2025

In no more than 850 words, tell us all about who you are. As part of your personal statement you should demonstrate that you have the potential to be a great trainee. We also want to know why you want to work at Freshfields and what excites you about a career in commercial law. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests and personal qualities you think are relevant.

Your personal statement should be structured using paragraphs, avoid bullet points and sub-headings.

My interest in law was sparked competitively debating, fascinated by how parties could propose opposing arguments despite looking at the same facts and working within the same set of rules. Curious, I pursued varied solicitor experiences to see how this played out in legal settings. During an internship at Freshfields, whilst redlining contracts I was stunned by the prevention of disputes through various contractual terms. Amongst other tasks, my desire for a career that utilises attentiveness and thinking-ahead, a career as a solicitor, was confirmed. Adam Smith spoke of an invisible hand of the market; however, I observed several. During my role as a Stock Analyst for the [redacted], I have seen how various external factors, such as wide institutional practices or geopolitical events, can impact a stock price. The same is true for the broader economy, subsequently creating uncertainty. However, commercial law supplies the trust necessary to keep this arena thriving. For instance, trademark protections combat client losses from unauthorised uses. These protections also encourage the development of new products by recognising inventors. I want to become a commercial solicitor because the varied tasks and creative problem-solving required to help clients adapt and thrive in this environment pose to me the most stimulating career. 

Freshfields' offerings make it my top choice of firm to pursue my legal career. Firstly, Freshfields' one-of-a-kind eight-seat trainee programme offers the best training programme for a prospective lawyer. Firstly, regardless of qualification area, different practice areas stress different skills, and therefore experience in a variety of them produces well-rounded associates. When it does come to deciding on a qualification area, increased area exposure at Freshfields ensures an informed, assured decision. Lastly, the training programme enables trainees to build broad networks rotating across the firm, and when on client or international secondment. Development does not stop upon qualification at Freshfields. For instance, pro-bono at Freshfields enables NQs to lead on matters early on in their career, developing the necessary leadership skills to progress at the firm. Additionally, learning takes place at weekly team lunch meetings, where teams are briefed on practice area-specific developments and their impact. The career-long professional development at Freshfields prepares lawyers for any case, even those seemingly impossible ones, such as UBS’ emergency acquisition of Credit Suisse. Hence, a career at Freshfields would constantly push my capabilities. My ambition to be a leader in my field means working at a leading firm is imperative. With North America accounting for 56% of the global legal services market (KenResearch), a reputable profile there is necessary. Freshfields' strategy to acquire leading status in North America has included hiring several star US partners across a range of practices. This strategy has paid off; ranking 4th biggest M&A dealmaker globally by total deal value (Bloomberg Law, 2024) and tripling of US corporate practice revenue since 2019. Freshfields’ capture of the New York market was clear when picked to advise Johnson & Johnson on its $13 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical over its usual US firm choice Cravath. Freshfields’ rapid success in positioning itself as a truly global firm signals to me that similar success will be replicated with future ambitions. 

Alongside Freshfields’ exceptional legal services, the firm maximises the value for money of services delivered to clients through the support provided by the Innovation Hub. During a visit to the Innovation Hub, I attended a Q&A session with Freshfields technology specialists and gained insight into the solutions the Hub offers. One offering is regulatory support, recently recognised in the FT’s European Innovative Lawyers Awards 2024, where the collation of legal advice to train a chatbot for client Carid’s staff reduced the time spent by Cariad’s in-house legal team on staff enquiries. The ability to deliver more than just legal services, working beyond client expectations, best positions the firm to attract the volume and type of work necessary to fulfil its growth ambitions. 

I believe I have the skills that set the foundation for great contributions and development at the trainee stage of my career. 

Since beginning university, I have practised horse riding. My commitment to trial and error, and receptiveness to critique when trying a new pace or a jump, would translate well in a trainee capacity when on new tasks. Furthermore, I have been able to develop my teamwork skills. Riding requires me to work with and pay attention to the horse's behaviour, either following or directing it. This adaptability in team scenarios enables me to contribute to a collaborative working environment regardless of personal working styles. 

