Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Assessments

Prepare for the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

About Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (Freshfields) is a so-called 'magic circle' law firm headquartered in London. Created in 2000 from a merger between London's Freshfields and two European law firms, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms globally.

Employing more than 2000 lawyers across 28 offices, Freshfields attracts an extremely high calibre of applicants, so competition is fierce and you should spend time ensuring that your application stands out for the right reasons. Freshfields usually receives more than 30 applications for each training contract place.

Freshfields is a client-led global business, aiming to add value to client success and the communities in which they operate, offering services enabling businesses to grow, strengthen and also provide defence. Areas of work broadly fall into three areas: transactional, regulatory, and risk.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Application Process

The application process is the same for trainees and those applying for vacation placements and begins with an online application form and written statement, followed for successful candidates by completing an online test and then attending an assessment day.

It is recommended that candidates carefully consider the values and required competencies of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP before beginning to complete the application process, as well as thoroughly researching the firm and its clients.

Freshfields Application Form

The application form itself is straight forward, requiring candidates to detail academic qualifications and also any extenuating circumstances which might be relevant. The accompanying personal statement, which can be up to 850 words long, is the trickier part. This statement should address your interest in commercial law, Freshfields as a specific place to work, and why the firm should hire you.

While you don't need to demonstrate any particular legal or technical skills, you should prepare this statement carefully to sell the skills you do have that will make you a good lawyer (organisational, strategic, commitment and others) and, crucially, back up and demonstrate these traits by using examples from work, hobbies or study.

Freshfields Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test

Successful candidates are invited to carry out a Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test. The Watson Glaser test is used by law firms to assess the aptitude of candidates before carrying out interviews.

The test, which has around 40 questions, assesses five skills which are crucial to the work of a lawyer, which include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Ability to draw conclusions
  • Assessing the strength (or weakness) of arguments
  • Recognising assumptions
  • Evaluating arguments

Answers are multiple choice and there is usually a time limit of around 30 minutes. The test is carried out online from the candidate's location.

Candidates will assess a variety of statements or scenarios and then choose responses from a list. You may be invited to select which is most or least likely, or true or false. Other questions will require you to select from a list of possible conclusions.

The key to success at the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test as part of the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP assessment process is to prepare and practice by carrying out practice questions and familiarising yourself with the process and format.

Freshfields Half-Day Assessment

Successful candidates are then invited to the half-day assessment, traditionally carried out at the London offices of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. However, at this current time, in-person assessments are on hold, but individual arrangements are being made.

The half-day assessment follows a three stage process, for which you should ensure you have prepared. Competition at this stage for places on the training contract and vacation schemes is still fierce.

It is recommended that you are proactive in your preparation including attending fairs, meeting current lawyers who work at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and understanding what work Freshfields carries out, for who, and what values and competencies are intrinsic to those working for the firm.

Freshfields Written Exercise

The first exercise is written. No legal knowledge is required here, it is your attention to detail and skill at conveying concepts using the written word that is key. You must demonstrate a meticulous approach to reviewing the information provided and ensure there are no mistakes in your draft. You will do all this in a short timeframe, so you should expect to be under pressure to deliver the work in the required time.

Freshfields General Interview

The first interview is a general one, which is roughly an hour long with two interviewers, usually a partner and an associate. They will both be familiar with your application (with your education redacted) and the interview will probe your reasoning for wishing to be a commercial lawyer and why you wish to work at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

Again, preparation is key. You will need to know your strengths and weaknesses inside out and have reflected long and hard about how to respond to key questions. You will need to appear confident in yourself and your skills (whatever you might really feel) and sell your abilities, skills, values and experiences.

Freshfields Analytical Interview

The analytical interview will be based round a discussion on a news article, from a source such as the Financial Times, or the Economist. While the interviewer will also have read the article they will have no other information about you. No specific technical knowledge is required, this is considering your business and commercial knowledge and strategy, where you can demonstrate commercial awareness and your ability to think quickly about a subject you have not researched specifically in advance. Clearly reading the Financial Times and the Economist is a good starting point for your preparation.

