Freshfields overview

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be.

The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish.

We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job.

We deliver best when working in teams.

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us.

This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at.

We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals.

In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

Location overview

Our London office is at the heart of our global network, in one of the most exciting world cities.

London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre : all of the world’s leading financial institutions have a significant presence here.

It’s home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe’s largest companies.

Our London team has a reputation that’s second to none.

They’re the team the world’s leading businesses turn to for help with their most challenging problems. They work with colleagues around the world on complex, cross-border deals and disputes.

Whether you join as a lawyer, a recent graduate or in a business services role, London is a great place to work.

You will have the opportunity to work on challenging, engaging work that will give you the opportunity to make your mark and progress your career.

We believe there is no better place to work.

Function overview

Our People and Reward department advises on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment, pensions and benefits law, on a national and multi-jurisdictional basis.

The team consists of 22 partners and approximately 100 lawyers worldwide in Europe, Asia and the US, advising clients on some of the most strategic and reputationally sensitive matters.

The team works closely with other departments within the firm, providing them with specialist advice and input for projects they are managing.

Role Purpose

This role will be part of the pensions team which sits within the People and Reward department in London. The pensions team has a broad practice, and the associate will have the opportunity to gain broad experience and learn from an experienced, well regarded and close-knit team. This will include :

Key responsibilities and deliverables This role will be part of the pensions team which sits within the People and Reward department in London.

The pensions team has a broad practice, and the associate will have the opportunity to gain broad experience and learn from an experienced, well regarded and close-knit team. This will include :

Key Requirements

Competencies

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.

All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having / securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Please note that, in line with the requirements of the UK Border Agency, non-EEA candidates may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled EEA candidate can fill the position.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made.

A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer : we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence).

You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.