I can pitch short positions as an equity research analyst for [redacted], but the increased risk of uncapped losses demands that I produce clear support. Therefore, if proposing a short position, I begin by carefully reviewing financial reports and searching for catalysts that would significantly impact that business, such as technological obsolescence. These initial tasks ensure a solid proposal and an informed buy-to-cover timing suggestion. As a trainee, I would be attentive when drafting and conducting due diligence. The approach would also support my confidence in contributing to meetings and suggesting ideas.

2024

Personal statement (850 words)

My enthusiasm for commercial law is primarily rooted in its unique focus on problem-solving within the dynamic landscape of developing markets and businesses. Sparked during my contract law module, I enjoyed the logical and structural thinking required to dissect complex issues and find legal solutions. This initial interest in problem-solving motivated me to pursue a Corporate and Capital markets internship at [redacted]. Engaging in a disposal transaction from inception to completion and drafting crucial legal documents provided me with a hands-on insight into the processes of business transactions. After analysing numerous samples, deciding which clauses to incorporate helped me understand businesses' legal and commercial priorities and law firms' role in facilitating such transactions. Motivated by this experience, I undertook an online course on financial markets to understand further the economic theories underpinning such transactions. 

My interest in commercial law has only been magnified through engaging with commercial news and viewing it through a legal lens. Aiming to further this passion and challenge myself, I recently competed and placed as a semifinalist in the Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition 2023, reaching the top 100 among 3000 participants. Through these cumulative experiences, I have gained a budding interest in the intersection between law and business. I am keen to cultivate this passion further through a commercial law career. 

As such, I am eager to apply to Freshfields for three key reasons.

Firstly, Freshfields' diversity of work strongly resonates with my aspirations. The firm's wide range of services with a consistent band-one ranking, mainly its Capital Markets, Commercial Litigation, and International Arbitration practices, capture my attention. My interest in Capital Markets, fueled by my prior internship and exploration of financial markets, aligns with Freshfields' expertise. Additionally, undertaking a professional negotiation and accredited arbitration course has cultivated my keen interest in both practices. Furthermore, Freshfields has a diverse and robust international presence, which holds particular appeal. Being from Singapore and studying in London has immersed me in two distinct yet excellence-driven cultures, and I am eager to delve into the global practice of Freshfields, which has offices in both. The prospect of tackling complex multi-jurisdictional issues in the integrated approach that Freshfields exemplifies resonates strongly with my cross-cultural background. A compelling example is Freshfields' innovative use of English law to assist an Asian client in the MABL restructuring in 2021, showcasing the firm's global impact and adaptability.

Secondly, I am attracted by the depth of training that Freshfields offers. The unique opportunity to rotate seats every three months aligns perfectly with my diverse interests, providing a holistic and varied training experience. Meeting Freshfields at the [redacted] open day showed me that trainees are entrusted with significant responsibilities early in their careers, allowing for hands-on engagement. Moreover, the extensive support network involving supervisors and partners underscores Freshfields as the ideal environment for me to undergo comprehensive training and develop as a successful lawyer.

Thirdly, Freshfields' genuine commitment to pro bono and diversity resonates with me. Being a student representative of Amicus ALJ and an active volunteer with my university's homelessness charity, I am passionate about helping the vulnerable through increasing access to legal rights. Therefore, Freshfields' commendable dedication to pro bono, such as through representing ECPAT UK, and the novel ability to do pro bono secondments aligns with my aims.

My attributes are well suited to the work, values, and culture at Freshfields. Primarily, I am intellectually driven and embrace challenges. One of my proudest achievements is my International Baccalaureate Extended Essay on absurdism, where I chose to delve into a foreign topic beyond my syllabus, resulting in a distinction score. I showcase a drive for learning through achievements like reaching the quarter-final stage in my first-ever university moot and applying negotiation skills from a professional practice course to quarter-finals in a competition hosted by [redacted] and Herbert Smith Freehills. These varied experiences reflect my commitment to continuous improvement and cultivating a diverse skill set crucial for dynamic legal practice. 

