Freshfields US LLP

• “Many hours of trainings provide comfort with the routines and tasks assigned to lawyers. Summer associates will get substantive work experience and learn how to interact with partners and associates.”
• “The client-related work I undertook as a summer associate was truly substantive. I never felt as though I was given tasks as ‘busy work’ but rather knew that my contributions made a real impact on my teams. Although sometimes challenging, I felt adequately supported by team members when undertaking these projects.”
• “Comprehensive training on how to succeed as an associate at the firm; gentle work assignments that were ideal training wheels for the real work a full-time associate does, as I do now.”
• “Training involved regular meetings, live and in person, that we could attend involving various practice groups and topics. Work assignments included drafting emails, work product for clients, and proofreading/cite-checking various documents, as well as sitting in on interviews and depositions.”

• “The summer program fostered strong camaraderie through frequent, well-organized social events and regular interaction with attorneys at all levels. Partners were approachable and invested in summers’ experiences. Favorite events included informal practice-group dinners and firm-sponsored outings that made summers feel genuinely included.”
• “The summer program offered plenty of social events and networking opportunities. I enjoyed coffee chats with attorneys as well as team-building activities like white-water rafting and a risotto-making class, which helped me connect with people in practice groups I wanted to explore. The mix of formal and informal events made it easy to get to know the team. My favorite was the risotto class because it combined collaboration with creativity, and working together to prepare a dish was a fun way to build relationships.”
• “The summer associate program included a lot of fun activities (WNBA game, art class, cooking class, etc.) without feeling too overwhelming. I enjoyed the mix of activities and the schedule of the events (averaging out to approximately one major event per week, with other small outings sprinkled in).”
• “Summer associates keep a robust social calendar. Numerous happy hours to meet attorneys and mingle amongst themselves, alongside social outings like painting, a Kendrick Lamar concert, plays, cooking classes, and boating cruises. Summer associates also have the opportunity to be mentored by particular associates and partners, which can include formal sit-down sessions, informal chats, meals, coffees, and work on the associate's case team.”

• “My experience largely matched my expectations from the summer program. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of responsibility and access to partners early on. The ability to explore practice areas and work with a wide range of attorneys proved more flexible and substantive than initially expected.”
• “No big surprises really. I felt like the Freshfields attorneys were very candid about their work levels and experiences as associates when we talked over the summer. I definitely knew what I was getting into, and everything has been as I expected so far. Colleagues have been very willing to be supportive as we learn, and I've had a great experience so far.”
• “I am surprised by how much you are expected to just ‘figure it out’ as an associate vs. a summer associate. I can certainly ask questions, but the learning curve is incredibly steep, and you really have to take ownership of your work.”
• “My experience has differed only in that I'm getting more substantive work than before, I don't get free lunches as often, and I don't have work events in the evening as often.  This all is expected, however.”

The Freshfields summer associate program is designed to introduce summer associates to all aspects of life at the firm. Our summer associates choose Freshfields for the opportunity to work with, learn from, and be mentored by best-in-class-lawyers in an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Summer associates can expect to get involved in exciting, fast-paced work projects, enjoy top-notch training and events, and engage with colleagues in meaningful ways over the course of the ten week program.

To find out more, please visit us at United States Law Students | Freshfields