My name is Freya Jones, and I am in my third and final year at the University of Nottingham where I study joint honors Ancient History and History.  I have always aspired to a career in corporate law, and Freshfields’ work experience program offered me the perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of the field. Gaining hands-on experience at such an esteemed firm and witnessing the day-to-day workings of an office has been truly invaluable. My time at the firm has confirmed my interest in corporate law and has provided me with insights that will be instrumental in my legal journey.

I spent the first half of my experience shadowing a legal intern from the Dispute Resolution team. During this time, I had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of arbitration and case law developments in the Middle East. I conducted comprehensive research on Bilateral Investment Treaties, which enhanced my understanding of international legal frameworks. Additionally, I received in-depth explanations of the team's work and their role in resolving complex disputes. This experience offered me valuable insights into the dynamic field of dispute resolution and the critical functions performed by the team at Freshfields. It taught me a wealth of new knowledge in an area I wasn’t previously familiar with. The hands-on tasks and detailed insights significantly broadened my understanding of dispute resolution in the Middle East.

In the latter half of my time with Freshfields, I had the opportunity to learn from the Global Transactions team. I was given the chance to shadow a trainee lawyer who explained to me in great detail about the field and the operations she frequently engages in. In addition to this, she shared the process of her own legal journey and spoke to me about her time completing her training. This was extremely helpful as it broadened my understanding of the path to a legal career. Further, I was able to hone critical research skills when tasked with creating a detailed table on Contractual Joint Ventures and Equity Joint Ventures for a client. This task further expanded my knowledge and provided me with an enriched understanding of the complexities of global transactions and the practical aspects of legal work in this area.

Overall, my time at Freshfields has been an unparalleled learning experience. My hopes to gain a more nuanced understanding of the field were not only met but greatly exceeded. I am leaving with a new skill set and a fresh perspective that will undoubtedly guide and shape my journey as I continue on my career path.

Additionally, I would like to highlight the genuine kindness and support I received from team members at all levels of seniority. The office environment and the dedication to ensuring that I enjoyed my time were wonderful and made a significant impact. I am sincerely grateful to the team at Freshfields for making this program such an educational and enjoyable experience.