Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Interview Preparation
The Magic Circle firm with the strongest disputes practice and deep European roots
~10,000+
Applications
~5%
Offer rate
£52,000 (TC)
Graduate salary
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Freshfields — HireVue Practice
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Application process
How to get into Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer — step by step
Online Application
Vac scheme: Oct-Jan. TC: varies.Freshfields' application asks strong competency questions. Reference a specific Freshfields matter.
Watson Glaser / Online Test
Shortly after applicationWatson Glaser critical thinking test. Legal-style passages. Practise the format.
Video Interview
2-4 weeks after testCompetency and commercial awareness. Know a Freshfields deal or dispute.
Assessment Centre
February-March (vac scheme)Case study, group exercise, partner interview. Written exercise tests legal reasoning.
Offer
Within 2 weeksVac scheme conversion ~70-80%. Primary TC route.
Interview questions
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer interview questions by round
Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.
- 1Why Freshfields?
- 2Tell me about a commercial development in the news.
- 3Describe a time you showed resilience.
- 4What practice area interests you?
- 5Why commercial law?
What they value
What Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer looks for in candidates
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.
Compensation
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer salary & benefits
Graduate
£52,000 (first year TC) → £57,000 (second year)
Intern
~£500/week (vac scheme)
Bonus
NQ salary ~£125,000
Perks & benefits
Culture & work style
What it's actually like to work at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Insider tips
How to stand out at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
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.
Compare
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer vs competitors
| Firm | Salary | Hours | Culture | Exit opps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer | £52,000 (first year TC) → £57,000 (second year) | 50-65/week | Strongest disputes practice of any Magic... | — |
| Clifford Chance | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Most international MC | Similar |
| Linklaters | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Strongest finance practice | Similar |
| A&O Shearman | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-65/week | Largest MC post-merger | Similar |
| Slaughter and May | £52K TC / ~£125K NQ | 50-60/week | Best hours, no intl offices | Similar |
FAQ
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer FAQs
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