Furthermore, I am a team player with the interpersonal skills required to succeed in a collaborative environment. Assuming leadership roles in organisations such as Amicus and my university's negotiation society has honed my ability to communicate effectively, strategise, and delegate tasks whilst reconciling different perspectives. Furthermore, I have extensive team sports experience, being part of a softball team for six years and active in my university's mountaineering team. My tenure as a sales and retail assistant has further honed my ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people.

Additionally, I am a creative problem solver. One of my key positions was being the president of a hospital charity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, weekly welfare sessions were shifted online. During this unprecedented situation, I created feedback forms at each stage to proactively monitor complaints. Furthermore, I innovated and implemented a new approach, categorising the elderly according to their digital savviness for a more targeted schedule. After months of correspondence with the local council, I also achieved greater leeway for physical interactions with the more vulnerable groups. This creative targeting effectively increased participation from 65% to 72%.

2023

Please tell us about any awards, scholarships or prizes you have been given.

My current financial scholarship came from the University of Durham, where I won the Canadian Scholarship, a three year renewable scholarship awarded to the Canadian student with the highest academic standing.

At [redacted school] in Toronto, Canada, I was the first recipient of the [redacted] Debating Prize, for outstanding performance in debating and exhibiting leadership qualities. This was given to me based on my success in debating: Ranked 5th in Canada, and 1st in the Province of Ontario at the Canadian Debating Championships; Winner of the University of Toronto High School Debating Tournament; Top speaker at the York University High School Debating Tournament; and Semi-Finalist at the North American Debating Championships.

As well, I won the [redacted school] Principal’s List Prize for strong academic achievement, and graduating in the top fifteen percent of my class at school.

In the field of community service, I received the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, along with the Silver Community Service Award at UCC for performing hundreds of community service hours. This included running bingo sessions over three summers for those with Alzheimers and dementia, along with teaching ice-hockey and basketball skills to underprivileged children.

Please write about yourself in no more than 850 words. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at school or subsequently, any regular employment or other work experience, any sporting or other achievements and any particular interests and personal qualities which are relevant. Please also state briefly why you are making this application.

I have always believed, that one should never let his schooling interfere with his education. What truly defines and shapes us is how we spend our time outside of the classroom. Accordingly, I participate in as many activities as time permits.

My first significant extra-curricular activity was chess, which I began playing at age six. Since then, I have won the Canadian national chess championships for my age group on three separate occasions. I have also represented Canada at six international tournaments including the World Championships on two occasions. As of 2019, I was ranked 4th in Canada in the Under 18 category. Chess has helped me with identifying patterns and strategic planning, and so I find the challenge of identifying and planning new ways to save clients money in tax law to be an exciting one. Considering that Freshfields won UK Tax Firm of the Year in 2019 at the European Tax Awards, it would be amazing to work alongside some of the brightest legal minds in Europe.

Debating is another passion, and I was ranked 1st in Ontario and 5th in Canada for debating at school. After joining the Debating Union at Durham, I was chosen as Durham’s top debater to represent the University at the Oxford Union and at the World Debating Championships in the Philippines. I love arguing in all formats: I was a Mooting Semi-Finalist in last year’s competition; I won the Yule Debating Cup this year; and am currently enrolled in the Client Negotiation scheme and Hunt Debating Cup within the law faculty.

I created my own political blog and write for two student newspapers, and had an essay on the death penalty recently published. I joined the Investment Society to improve my writing on commercial issues, and also to expand my personal stock portfolio, through which I have made over $1000 CAD to date. I read the National Post and Wall Street journal daily to assist me with this as well.

I enjoy the camaraderie of sports and play for the Durham Ice-hockey 1st team (for 2 years now), where I was voted social secretary. This year, I was appointed captain of Law Club Basketball team. In Spring, I plan on trying out for the tennis team, as I have previously played for my school’s 1st team.

