Freshfields Legal Intern Interview Questions
& Process

I had an online test first. Then, I went to their test center for an interview. Two people interviewed me. They asked about my experience, my CV, and some commercial topics. I also had to do a timed writing task.

My experience was great overall. First, I sent in my application, which included a personal statement (850 words) about why I want to practice commercial law, why I'm drawn to Freshfields, and why they should pick me. Then, about 13 days after the application period closed, I got an invite for the Watson Glaser test, which had a 30-minute time limit. Practicing beforehand is crucial to understand what each section requires. Around 5 days after passing the Watson Glaser, I was invited to an assessment centre. This day had four components. a) A written assessment. Since it was during COVID, I did this online before the assessment centre day, but normally it's done in person at the Freshfields offices. The task involves imagining you're a trainee, given instructions from a supervisor and some emails. You then get a draft email from your supervisor to review for mistakes, unclear points, inaccuracies, or inappropriate tone, and you have to redraft a paragraph, which is simpler than it sounds. The key is to thoroughly read all materials first to save time. Being methodical helps, either by going line by line or by checking for specific issues (typos, factual errors, etc.). b) An interview with two lawyers, lasting about 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for my questions. They focused on my career motivations in international commercial law, my interest in Freshfields, and my suitability. If you don't have a law degree, be ready to explain how your studies align with law. The interviewers were friendly but thorough, so be clear about your motivations and skills. Consider lawyerly qualities like organization, analytical skills, and teamwork, and have examples ready. They also ask situational questions (e.g., dealing with a slacking colleague); just think through the situation logically. Avoid sounding rehearsed. c) A 15-minute chat with a current trainee to ask any questions you have, with no pressure. d) An analytical interview, lasting 45 minutes of questions and 15 minutes for my questions. I had about 30 minutes to read an article, and then I was asked questions about it. It's good to read the article a couple of times and prepare a short summary. Questions then cover specific points in the article, extrapolations, and broader commercial environment topics. You can't fully prepare for this, just be confident and take time to think before answering. No legal knowledge is required; just be reasonably savvy. I received the offer a week after the assessment centre. I hope this is helpful.

So first you fill out an application form, which has a personal statement of about 850 words, but not much else. Then, you do an online test. After that, Freshfields gets back to you within two weeks to set up the interview. The interview itself has three parts: first, a written exercise where you look at a drafted letter from a trainee to a client. Second, a motivation and personality interview. Finally, a case study based on an FT article.