second or third year students on a four-year undergraduate course (any discipline)

You should be on track for a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or international equivalent.

About Freshfields

Freshfields is a global law firm with a long-standing record of working on groundbreaking, business critical mandates. Our people combine excellence with curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to making a difference.

We seek to create a better future for our clients, our people and the communities we serve. With us, you will shape ambition into impact.