Positions of responsibility do not intimidate me as I have various leadership experience: I was elected Prefect at school by seventy peers to represent them in student government; I was elected Speaker at the Ontario Model Parliament; I had a lead role in the school play; and I was appointed President of the Conservative Youth Association in the St. Paul’s riding of Toronto. All of these roles helped me to learn how to motivate others, delicately offer constructive criticism, and take responsibility for my actions. My employment for three consecutive summers as a tennis and golf instructor has also assisted in improving my teamwork skills.

My experience shadowing corporate lawyers in Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto and London has taught me that commercial law offers the most interesting and cutting-edged work, as the work they do is truly captivating. At [redacted in-house legal department], I helped summarise HR documents to management officers, discussed tax implications, and researched German employment law issues. When shadowing a litigation partner at [redacted law firm #1], I helped with tactical analysis in a California case on shareholder oppression. Most recently, at [redacted law firm #2] I helped with contractual work in insurance law after having read through insurance claims and litigation materials. These experiences have served to cement my desire to become a commercial solicitor.

I now seek to begin the process of working for Freshfields through a vacation scheme. I love the battle of trying to outwit an opponent and the sense of achievement that comes from winning an argument, and so I believe that Freshfields’ dispute resolution practice would be an excellent fit for me. Freshfields is internationally known for their first-class litigation and international arbitration departments, which work on some of the most complex and fascinating legal conflicts in the world. Employment at Freshfields would mean that I can expect some of the most challenging and interesting work available.

Freshfields is no ordinary commercial law firm, as their client list suggests it offers impeccable service and advice. Goldman Sachs, General Electric, Morgan Stanley, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce could choose any global law firm but they choose to retain Freshfields instead. I believe that part of this decision comes from knowing that Freshfields’ lawyers are not only clever, but also have diverse backgrounds as well. For example, trainees may choose up to eight seats in a training contract, and the firm offers a variety of international or client secondments. Moreover, vacation scheme students may even complete a final week in a foreign office. These opportunities produce more global-thinking, open-minded lawyers with an international network and breadth of legal experience that is unparalleled at other law firms.

After attending the Freshfields presentation at Durham, and speaking to your trainees at the law fair, I now know that Freshfields is where I want to be.

2023

In no more than 850 words, consider "Why Me, Why Freshfields and Why Commercial Law" as the basis of your Personal Statement. You may also wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at school or subsequently, any regular employment or other work experience and any achievements, interests and personal qualities which are relevant.

Whilst interning at [redacted law firm],[redacted southeast Asian country] ’s leading law firm, I was exposed to a commercial lawyer’s work in navigating a client through a broad spectrum of business activities. This motivated me to understand how lawyers provide holistic guidance. Interning at [redacted law firm in southeast Asia], a member of [law firm group], I analysed [redacted country]’s upcoming COVID-19 Bill and assisted in advising on a tenancy dispute involving multinational corporations on the ideal way to initiate a proceeding before the Bill was implemented, and how our clients’ goals for expansion into other areas in [redacted country] could continue to be met given that the party in dispute was instrumental in facilitating this growth. I developed a deep appreciation for the advisory role of commercial lawyers in demonstrating a thorough understanding of their client’s interests, the evolving nature of legal landscapes and commercial markets to ensure their client stays ahead of the curve.

Attending an Open Day at [redacted Magic Circle firm (not Freshfields)], I was drawn to the emphasis on how facilitating and maintaining long-lasting client relationships characterised a commercial lawyer’s success. The key to my success in establishing my Personal Statement Advisory business has been building these very relationships with my own clients. I developed a 3-session plan directed towards understanding my clients background, life experiences and how they can reflect the best version of themselves on paper. My efforts have resulted in 75% of clients returning for other applications, and receiving unconditional offers from [redacted RG universities including one of Oxford/Cambridge]. Work where building and maintaining strong client relationships is a key component is what I am best suited to and where my skills lie. That this is the essence of a commercial lawyer’s career makes me confident that this is the path for me.

