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Graduates - MENA
MENA Summer Work Experience Programme 2024
Through offering work experience to students with an interest in the Middle East region and specifically in the UAE, we hope to contribute towards young professionals’ future careers by providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience and real-life knowledge about the operations of a global law firm, and to seek career guidance from established lawyers and colleagues.
The objectives of this structured programme are aligned to the firm’s global people strategy: inclusive work environment and outstanding career development.
Our interns' stories
Sreelakshmy Arun and Rabia Ashraf
I am Sreelakshmy Arun, a penultimate year law student at Middlesex University, Dubai. My passion for law was sparked by my grandfather's courtroom work. Representing my university at the 21st Willem C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot has fuelled my interest in arbitration. Previous internships in diverse fields prepared me, but my time at Freshfields was truly distinctive.
My name is Rabia Ashraf, and I am currently studying at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. I will be beginning my final year of my Scots Law degree. I currently work part-time in a jewellers called Chisholm Hunter Ltd, and I have previously completed work experience in an immigration law firm called McGill & Co. I have always had an interest in corporate law and coming to join the team at Freshfields Dubai has enhanced it.
We have both been given the opportunity to partake in the 2-week work experience programme here at Freshfields Dubai. We had the chance to spend a week with the Dispute’s Resolution team and the second week with the Global Transactions team.
From the moment we stepped into the office, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism, setting the tone for what would be an enlightening and enriching experience. We were astounded by the range of engaging tasks we were assigned to such as shadowing trainees, associates and partners and given research tasks on current legal matters that the firm is dealing with. Whether it was observing associates during client meetings or delving into intricate legal research, each assignment stimulated us to approach challenges with a blend of critical thinking and imaginative flair.
What resonated deeply with us was the sincere commitment Freshfields showed to mentorship. Being paired with experienced trainees wasn't just about completing tasks; it was about forming genuine connections. They generously shared their wisdom and patiently addressed our inquiries. Their mentorship wasn't just about guidance; it gave us a real insight into what our future career will look like. The interactions we had gave us the confidence to proactively seek out tasks as well as connect with the team.
These interactions opened a world of networking and personal growth opportunities that truly resonated with us. From engaging lunchtime discussions to casual coffee chats with associates and partners, every interaction felt like a stepping stone in our personal and professional journey. These encounters have allowed us to establish genuine connections that have fueled our passion further for working in an international corporate firm.
Reflecting on our time at Freshfields, we can confidently say it was a transformative experience. The collaborative environment fostered teamwork and communication skills that will undoubtedly benefit us in our future endeavors. We are grateful for the mentorship and support we received, and we are eager to apply what we have learned in our future pursuits. We hope to be a part of the Freshfields team in the future!
