Freshfields Graduate Application Process Preparation

The Freshfields recruitment process is designed to help them identify the candidates who have what they are looking for. The application process for Freshfields training contract and Freshfield vacation schemes follow the same process. Applicants for other Freshfield jobs will find the information contained in here useful even if their recruitment does not follow the exact same path.

Freshfields job candidates have to demonstrate how they relate to the following competencies:

• An analytical mind – can you think clearly through a problem; explain complex issues clearly and simply; and make sense of a complicated situation? Do you look for alternative ways to approach and solve problems?
• Determination and drive – you need to fit a lot into your life, and have plenty of enthusiasm, energy and drive.
• Curiosity – do you enjoy dealing with new ideas and adapting to new challenges. What is your appetite for finding out about things you have never come across before? It is important how you approach a task; you need to see things in the round, as well as the detail.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills – do you enjoy working with others? Are you good at taking instruction and at accepting feedback.
• Organisation and discipline – you need to be able to multi-task, keep track and stay cool.
• Commercial sense – you should have a commercial instinct and the potential to develop in time.
• “Stickability” – or your ability to see things through, especially evidence of how you have stuck with things in the past.

The Freshfields application form is your first opportunity to tell the firm about yourself. It will be in the only piece of information they have about you when making the decision whether to invite you to the Freshfields assessment day. The most vital section of the form is the personal statement. This section gives you 850 words (or 5,000 characters) to tell the Freshfields recruitment team about you, your choice of career, your past experiences and your skills. Before you begin, review the competencies and understand what the firm are looking for.

Topics to cover (from the Freshfields guide - The Perfect Application):

• Why I want to be a lawyer.
• Why I want to apply to Freshfields.
• Give examples of how your past experience (including positions of responsibility, all previous employment or work experience) has allowed you to demonstrate the core skills they are looking for.
• Any interests you have (outside law), any sporting or other achievements.
• Try to write simply and directly. Avoid cliches.
• Structure your statement, use paragraphs, make it easy to read.
• Don’t repeat information from other parts of the form.
• An academic reference is required, additionally, if the application is successful the reference will be contacted. 
• Check it over, remove all spelling and grammar mistakes (remember the attention to detail so prized in all lawyers)

There is a lot riding on this personal statement, and therefore it is important that you get it right first time. 

If your application form shows that you have what it takes, you are invited to a Freshfields half day assessment day at the firm’s London offices. There are several parts to this day, which can take place in any order.

As of Novermber of 2017, the Watson Glaser test has been included to the Freshfields application process. Also know as the Freshfields critical thinking test, it seeks to assess the way the candidate critically interprets information and arguments. On invitation to the assessment centre, you will be invited to complete the Freshfields Watson Glaser test. The test score combined with your application will form the basis of whether you are then invited through to the final interview stage.

Completion of the Freshfields Watson Glaser test will be demanded for the Freshfields summer vacation scheme and Freshfields training contract.

The interview is a hour long interview, usually with a set of interviewers, a partner and associate. The Freshfields interview questions aim to find out more about you, and how you demonstrate your skills against the competencies listed above. You will also be asked about the information contained on your CV.

Some of the likely questions asked in this interview are:

• Why qualify in England?
• Why London?
• Why this area of law?
• How do you deal with pressure?
• What skills do you have that will make you a good lawyer?
• How do you think lawyers approach problem-solving?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What makes Freshfields different from other Magic Circle firms?
• None of your extracurricular activities relate to law. Why should we hire you?

The Freshfields assessment day interview will definitely need preparing if a high score is what you want. See how JobTestPrep’s interview preparation package can give you tips here.

Freshfields is a magic circle law firm, and one of the largest law firms in the world. They are not looking for good lawyers, but great lawyers. To them - great lawyers encapsulate all the qualities listed above, and more. Freshfields law is the fourth largest firm of its kind in the world, with over 2,500 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, and they receive more than 3,000 applications each year, so competition is high for the limited Freshfields training contract places.