I find commercial law the underpinning factor of trendsetting market practices. Working as a legal content writer for the accredited legal blog [redacted blog site] I wrote an article on the rumoured acquisition between PayPal and Pinterest that confounded many. Upon analysing PayPal’s transactions and commercial aspirations, it was evident that the acquisition would have allowed them to enter the emerging social commerce market. This attempted collaboration exemplifies how commercial law facilitates the creation of new opportunities. The promise of varied work every day and the chance to engage with unchartered commercial opportunities motivates me to pursue commercial law as a career.

Freshfields represents the ideal firm to engage with ground-breaking work of this sort. Speaking to Alastair Brown at ‘An Evening with Freshfield’ this year, I was amazed at his account of his involvement on the first ever asset transfer deal in Myanmar for Colgate, and how he travelled the country extensively to understand the governments requirements when executing the deal, all when he was just an associate. The prospect of being exposed to such complex and transformative work from very early in my career is why I am assured I will receive first-rate training at Freshfields.

Upon meeting Freshfields at [redacted RG university] Law Society’s ‘Know the City’, I gained a deeper understanding of the firms unrivalled trainee development and structure. One thing that intrigues me is the incorporation of Corporate, Finance and Real Estate into a singular Global Transactions team. This facilitates a much smoother workflow, creating more efficient services for clients and the opportunity for trainees to get involved with a range of work at once. Freshfields unique 8-seat training contract bolsters this training exposure. The chance to delve into a range of legal fields, explore transactional and contentious aspects of practice, and work across the many jurisdictions Freshfields deals with will allow me to make the best decision with regards to my future as a commercial lawyer.

Considering the increasing application of legal tech in creating client solutions, it is vital for me to evaluate how law firms are reacting to such change to secure their own future in the industry. ‘Freshfields Focus’ 2021 on Technology and Innovation offered great insight into the firm’s digital transformation strategy to provide greater value to clients whilst facilitating efficiency internally. The use of Kira increasing efficiency up to 40% and Freshfields Lab’s wide collaboration with tech start-ups exemplifies this process. The drive to continuously innovate and implement technology in delivering outstanding legal services is another reason why I am keen on pursuing my career at Freshfields.

As Chambers Careers Officer of the [redacted university] Law Society in [redacted year], I aimed to bring awareness to the barrister route and contribute to improving accessibility to and diversity in this field. To achieve this, I launched the Society’s first ever ‘Mentoring Scheme’, where I assigned 16 candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to other students who had mini pupillage/ pupillage experience. By working with my team of Junior Mooting Officers, we contacted and successfully recruited 20 barristers from top sets like Doughty Street Chambers and 3 Verulam Buildings to act as barrister mentors. The scheme was incredibly successful, with a 97% satisfaction rate reported by both mentees and mentors via feedback forms I distributed. Our efforts led to the [redacted university] Law Society being nominated for the LawCareers.Net [redacted year] ‘Best Careers Events’ award.

My interest in commercial law first sparked working in-house alongside C-suite teams. One particularly memorable task was a report I prepared for Native Union’s CFO concerning the potential regulatory issues caused by the Crimean trade sanctions. This was my first time applying black letter law against a fast-moving commercial situation, and I found I really enjoyed the challenge of thinking practically and methodologically about the viable options that best promote a business’s interests. I then secured experiences at a Big4 law firm, international law firm, arbitral institution and a cross-border IP consultancy to understand how lawyers practised in different sectors. These diverse experiences helped confirm my desire to train at a full-service firm with equally strong transactional and dispute offerings as I wish to become an adaptable lawyer who can apply commercial thinking laterally (i.e., proactively in M&A or responsively in arbitral proceedings) on behalf of global clients. Having attended Open Days at White & Case and HSF, I find Freshfields aligns best with what I am looking for.

I believe I have the right profile to thrive as a future trainee at Freshfields. This is best demonstrated by the positions of responsibility I undertook at law school and in my current roles at Chambers Lab and YT Consultancy.

