Freshfields - Summer Vacation Scheme 2027

Cooper & Hall Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation support

Bursary support

Job summary

Freshfields is offering a three-week Summer Vacation Scheme in London for aspiring lawyers. You will work on real client matters, participate in cross-border tasks, and gain practical skills through hands-on learning and workshops.

Throughout the scheme you will receive guidance from partners and mentors, with a focus on developing your legal career and networking within a leading global firm. The programme culminates in potential consideration for the Trainee Associate Programme.

Qualifications

• Penultimate-year undergraduates or final-year undergraduates in any discipline.
• Graduates are welcome to apply.
• You must have the right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Partners, Associates, Trainees and fellow Summer Associates on real client matters across our practice areas.
• See how we combine legal expertise, innovative thinking and technology to solve complex challenges.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on learning, research and client-facing tasks on cross-border matters.
• Take part in interactive skills workshops, training sessions and networking events.
• Experience our culture beyond work through social activities, buddy networks and clubs.
• Receive guidance and on-the-job feedback from supervisors and mentors.
• At the end, there is a chance to secure a place on our Trainee Associate Programme.

Education

2:1 degree or international equivalent

Job description

Freshfields - Summer Vacation Scheme 2027

Join our three-week Summer Vacation Scheme and discover what it is like to work at the forefront of international law. From day one, you will be immersed in our culture, contribute to live client matters, and build the skills, confidence and connections to shape your future legal career.

Key dates

• Applications open: 1 September 2026 (applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early)
• Scheme dates: We run two three-week schemes during the summer in London
• Scheme 1: 28 June 2027 to 16 July 2027
• Scheme 2: 26 July 2027 to 13 August 2027

What to expect

As a Summer Associate, you will gain first-hand experience of what it means to be a Freshfields lawyer.

• Work alongside Partners, Associates, Trainees and fellow Summer Associates on real client matters across our practice areas.
• See how we combine legal expertise, innovative thinking and technology to solve complex challenges that shape industries and societies.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on learning, research and client-facing tasks on cross-border matters.
• Take part in interactive skills workshops, training sessions and networking events designed to prepare you for a future in law.
• Experience our culture beyond work by joining Trainee-led social activities, connecting with a buddy through one of our employee networks, and participating in our sports and social clubs.
• Receive guidance and on-the-job feedback from your supervisors and mentors, supporting your growth and helping you make meaningful progress throughout the scheme.
• At the end of the scheme, Summer Associates will have the opportunity to complete formal assessments for a place on our Trainee Associate Programme.

Stipend and financial support

Our Summer Vacation Scheme is a paid placement, with a stipend of £515 per week to support your accommodation and living costs. You will receive 50% of the stipend two weeks before you start, and the remainder within the first three days of your placement.

We are committed to making our Summer Vacation Scheme accessible to everyone. If you are offered a place, you will also receive information about our accommodation and bursary support options.

Eligibility to apply

We welcome applications from:

• Penultimate and final-year undergraduates in any discipline
• Graduates

You should be on track for or have received a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or international equivalent.

As this is a paid placement, 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.

About Freshfields

Freshfields is a leading global law firm, providing legal advice where it matters most. Our people combine excellence with curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to making a difference.

We support our people to thrive at every stage of their careers, empowering them to turn ambition into meaningful impact for our clients, colleagues and communities.

We are a global team of experts and change-makers, shaping ambition into impact. With 300 years’ experience, we work at the forefront of law to give clients the edge. Join one of our schemes or programmes and experience first-hand how we make a positive difference for our clients, our communities, and each other. At Freshfields, we don’t wait for the future of law to unfold – we create it.