Freshfields early careers: how to get in
Last checked 2026-11-11 against Freshfields's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with Freshfields. How we check
At a glance
- Training Contracttraining contractCloses in 1 dayVisa sponsorship: Not published3 stages
- Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, six years to qualified solicitor (Law LLB with BPP)apprenticeshipOpen, no closing date publishedVisa sponsorship: No4 stages
- UK Summer Vacation Schemevacation schemeNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Some tracks5 stages
- UK First Years Insight Schemespring weekOpens 30 NovVisa sponsorship: Not published3 stages
Training Contract
How Freshfields recruits
2028 or 2029 intake (applications 1 October to 13 November 2026). 3 stages, from Freshfields's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Freshfields names them.
Apply online
Application form
Online application form.
“Start by completing our online application form – this helps us get to know you and your candidacy.”
Online assessment
Immersive assessment
Interactive online assessment of tasks and scenarios reflecting life at the firm. Provider not named; preparation via the firm's Preparation Portal.
“Once you have submitted your application, we will invite you to complete our online assessment in due course. This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.”
Attend an assessment centre
Assessment centre
In-person assessment centre at the London office with a range of exercises. Components not itemised on the page.
“Our in-person assessment centre, held at our London office, gives you the chance to demonstrate your strengths, potential and suitability for the programme.”
Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, six years to qualified
How Freshfields recruits
Solicitor Apprenticeship 2027 (applications 2 November 2026 to 28 January 2027). 4 stages, from Freshfields's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Freshfields names them.
Apply online
Application form
Online application form.
“Start by completing our online application form – this helps us get to know you and your candidacy.”
Online assessment
Immersive assessment
Interactive online assessment of tasks and scenarios reflecting life at the firm. Provider not named; preparation via the firm's Preparation Portal.
“Following the application deadline, you’ll receive an invitation to complete our online assessment. This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.”
Career Conversation with Early Careers Team
Other stage
Conversation with a member of the Early Careers team about motivation. Format (phone or video) not stated.
“If successful, you will be invited to have a Career Conversation with a member of the Early Careers team to discuss your motivations about the opportunity.”
Attend an assessment centre
Assessment centre
In-person assessment centre with a range of exercises. Components not itemised on the page.
“Throughout the day, you’ll take part in a range of engaging exercises designed to help us get to know you – and for you to get to know us.”
UK Summer Vacation Scheme
How Freshfields recruits
Summer Vacation Scheme 2027 (applications 1 September to 30 October 2026). 5 stages, from Freshfields's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Freshfields names them.
Applications may close early once places are filled, so apply well before any published deadline. Source
Apply online
Application form
Online application form.
“Start by completing our online application form – this helps us get to know you and your candidacy.”
Freshfields Online Assessment, Stage 1
Immersive assessment
Stage 1 online assessment of interactive tasks and scenarios. No CV or personal statement is required at application.
“Once you have submitted your application, we will invite you to complete Stage 1 of the Freshfields Online Assessment in due course. This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.”
Freshfields Online Assessment, Stage 2
Recorded video interview
Stage 2 combines trainee-life tasks and scenario questions with asynchronous (recorded) video interview questions. Platform and timings not published.
“If you are successful, you will then be invited to complete Stage 2 of the Freshfields Online Assessment. This includes a series of tasks and scenario questions reflecting life as a Trainee at Freshfields and some asynchronous video interview response questions.”
Attend an assessment centre
Assessment centre
In-person assessment centre with a range of exercises. Components not itemised on the page.
“Throughout the day, you’ll take part in a range of engaging exercises designed to help us get to know you – and for you to get to know us.”
End-of-scheme interview
Final interview
During the three-week scheme, assessment is a research task with a partner supervisor, associate feedback and an end-of-scheme interview, which decide the training contract offer.
“Our Summer Vacation Scheme includes three assessment areas: [...] 3. An end-of-scheme interview.”
UK First Years Insight Scheme
How Freshfields recruits
First Years Insight Scheme 2027 (applications 30 November 2026 to 12 February 2027). 3 stages, from Freshfields's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Freshfields names them.
Apply online
Application form
Online application form.
“Start by completing our online application form – this helps us get to know you and your candidacy.”
Online assessment
Immersive assessment
Interactive online assessment of tasks and scenarios reflecting life at the firm. Provider not named; preparation via the firm's Preparation Portal.
“Following the application deadline, you’ll receive an invitation to complete our online assessment. This is your chance to showcase your strengths through interactive tasks and scenarios that reflect life at Freshfields and the role you’re applying for.”
Attend the First Years Insight Scheme
Other stage
Successful candidates attend the two-day in-person scheme in London.
“If successful, you will be invited to attend our in-person First Years Insight Scheme, held in our London Office.”
Visa sponsorship
Training Contract
UK FAQ is silent on sponsorship even though the firm publishes visa answers for Hong Kong and Singapore
Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, six years to qualified
Freshfields says its solicitor apprenticeship is for UK national school leavers, not international candidates.
“Our London-based solicitor apprenticeship scheme gives UK national school leavers a chance to build their future in law.”
UK Summer Vacation Scheme
Freshfields requires vacation scheme applicants to already hold the right to work, and a student visa only works outside term time
“...you must have the right to work in the UK. If you are on a UK study visa, the scheme must take place outside your term time.”
UK First Years Insight Scheme
Freshfields' two-day first-year insight scheme does not publish a visa sponsorship or right-to-work statement.
“Our programme gives first-year undergraduates insight on the essential skills to thrive as a commercial lawyer”
Freshfields on the Home Office sponsor register
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.
Common questions
- What is the Freshfields training contract application process?
- Freshfields's own careers pages describe 3 stages: Apply online, then Online assessment, then Attend an assessment centre.
- Does Freshfields use a recorded video interview?
- Yes. Freshfields lists a recorded video interview stage ("Freshfields Online Assessment, Stage 2").
- Does Freshfields sponsor visas for graduates?
- Freshfields says its solicitor apprenticeship is for UK national school leavers, not international candidates.
Related guides
Other schemes we track
Deadlines, stages and tests for each scheme. Not affiliated with any firm.
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GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Freshfields. Names are used only to identify Freshfields's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check Freshfields's official careers site before applying.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.