Programme Overview

Expect to be inspired, to gain opportunity and to flourish on our solicitor apprenticeship programme.

We will launch our first solicitor apprenticeships from September 2025, offering driven, curious and resilient solicitor apprentices the opportunity to kick-start their legal career with us. Over six years, you will study at one of the UK's leading law schools, BPP, alongside getting hands-on, commercial work experience to enhance your learning and to build the necessary skills to become a successful commercial solicitor.

There are many benefits to the solicitor apprentice route. Apart from no student debt, you’ll be exposed to market-leading deals and disputes which will put your studies into context, giving you the opportunity to learn whilst you earn. Gradually, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge by being challenged with innovative work in a fast-paced environment, learning from leading lawyers at Freshfields and educators at BPP. You will help clients achieve their goals and will also make a positive impact through the firm’s array of pro bono work.

You’ll also immerse yourself in our firm and see first-hand why our vibrant and inclusive culture is the key to our success. Whether that’s joining one of our diversity networks, or contributing to one of our many social clubs, there will be plenty of options for you to enjoy your working life in the city.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme:

• you must not have previously studied or enrolled for a Bachelor's (Level 6) or Master's/Postgraduate (Level 7) degree;
• you must possess the unconditional right to live and work in the United Kingdom for the full six-year duration of the Programme; and
• you must be on track to receive a minimum of AAB at A-level (or equivalent) and 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English), mitigating circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Firm Overview

Freshfields is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 32 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:

- We show respect to everyone

- We are there for one another

- We are open with each other

- We are positive role models

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals.

In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate. Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

Application deadline:
Monday 17 February 2025 at 23:59 (UTC)
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