During the academic year of 2020 – 2021, I served as captain of a six-person VIS moot team representing Tsinghua University. As I wanted to ensure my team was motivated to compete worldwide, I connected with each team member over video chat and allocated tasks that aligned with their strengths. After competing in two pre-moots, I noticed our advocacy needed work and organised training sessions with an independent arbitrator and two barristers in Hong Kong. These proactive efforts led my team to rank 6th nationally in China. I was also selected as Best Oralist, an honour given to 20 best-performing speakers out of 700 participants.

During the same period, I faced the challenge of generating market interest in my roles as co-founder of Let’s Chat Law (LCL) and Asia-pacific editor of Legal Technologist (LT). I first suggested moving LCL’s chat-based IG platform to a more interactive video and voice-based interface to better engage our GenZ audience. This resulted in a boost of 1k+ followers in 6 months. I also established synergies with organisations/market leaders associated with LT to ensure a reliable pipeline of publications and interviews for the next four issues. As a result of these brand-building efforts, I was featured on Asia Law Portal’s “30 People to Watch in the Business of Law (2021)”.

I enjoyed working on these initiatives because they allowed me to apply my commercial sense to fast-moving ventures involving multiple stakeholders. The challenge of balancing intensive postgraduate studies (I balanced 16 modules that academic year) demonstrates my tenacity and adaptability in taking a lead to solve practical problems that yield results. This carries over well in my current roles where I am expected to have a sensitive consideration of my manager/superior’s expectations on delivery and work quality, particularly when researching novel legal issues where there might be no clear answer. These skills are also transferrable at Freshfields where, as a trainee, I will similarly face a high learning curve whilst managing multiple workstreams across various teams in a practice group.

As mentioned, Freshfields strengths in transactions and disputes appeal because I hope to undertake both areas as a future trainee.

With transactions, my interest was cultivated after publishing 22 LittleLaw articles on news with financial, corporate and regulatory implications. This was further developed at Tiang & Partners where I proposed a penetration strategy into Asia’s digital banking markets for the firm’s European client, ING Bank N.V. This presentation helped me appreciate Freshfield’s unique offering as a top-tier practice across Corporate/M&A, tax and competition (Band 1, Chambers Global 2023). Having closely read Freshfields’ M&A case study involving Smiths Group and Morpho Detection, it was clear that these practices worked together in considering the cross-border regulatory implications of divesting one unit in the target business to get the deal across. I believe I could exercise creative thinking and commercial pragmaticism in a similar transaction at Freshfields in collaboration with US colleagues in the Silicon Valley office.

Second, Freshfield’s 8-seat training contract supported by the double-supervision and mentorship arrangement is highly attractive. Having heard from Stephanie Sinclair on the benefits of flexibility and specificity with rotating around different seats at the Virtual Panel Presentation (5 October 2021), I am keen on having the option to explore my interests in public international law, international arbitration and environmental disputes. Having completed a full scholarship LL.M and relevant arbitration internships, I believe I am well placed to take advantage of the opportunity to rotate across specialised dispute seats rather than having all cases pooled together in one seat.

Third, having experienced the benefits of dedicated mentorship at HSF, I actively look for firms that implement similar programmes as it creates a more meaningful training experience. Freshfields’ Trainee Intake Partner scheme could provide that support throughout the eight three-month rotations and allow me to make a careful decision on my qualification seat upon completion.

2022

Please write about yourself in the space provided below. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at school or subsequently, any regular employment or other work experience and any achievements, interests and personal qualities which are relevant.

Please also state briefly why you are making this application. (850 words)

I chose to study law with business due to my interest in the complex relationship between the disciplines. Without a strong grasp of the legal framework regulating a market, many companies have crumbled. Facebook's Libra is the perfect example of a brilliant idea struggling due to legal shortcomings. To succeed as a corporate solicitor, I must not only be a legal aid, but also a business advisor and confidant to my clients. While partaking in first-year schemes at Linklaters, HSF, and Simmons & Simmons, I was excited to gain exposure to commercial matters, such as a securities swap and a hedge fund set-up. I enjoyed completing the assigned tasks as I was able to get first-hand experience of how lawyers tailor legal advice to clients businesses and sectors. I also recently attended the Vacation Scheme Insight Workshop at Freshfields. From networking with solicitors at the firm, I recognised that commercial law is not a stagnant field and, since firms like Freshfields regularly work on precedent-setting deals, there is always more to learn. The diverse roles encountered as a solicitor and the intellectually stimulating nature of this profession attracted me to commercial law.

