Freshfields |

The challenges facing organisations are constantly evolving – and so are we. Every challenge, every industry and every day is an opportunity to set new standards and drive change. 

At Freshfields, ambition is a shared mindset that drives us forward. Through visionary training, global opportunities and world-class mentorship, we invite students and graduates to see what is possible – and we empower them to take control of their careers and shape their potential into real progress. 

Step into a firm at the cutting edge of law, business, and technology, and start to shape your ambition into impact. 

Key dates 

Event date: 15 and 16 April 2026 

You will need to be ready to join us in person in London on both days. 

Location: London 

Application window: Open 21 October 2025, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date: 19 January 2026. 

What to expect: 

• Take part in two days of dynamic learning and insight sessions, designed to immerse you in commercial law and life at Freshfields and insight sessions, designed to immerse you in commercial law and life at Freshfields.
• Build the skills, confidence and perspective to thrive in a career at the forefront of the legal profession.
• Learn from Freshfields colleagues throughout the scheme, and continue your journey with a trainee mentor who will support your summer vacation scheme application and wider career ambitions.
• Connect with trainees, associates, and partners, and hear how Freshfields has been a launchpad for their careers.
• Gain a clear understanding of our selection process and have the opportunity to be fast-tracked to a vacation scheme assessment centre. 

Eligibility 

We welcome applications from first-year undergraduate students from any degree discipline. 

Join our vacation scheme and learn from colleagues working at the forefront of law. Over three immersive weeks, develop your skills by working on pivotal cases that shape the future of the legal profession.  

Key dates 

Event date: Summer 2026 

Location: London 

Application window: Open 1 October 2025, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis 

What to expect: 

• Contribute to live matters in one of our practice areas, collaborating with our associates and partners to see how we give clients the edge at the forefront of law.
• Experience the way we apply legal technology and innovative thinking to solve complex client challenges that shape industries and societies.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on learning while working on cross-border matters across our global network.
• Build the experience, connections and skills to thrive in a career in law, and decide if a career in law is the right path for you.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture at Freshfields beyond work by joining trainee-led activities with fellow vacation schemers, connecting with a buddy through one of our employee networks, and getting involved in our thriving sports and social clubs. 

Salary and benefits 

Our vacation schemes are paid placements, offering a stipend of £515 per week to support your accommodation and living costs. You will receive 50% of this two weeks before you start, and the rest within the first three days of your placement. 

We want to ensure our vacation scheme is accessible to everyone. If you are offered a place, you will have access to information about our accommodation and bursary support offerings. 

Eligibility 

You can apply if you are in the penultimate year of an undergraduate degree in any discipline. This includes: 

• Second-year students on a three-year course
• Second- or third-year students on a four-year course 

Secure your place on our two-year, eight-seat Trainee Associate Programme and shape your ambition into impact at Freshfields. Learn from pioneers in the legal landscape as you contribute on pivotal cases that redefine the future of law. 

Key dates 

Event date: Trainee Associate Programme commencing in 2028 or 2029 

Location: London 

Application window: Open 1 October 2025, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis 

What to Expect: 

• Take on meaningful work from day one, collaborating with world-leading partners, associates and business professionals across our global network.
• Progress through a series of three-month rotations, giving you unrivalled experience across different practice areas and the chance to explore where your strengths and ambitions lie.
• Collaborate with the Freshfields Lab to deliver innovative, tech-enabled solutions for clients and experience how strategy, technology, and operations come together to drive global impact.
• Benefit from a tailored training journey, with learning modules aligned to a personal skills framework, enhanced by technical sessions and AI-focused workshops that prepare you for the evolving intersection of law and technology.
• Navigate market and client needs, working across practice areas and experiencing how Freshfields delivers outcomes that shape industries worldwide. 

Secondment opportunities 

In the final six months of the programme, you will have the opportunity to broaden your perspective through a placement in one of our international network offices or with a client team.  

Qualification leave  

For those joining Freshfields as an associate, we offer four weeks’ paid leave after the programme to recharge and prepare for your next chapter.  

Life as a future trainee 

We want every trainee to feel supported from the start.  All future joiners are invited to connect with our colleague networks, building relationships and a sense of belonging from the outset. 

Eligibility 

We welcome applications from: 

• Second-year undergraduates on a three-year course in any discipline
• Third-year undergraduates on a four-year course in any discipline
• First- or second-year students on an accelerated (two-year) LLB programme
• Final-year undergraduates, graduates or postgraduates in any discipline 

You will need to be on track for, or have achieved, a minimum 2:1 at undergraduate level.  

Begin your Freshfields journey and get ready to make an impact on the future of law. Learn more about the application process on our website. 

Start your legal career where ambition meets opportunity. Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme combines hands-on experience, global exposure, and training to help you qualify as a solicitor ready to make an impact from day one. Based in our London office, you’ll take on complex challenges, supported by a culture that inspires learning, growth, and evolution.  

Key Dates 

Programme start date: September 2026 

Location: London 

Application window: 27 October 2025 - 13 February 2026 

What to expect 

Phase 1 - Years one to four 

• Gain valuable, wide-ranging exposure with annual rotations across our market-leading practice groups.
• Benefit from four days a week working in our London office, allowing one day to study towards your Law LLB at BPP University’s Waterloo campus.
• Work closely with a dedicated supervisor, buddy and partner, who will support your development, share their expertise and help you thrive. 

Phase 2 - Years five to six 

• Join our Trainee Associate Programme cohort and benefit from three-month rotations in diverse practice areas.
• Explore secondment opportunities through a placement in one of our client or network offices – broadening your perspective and experience.
• Continue your studies at BPP, focusing on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), with dedicated study leave so you’re ready to succeed. 

Salary and benefits 

• Starting salary of £28,000, increasing annually as you progress.
• £5,000 sign-on bonus to help with travel and housing costs.
• All tuition fees covered - no student debt.
• 26 days holiday per year. 

​Life at Freshfields 

Our apprenticeship is more than a qualification - it is a place to belong, contribute and grow. You will work alongside people with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, collaborating to deliver work that makes a real difference.  

Beyond your role, you can strengthen those connections through our colleague networks and social clubs - spaces to share ideas, try something new and build lasting friendships. And with lifestyle benefits like private medical schemes and gym plans, we’ll help you stay healthy, energised and ready to make the most of your time at Freshfields. 

Eligibility 

To apply, you will need: 

• AAB at A-Level or equivalent, and seven 6s or Bs at GCSE (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Been a resident in the UK for three years before the programme start date. 

We value diversity of thought, experience and background - our apprentices join us from many different paths. What unites them are a few key qualities that help them thrive at Freshfields: 

• Enthusiasm and drive - you’re committed to achieving your goals.
• Agility and flexibility – you’re ready to learn, adapt and apply new knowledge.
• Resilience and tenacity – you can stay confident and focused when challenges arise.
• Team-oriented and people-focused – you thrive when working with colleagues and clients towards shared objectives. 

Partnering for opportunity 

We’re proud to work with City Century, helping to create more opportunities for aspiring solicitors from all backgrounds. Learn more on their website.