Careers/Associates/Associate Associate We’re always looking for talented lawyers to join us. You will have the chance to work alongside colleagues and leading clients from around the world. Careers/Associates/Associate Starting your career as an associate We recruit graduates and experienced lawyers. We welcome all backgrounds and nationalities but whatever your background, you must have an appetite for challenging work, a detailed understanding of the law, and the organization and discipline to manage complex deals. We’re looking for people who can perform well under pressure and come up with creative solutions to tough problems. Market or industry experience is also an advantage that will set you apart. We ask a lot and we give a lot too. We offer outstanding career development that starts when you join the firm. On-the-job coaching also plays an important part in professional development. You work with Partners and Associates who ensure you complement your technical skills with hands-on experience. All our lawyers attend seminars and conferences that cover legal practices in Belgium, the EU and other jurisdictions. Most of our practice groups also have at least one residential conference a year, bringing together colleagues from all over the world. Associate Associate As a young graduate, you will immediately work independently and have direct contact with clients. However, you will not be thrown in at the deep end. Your lead partner and team colleagues will introduce you to your work, step by step. With training and other development opportunities tailored to your needs, we aim to help you mature in your role as an associate. Principal Associate Principal Associate Has your outstanding professional and personal competence enabled you to demonstrate you are one of the best commercial lawyers? If so, you can look forward to being made a Principal Associate. This will involve a closer relationship with the company and you will be consulting with clients independently. To optimally prepare you for your new role, you will be offered exclusive training opportunities. Counsel Counsel Are you a convincing Principal Associate with both legal know-how in a specific field of knowledge, as well as leadership potential? Then your progression to the role of Counsel will open up the possibility of a long-term career with us. As a Counsel, you will occupy a prominent position that is visible within the market, and be given responsibility both for clients and for a team. Partner Partner We believe it is important to see Freshfields’ partners emerge from within our own ranks. The appointment as partner is based on a transparent, company-wide selection process. We will jointly shape your career path to a full partnership in a fair and comprehensible manner. You will continue to benefit from our full commitment enabling you to adequately meet your new responsibility of establishing and maintaining client contacts. Would you like to enjoy a successful career at Freshfields? If so, take a look at our current opportunities. Important information regarding your application can be found in the FAQs below. How to become part of the team? What are the requirements to apply for the role of associate at Freshfields? + We want to meet exciting personalities with foresight, who enjoy teamwork and are enthusiastic about working in an international commercial law firm. Experience in your preferred legal field and experience abroad are additional assets which can score you extra points. FLuency in English and very good exam results are also a must. How do I apply and what documents should I include in my application? + Please send in your full application via our Freshfields Careers website. Your full application should consist of your curriculum vitae, a cover letter and your university transcripts. What are the next steps after I have submitted my application? + You will receive a confirmation of receipt for your application. All applications will be reviewed promptly and you will receive a response within two weeks. If you are shortlisted, we will invite you in for interviews. Do you accept “stagiaire training contracts” for Belgian law graduates? + Yes we do. We will provide you with a “contrat de stage” / “stageovereenkomst” for the first three years of your career as a lawyer. After your qualification, we will provde you with a services agreement. You are considered an associate from the time you start your training contract.