Freshfields’ eight-seat training contract is a strong appeal for me as the flexible structure enables one to find their niche and make well-informed career choices. Moreover, Freshfields consistently undertakes high-quality work across contentious and transactional departments, evidenced by its band 1 status in the Chambers Rankings for both Corporate M&A and Dispute Resolution. As a trainee, I would feel confident that I am gaining the best learning and development opportunities regardless of my seat. I am especially drawn to Freshfields because of the calibre of its international work. I chose to study law in London to have a global education, broaden my horizons and gain access to law firms that work with prominent companies around the world. I am particularly interested in Freshfields' approach to Africa. The benefits of the StrongerTogether network are evident in the fact that Freshfields has advised on matters in all 54 African countries. As a proud Nigerian, I look forward to working on transactions that positively impact the African economy.

I possess various qualities that would make me an asset to Freshfields, such as my strong work ethic and passion. Throughout my time in secondary school, I was appointed to multiple positions of responsibility. For example, I began playing lacrosse in my first year of high school. I trained diligently by practising for at least an hour each day and sought external opportunities to improve, such as playing competitively in a summer league outside of school. In my final year, I was named captain of my varsity team and led them through an undefeated season, which culminated in a gold medal win at the regional championships. Another initiative I took on in high school was to create a Diversity Council with the aim of promoting an inclusive and open environment. As president, I held weekly meetings where I planned our events and delegated responsibilities to my ten committee members. My agenda included making a message board about the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, organising a film screening on racial intolerance, and bringing in a public speaker for a school-wide Black History Month assembly. Though I faced challenges from a few students who did not understand the significance of these topics, I was ultimately able to increase awareness of racial issues and encourage discourse amongst students and staff. My efforts were recognised at my graduation ceremony by my principal, who described me as a great leader, a community builder, and a powerful change agent.

Since starting university, I have fostered my interest in business by partaking in the Reed Smith Business Skills Masterclasses. I also collaborated with two teammates to compete in the Queen Mary Commercial Negotiations Competition. By combining my soft skills, such as communication and empathy, with my business acumen, I persuaded the opposing side to make concessions and was able to obtain a favourable deal for my client. As I commenced my second year, I partnered with eight friends to form the Queen Mary Law and Business Society. I have helped to organise three events as part of a City Series that explores the intersection between legal and commercial fields. The society has brought associates and partners from Linklaters, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, and Hogan Lovells to discuss their practice areas and explain the responsibilities of a solicitor within commercial deals. By employing my professional connections, I was able to kick off the series with a senior associate from Linklaters who provided us with an overview of capital markets. The City Series has been widely popular with an average attendance of fifty students, even attracting participants from other universities. Along with my extracurricular involvement, I have also excelled academically. My faculty awarded me with the Dechert Prize for the Best First Year Student and the Annual Fund Scholarship. As an ambitious student capable of producing high-quality work in a demanding environment, I believe I have the potential to succeed at Freshfields.

2022

Please write about yourself in the space provided below. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at school or subsequently, any regular employment or other work experience and any achievements, interests and personal qualities which are relevant. Please also state briefly why you are making this application.

You must stay within the word limit for the vacancy that you are applying for:

• 850 words: Training Contract; London-Asia Training Contract; Vacation Scheme
• 400 words: Workshop; Open Day; Spring Scheme

Why law and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer?

