Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Training Contract

The Training Contract

Freshfields recruits about 100 people a year to start as trainee solicitors in the London office. Freshfields has a very broad practice and encourages its trainees to see as much of it as possible. The firm has a flexible three month seat rotation system; trainees are able to visit up to eight different practice areas, and high priority is given to trainees' preferences, both in terms of which seats they visit and how long will be spent there.

There are large numbers of secondments available to the firm's overseas offices and to clients, as well as to the Free Representation Unit and Liberty.

Salary & Benefits

Trainee Solicitors currently receive £39,000 p.a. for their first year and £44,000 p.a. for the second. Newly qualified solicitors receive £66,000 p.a.

Freshfields operates a flexible benefits system. Options include pension, life assurance, critical illness insurance, income protection insurance, private medical insurance and dental insurance. Other benefits include an interest free loan when you start, an interest free season ticket loan, on site gym, restaurant, doctor and dentist.

Freshfields pays full fees for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) and gives a maintenance grant of £6,250 for those on the GDL and £7,250 for those on the LPC. Grants are also offered towards the cost of a PC, and towards language courses or voluntary work.

The Legal Practice Course

Prospective trainees are required to undertake the LPC at BPP Law School in London, where they will undertake a tailored LPC and take part in the firm's "Simulated Office" programme. This programme is designed to help prepare the firm's future trainees as fully as possible for working life, giving them the opportunity to manage meetings, handle “clients” and learn how the Freshfields office works.

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