Freshfields - official representative thread

Hi Jess,

I was just wondering how Freshfields approach the issue of mitigating circumstances? Is there a section in the application forms for this. I got a 2.1 in semester one of my first year, but in semester 2 due to mitigating circumstances I did pretty badly.

I was wondering what to do when applying for the Law Workshop or the International Workshop, as I know it says about writing a statement and then also including your CV, but should I include mitigating circumstances in my statement, or email them separately, or does Freshfields just not accept mitigating circumstances?

Sorry for the rambling and I know this is pretty early to ask about it as applications don't open for a month or two, but I just wanted to know in advance.

Thank you!

Hi there,

As a first year, we would direct your non-law application to the First Year Focus Programme anyway.

Most people who applied to the FYFP last year had no legal work experience. We will be looking for people with good academics, strong extra-curricular activities and those who are able to demonstrate their interest in a career in law (work experience is not the only way!).

Please do include other work experience and volunteering on either your CV or covering letter as these are likely to demonstrate the type of skills and qualities we would look for in an applicant.

We look forward to receiving your application in February!

Kind Regards

Jess

Hi there,

On our application form (vacation scheme and training contract), we have the following section:

Please mention anything further which you think is relevant to your application, for example any mitigating circumstances or specific requirements you may have, otherwise, please enter 'n/a'.

This allows anyone to provide details of mitigating circumstance should they choose to include them on their application form.

For those applying to the workshops or First Year Focus Programme, I would advise that they include the details in their covering letter.

My hint/tips for anyone with mitigating circumstances is to keep the details brief, concise and factual. Focus on what the circumstances effected rather than the circumstances themselves. Although it is often a emotive subject, try not to get emotional when describing the circumstances (e.g. try not to use emotive language).

I hope this is of help.

Kind Regards

Jess

Hi Jess,

I'm about to go into my second year studying Chinese and Spanish, and am thinking I might do a Masters to improve the level of my language. Would this be likely to negatively impact my ability to get a TC? Would there be any chance of the firm sponsoring me through the course?

Thanks.

Hello,

I'm a potential applicant (coming from a non-law background), and as such want to make my application as strong as possible. However, I've made two potentially foolish module choices for my first year studying English: Creative Writing and Film Studies. I will be studying these two modules alongside the compulsory four which tend to be viewed as more traditionally academic. Would this choice of modules be considered a blot on my application?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Jess,

I've had quite a bit of work experience and lengthy paid employment focusing within a few particular areas of commercial legal work. Subsequently, I have developed a keen interest in one or two of these areas. Ideally, I would like to go into one of these areas after qualification (if I can) and any applications to firms would be based on those that have a good presence within these areas.

Would it be an advantage for me to focus on this desire within my applications or would firms typically see me as too narrow focused in the particular area? Is it more preferable for firms to have a graduate "well rounded" with future aspirations or one with an aspiration of specialising? Whilst I enjoy the work I do, and know it is of good commercial standard, I worry that I wont be seen as someone who will be flexible or enthusiastic about other areas of the firm.

Thank you!

Hi there,

It wouldn't negatively impact your chances of getting a TC. Some of our trainees have completed post-graduate qualifications in non-law subjects of their own accord.

However, it is unlikely a firm will sponsor you through such a course, as they would still need to find you through the GDL and LPC which is approximately £30k worth of sponsorship and maintenance grants. Some firms (like us) do provide bursaries to prospective trainees for things like language courses/post graduate study, but ours is only £500-£2,000 depending on what the bursary is for.

Kind Regards

Jess


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Hi again Jess,

That's excellent, thank you. How would I go about applying for a bursary of this kind?

Kind Regards,

Alex

Hi Jess,

I've just signed up to the Bristol presentation, and was wondering whether we'd get more info on the event sent to us by email or if it's somewhere on the Freshfields site that I haven't looked at?

Thank you

Hi Jess!

Before I ask my questions, I just wanted to thank you for the information in this thread--its been quite helpful!

1. How much emphasis does Freshfields place on the verbal reasoning test? Is it cutoff based? Or is the score simply factored in?
2. This is a 'kind-of behind the scenes' question regarding the attendance of law fairs/presentations. Hypothetically, let's say Tom goes to a career fair--he talks with the representatives at Freshfields (or any law firm for that matter) and he asks questions to learn more about the firm. Let's say that during Tom's 5-10 minute chat with a Freshfields rep, the rep liked Tom as an applicant. What happens at this point behind the scenes? Will the rep write his name down and have the application flagged to factor in the chat at the fair/presentation?
3. What advice would you give for someone attending a presentation/fair who has researched a firm thoroughly and does not necessarily have any specific questions...but would still like to chat with the firm?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Jess,

I was wondering if you would be able to give me some advice regarding how an application would be viewed from someone who has been attempting in the past few years to gain a TC, but has been unsuccessful in two recruitment rounds (I have applied to, but have not interviewed at Freshfields, in the past).

I am a recent law graduate, and graduated recently with an overall 68% average 2:1 degree. I have completed three vacation schemes in London, a work experience placement in a regional firm and have four years of work experience in various commercial roles. I've had a number of TC interviews but have so far struggled to find a firm willing to make me an offer.

I suppose the crux of my question is, would a recruiter like yourself look at my application and think immediately, "it seems strange this person has done three vacation schemes and not received an offer, there must be something really wrong with them," if that makes sense!

Thank you.