Freshfields US LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

In terms of history, cross-border work, and growth, Freshfields is about as impressive as it gets. The firm hires primarily from T14 schools and also looks for work experience, an interest in international work, and multilingualism. Offices are friendly and collaborative, and work-life boundaries are respected. Team members genuinely enjoy working together, and partners are accessible and instrumental in helping associate development by providing regular feedback. Senior associates and partners take mentoring seriously, and Freshfields offers more-formal, frequent, and well-organized training. Lateral hires appreciate being supported and incorporated into teams quickly. Work assignments are interesting and challenging—sometimes exceeding an associate’s comfort level—and often include client face time. A central staffing system ensures projects are allocated as fairly as possible. The absence of a billable hour requirement means an enjoyable, flexible work environment and less stress than that experienced by attorneys elsewhere trying to hit an hours goal. Salaries follow the prevailing market rate, and bonuses, although not based on hours worked (because there is no billable target), are awarded for meeting criteria such as “being in good standing” and quickly making time entries. Although serviceable, office technology is mediocre and needs to be improved. The same uninspiring reviews were given for wellness initiatives, which are unremarkable and underutilized. The firm is, however, working to improve these efforts. The firm supports and encourages pro bono work, and there is no limit on how many hours can be devoted to it. Diversity, especially related to the hiring and promotion of women and LGBTQ+ persons, seems to be exceptional. Racial diversity and disability representation, however, could be better. Making equity partner appears to be difficult, so many attorneys stay as counsel or leave for positions in-house or at other firms.