Consider career placements and possibilities which may not be directly assigned to your degree

As a non-law student, I was unaware of my potential within the field of commercial law. That was, however, until I ventured out and applied to Freshfields.

During the placement, I worked on multiple tasks over the week including an independent task, which involved testing current commercial awareness. In our group, we worked with associates and trainees in a mock bribery case within dispute resolution, and this was fascinating. Freshfields virtually introduced us to all eight seats that a typical trainee would complete during a contract period, which was useful in order to gain a personal fixation on one area of law. Mine was competition law, which involves managing the merging (concentration) of two businesses, and the legalities of whether the concentration is suitable to merge with no unreasonable effect on that market.

My biggest achievement during the placement was the building and developing of my confidence.  As a result of taking part in the placement, I started to believe in my capabilities and that I could adhere to the key competencies required within law. The biggest challenge I faced was condensing an abundance of information into a brief. I wanted to go into meticulous detail, however focusing on what is most relevant is essential when a case is to be presented to a client.

My advice to students considering taking a placement would be to consider career placements and possibilities which may not be directly assigned to your degree. Explore what other options are available and do not be discouraged from taking these opportunities.

Overall, my experience has inspired me to pursue a career in commercial law and I will be applying to Freshfields in the near future.