A career in commercial law excites for three reasons: collaboration, intellectual work, and using legislation to solve problems. I enjoy collaboration as I love working with others to tackle issues efficiently, playing to individuals’ strengths, and learning from each other. I strive to work at the highest level – evidenced through [first year grade rank] – and commercial law offers complex multi-jurisdictional work. Therefore, this career feeds my desire to work collaboratively on complex matters. Commercial law also allows me to channel my enjoyment for problem solving around a legal framework – something I enjoyed when applying legislation strategically to minimise client reputational damage whilst reviewing an investigation with [law firm].

I am pursuing commercial law specifically because it allows me to combine my legal ambition with my interest in business and current affairs, of which I have built over years through activities such as: debating, podcasts – for example ‘Wake up to Money’ - and more recently reading Watson’s Daily, the FT, and books such as ‘The Psychology of Money’. Moreover, commercial law’s strategic nature in giving advice compatible with risks, client goals, and the wider world allow me to channel my legal interest and aspirations, whilst also contributing positively to the client generally.

I am applying to Freshfields for three main reasons.

Firstly, the quality of work. As previously mentioned, I aspire to work on complex, top-level matters in my career and nowhere is better for this than Freshfields. This was affirmed during my work experience with yourselves. The Antitrust, Competition, and Trade (ACT) team stood out to me, for example their recent deal acting for AB InBev on their £78.4bn acquisition of SABMiller – attracting regulatory scrutiny in 15+ jurisdictions. Furthermore, when receiving feedback on my EU and UK merger control research task for the team, it was clear work standards are second to none, not just in ACT, but the wider firm.

Training is another key point. Freshfields’ 8-seat training contract sets them apart, appealing to me as I have wide interests ranging from general transactions, ACT, capital markets, and investigations to name a few. Therefore, this opportunity is perfect for me and my keen ambition to learn. Additionally, Freshfields’ consistently high ranked teams ensure wherever I sit I am guaranteed exceptional training.

Finally, whilst with Freshfields I networked with individuals of all levels from senior partners to trainees. This demonstrated that Freshfields’ people are not only legal experts and prodigies, but friendly and welcoming team players. It’s for this reason I see myself thriving in Freshfields’ collegiate and collaborative culture and why it is a firm I can see a long career with.

Positions of Responsibility, Interests, and Qualities:

Whilst volunteering at [legal clinic], I was responsible for managing and assessing a client’s personal independence payment appeal. This included assessing the claim, interviewing the client, researching case law and legislation, and advising her to proceed to a department of work and pensions tribunal. I also created her strategy, opening statement, and prepared her for questioning. This demonstrates my research skills, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and organisational ability, as this was undertaken alongside full-time employment and my other hobbies.

I was also a scout leader, during which I led a group of more than 30 scouts, and a subgroup of 10 to achieve their Chief Scout’s Gold award. To do this I organised sessions to complete required badges, held weekly progress meetings, and built rapport with my group. Before leaving, all 10 achieved their award. This shows my willingness to collaborate and ability to motivate and lead a team to achieve goals.

My teamworking skills are further evidenced through both training with [sports team] and playing 5-a-side football weekly with friends in a team I co-founded – finishing 3^rd in our first season.

My oldest pastime is music. I have 12 years guitar playing experience, achieving grade 8 at distinction. During this time, I progressed from backing guitarist in [band] to lead and was selected as lead guitarist in a production of [musical]. Additionally, I was lead guitarist in a band I co-founded, later leading the production, release, and composition of our 7-song album. Through performances I have developed my presenting skills and confidence. This also demonstrates my commitment and resilience as I have overcome many setbacks in my 12-year journey – such as breaking my arm – of which I had to find solutions to minimise its impact on my ability.

A more recent hobby of mine would be mixology and latte art. I enjoy creating and making drinks as I find the attention to detail and inventiveness both fun and rewarding, especially when receiving positive reviews from customers. This has led me to experiment more allowing me to tailor drinks for regular customers. I also recently completed barista training which taught me latte art and the complexities of creating the ‘perfect coffee’. I particularly appreciated learning innovative new techniques and expanding my ability to adapt drinks to an individuals’ taste – the better drinks resulted in glowing praise from customers.