Sample Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

An attorney is trying to establish a pattern of behavior by analyzing previous rulings in similar cases. After examining a set of verdicts, they noticed that there is a common outcome when certain legal precedents are cited. In anticipating a ruling, what should the attorney infer based on the pattern observed?

  • The ruling will likely differ from the pattern due to varying case specifics
  • The ruling will mirror past cases as legal precedents strongly influence outcomes
  • Outcome patterns are coincidental and carry no significance
  • Judges give rulings at their discretion regardless of past precedent citation

After reviewing a case summary, an attorney notices that the number of billable hours for a particular case has been steadily increasing by 12% each month for the past 5 months. If the initial amount of billable hours was 150, approximately how many billable hours were logged in the fifth month?

  • 295
  • 313
  • 330
  • 280

In a firm's quarterly report, it is mentioned that in a litigation case, the plaintiff is seeking damages 8 times the amount of their alleged loss, which totaled $15,000. What is the total amount of damages being sought?

  • $120,000
  • $105,000
  • $150,000
  • $130,000

When analyzing the arguments given in support of a statute's intent, which of the following can be considered a primary source?

  • Legal journal article
  • Summary written by a legal analyst
  • Transcripts from legislative debates
  • News article discussing the statute

Upon examining four witness statements, it is evident that each witness provided a slightly different sequence of events for the accident in question. What is the most logical approach for an attorney to determine the most accurate sequence of events?

  • Selecting the statement from the witness closest to the accident
  • Analyzing consistencies across all statements
  • Considering only the statements from witnesses with legal backgrounds
  • Assuming the first recorded statement is the most accurate

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Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Assessments Tips

Understand the Firm

To stand out, know what makes Freshfields unique. Dive into their history, culture, and the qualities they value in their team. Tailor your approach to showcase that you're not just a legal eagle but also a perfect fit for their 'magic circle' ethos.

Hone Your Attention to Detail

Legal work demands meticulousness. Brush up on exercises that test your ability to spot tiny discrepancies and inconsistencies. A slip here could mean the difference between a strong or weak impression.

Think on Your Feet

Some moments during the practice exams might stump you, just as in a real-world scenario. Don't be discouraged. Practice staying calm and using logical reasoning to work through tough questions. Being nimble with your thoughts can show that you're ready for the unpredictable nature of legal challenges.

Reflect Real-World Pressure

Time constraints in the real job might be tight. Simulate this pressure during practice so it doesn't throw you off balance during the real thing. Get comfortable with thinking and delivering high-quality work quickly.

Review and Iterate

After each practice test on Law Tests, take the time to go over your answers. Learn from any mistakes and understand why the right answers are correct. This reflection isn’t just about memorizing; it’s about evolving your thinking process for when it counts.

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Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Assessments FAQs

Do I need a law degree to apply for a job at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer?

While it is not an absolute requirement to hold a law degree to work at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, having one can be beneficial as it gives you an edge in the recruitment process. However, as long as you are able to demonstrate your enthusiasm and potential to contribute positively to the organization, you will be considered for roles within the firm.

What skills is Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer looking for?

The firm is seeking applicants with exceptional communication abilities, as well as leadership experience or potential within their chosen field. Furthermore, it is important for applicants to demonstrate an aptitude for critical thinking when approaching complex challenges.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

You can start by reading articles related to legal topics and practicing writing persuasive essays or reports. Additionally, understanding logical fallacies can be helpful in recognizing when an argument is invalid or misleading. Developing strong research skills is also beneficial because researching will often be necessary when formulating legal arguments.

How difficult is the Freshfields critical thinking test?

Many applicants find the test particularly difficult due to its unique style and complexity. To prepare for the test, you should familiarize yourself with its format by practicing logical reasoning questions. This way you will have an idea of what type of questions will be asked during the real assessment.

Where can I practice Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer tests?

You can start practicing with our free Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer tests - no credit card is required. All you need to do is sign up with an email address.