The Freshfields Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP) is an award-winning social mobility outreach programme created in partnership between Freshfields and the Social Mobility Foundation in 2021 to support talented students from across the UK.

The programme aims to encourage social mobility for students by raising aspirations, building confidence in a professional setting and establishing professional networks. Each year APP offers 100 year 12/S5 students from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to get an insight into legal and professional careers in the City.

'The APP programme has been a life-changing experience, enabling me to excel beyond my peers at both college and university. With unique opportunities, invaluable mentorship, and lifelong skills, it has levelled the playing field for me, coming from a low-income background.' – Evelyne, 2022 cohort. 

Sarah Atkinson, CEO of the Social Mobility Foundation, said “This is a significant commitment from Freshfields and we are delighted to be partnering with them to deliver this exciting programme.” 

Year one (Y12/S5)

• Launch event to welcome students
• Freshfields mentor assigned and ongoing support
• Virtual Law and Business work experience placements with a day in our London or Manchester office
• University personal statement checking

Year two (Y12/S6)

• Opportunity for four-week paid residential internships in London or Manchester (12 available)
• Skills sessions
• A-level results day support
• University interview preparation
• Pre-university events

Year three (first year of university/employment)

• Commercial Awareness Day in the office
• Online tests workshops
• Skills sessions
• Early Careers workshops
• CV, interview and application support

Year four (second year of university/employment)

• Day in the office
• CV, interview and application support
• Online tests workshops
• Skills sessions
• Early Careers workshops

Long-term, focused programme

Most similar initiatives draw students from the geographical area around a firm’s office, the Aspiring Professionals Programme spans the whole of the UK, maximising the transformational impact of the programme and finding talent often in areas of the UK where there are fewer opportunities.  

The Freshfields Aspiring Professionals Programme is also distinct from other programmes in its length and intensity: unlike other short-term interventions, the Freshfields Programme offers four academic years of development, providing students with a Freshfields mentor, university application support, skills workshops and a virtual work experience placement with the opportunity to visit our UK offices. Students also have the opportunity to apply for one of twelve places on a month-long residential summer internship earning the real Living Wage with accommodation provided and the opportunity to engage with our clients as part of interactive sessions, as well as participate in community outreach through our local Charity of the Year partnerships.

‘The APP programme was a perfect opportunity for me to experience independent living, make new friends, and get top of the line work experience. Applying for the Summer Vacation Scheme has made me realised that APP set me up beautifully for everything the application process had to throw at me. I truly think there is no substitute out there for the programme’, Aiden, 2021 cohort.

Dedicated intensive relationships

Every student’s Freshfields mentor is supported through a dedicated guide, training session and regular learning resources. Dedicated, intensive relationships develop as mentors support mentees with messages and monthly online mentor meet-ups, offering a 1:1 relationship with a professional, supporting university applications and helping explore professional interests (3,284 messages were exchanged between mentoring pairs in FY24/25, with 121 virtual meet ups and phone calls).

Aruba, another recent participant, says that her mentor offered someone to chat to about professional law and answer questions. ‘I felt like I really built a connection with her over time. She did dedicate a lot of time to answer my questions and proofread my answers on applications so I think I had a really good relationship with her.’

APP is delivered through online and in-person interactions, with a dedicated Freshfields mentor, interactive activities and opportunities to engage with Freshfields’ clients. Many students suffer ‘digital fatigue’ from perceived one-sided online engagements with schools and others, so group sizes are small and extremely interactive. Pre-calls, advance materials, and consistent, friendly points of contact (one joining every session) ensure students are made to feel comfortable and relaxed. The Social Mobility Foundation check students can access technology and provide equipment if needed to ensure all students can thrive on the programme.

Student profile

Criteria:

• High potential
• Y12/S5
• Meet PRIME social mobility criteria
• Living in an area of the UK with fewer opportunities
• Interested in Law or business