Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Application Guide 2027
Every programme, deadline, and requirement for applying to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Plus a free CV checker to see if you pass screening.
Programmes
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer programmes
Training Contract
Eligibility
Law and non-law graduates (with GDL/SQE)
Opens
Varies
Deadline
Varies by firm
Duration
2 years (4 seats)
Vacation Scheme
~70-80% conversionEligibility
Penultimate-year undergraduates and GDL/LPC students
Opens
October
Deadline
December-January
Duration
2 weeks
SPARK (Spring Scheme)
Eligibility
First-year undergraduates
Opens
October
Deadline
November-December
Duration
1-2 days
Requirements
What Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer looks for
Commercial awareness — Know Freshfields' recent matters. Read the FT. Have a view on business issues.
Analytical precision — Law is precision work. Written exercises test your ability to analyse complex information accurately.
Strong communication — Explaining complex legal issues clearly to clients is core to the role.
European perspective — Freshfields has deep European roots. Show awareness of cross-border legal issues.
Resilience — Training contracts are demanding. Evidence of sustained effort under pressure.
Intellectual curiosity — Freshfields values people who think deeply about legal and commercial issues.
Grade requirements
Typically AAA at A-Level and 2:1. Contextual recruitment used.
Tips
How to apply to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Freshfields' application asks strong competency questions. Reference a specific Freshfields matter.
Know Freshfields' disputes strength — it's their #1 differentiator vs other MC firms
Reference a specific Freshfields matter from Chambers or Legal 500
If interested in disputes/litigation, Freshfields is the clear MC choice
Their European roots (Bruckhaus Deringer) give them unique cross-border capability
Vac scheme is the primary TC route — conversion ~70-80%. Apply for that first.
Proofread everything. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer receives thousands of applications — copy-paste errors from other firms are obvious and result in immediate rejection.
CV check
Check your CV for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Before you submit to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, check whether your CV would pass their screening stage. Paste your CV text below and get an instant AI-scored analysis covering ATS compatibility, keyword coverage, and section-by-section feedback.
Drop your CV here
Supports PDF and Word documents (.docx)
Your CV scored against Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's screening criteria. See the full breakdown — including missing keywords, phrasing optimisation, and model bullet rewrites — inside Intervyo. Start free trial →
CV standards
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer CV requirements
One page maximum for undergraduates. Two pages acceptable for graduates with significant legal experience.
Education first — include degree classification (or predicted), A-level results, and relevant modules or dissertation topics.
Legal experience prominently featured — vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, pro bono, mooting, law society involvement.
Quantify achievements where possible — "managed a team of 15" or "contributed to a brief covering £2m in damages".
Tailor to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer — reference practice areas that align with your interests and the firm's strengths.
Professional formatting — consistent fonts, clear section headers, no colours or graphics.
Success rates
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer conversion rates
| Stage | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Application → Online assessment | Selective (estimated ~20-30%) |
| Online assessment → Video interview | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Video interview → Assessment centre | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Assessment centre → Offer | Estimated ~30-50% |
| Vacation scheme → Training contract | Typically 70-80% |
| Overall application → offer | Estimated ~5% |
FAQ
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer application FAQs
More Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer guides
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer HireVue Practice
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer HireVue PracticeFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Interview Preparation
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Interview PreparationFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Assessment Centre Guide
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Assessment Centre GuideLaw Application Deadlines 2027
Law Application Deadlines 2027Prepare for every stage of the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer process
AI-scored HireVue practice, CV checker, psychometric tests, and firm-specific question banks. Free for 3 days.
Prepare for Freshfields Bruckhaus DeringerFree for 3 days · No card charged until trial ends · Cancel anytime