Personally, I have been able to build up an international network, both at Freshfields and in the industry.
Mario’s story
Flexible working at Freshfields
The team culture, working together and the points of contact in the office are important to all of us – the office is the “centre of gravity” for our work; a “team” can only form when we come together. At the same time, flexibility in terms of mobile working and working from home is important, and it is equally important to set an example as a partner. What seemed incompatible to many before the pandemic is now common practice. I often only come into the office in the morning after my first team meetings, and if the calendar allows, I return home for dinner with the family and then continue working from home if necessary.
Client secondment in London
In my third year as an Associate, I had the opportunity to complete a six-month secondment at a bank in London. It was there that I sat on the other side of the table for the first time, getting to know the clients and sharpening my understanding of legal advice from this different perspective. This was hugely important for my professional development, but it was also fantastic personally to live in a new city and to be able to represent Freshfields here, too. Today, secondments are part of everyday life for our employees and promote personal and professional development.
International network
Collaborating with colleagues from all over the world is an important part of my daily work. Our work has always been international, whether on mandates or training courses, as an associate or in the course of one’s career. Personally, I have been able to build up an international network, both at Freshfields and in the industry. This has resulted in long-standing friendships and, among other things, an international cycling group. We meet up every year for a weekend and ride our bikes together somewhere in Europe.
Other Stories
Empowering tomorrow in a changing world.
Benefits
Entdecke die Vielfalt Deiner Freshfields Experience: Hier verbinden sich Karriere und Flexibilität. Damit schaffen wir Raum für Deine individuelle Entwicklung.
Parent groups
Our internal parent groups actively promote dialogue between mothers and fathers. We are convinced that the dialogue with other working parents offers valuable suggestions for successfully balancing work and family life.
Paid Parental Leave
Reconciling work and family life doesn’t have to be left to chance. This is why we support parents with additional months of paid parental leave beyond their statutory entitlement.
Learning & Development
Our comprehensive programme offers you personal and professional support in all phases of your career.
Handling peak workloads
While we are driven by exciting mandates, we take work overload seriously. That’s why we offer individual recreation options after intense work phases.
Digital detox
As our top priority is to provide our clients with excellent advice, we ensure that there is adequate cover during holidays and that recreation is possible without permanent availability.
Flexible working time models
We have individual working time models at every career level. Part-time lawyers? No exception for us.
Mobile working & working from home
We achieve success together, no matter where we are. Flexible working options such as working from home and mobile working have proven successful and are easy to implement. However, that is not to say that we don’t have great social events and team lunches.
Shaping the future together
We think globally and keep local needs in mind. On each country’s Advisory Board, employees actively participate in shaping decisions and opinions locally. This ensures that we always work in an environment that evolves in line with our colleagues’ needs.
A clear career path
Transparency is important to us. Our clear criteria for promotions provide tangible prospects for personal career development.
Top IT infrastructure
Our expertise is first-class, and our way of working, too. Modern technology and IT equipment are a matter of course for us.
Sabbaticals for Principal Associates
We encourage individual development in your professional life and beyond. Our Principal Associates have the opportunity to take a six-week paid sabbatical after one year.
Visible appreciation
We succeed as a team and communicate that externally. We acknowledge everyone’s contribution equally in internal and external communication.
Pro Bono
We offer a growing continental European and German pro bono practice, both for the direct management and handling of mandates and in the promotion of pro bono infrastructure in Germany and Europe.
Networks & Communities
We promote a diverse and inclusive firm culture through various networks & communities. With more than 17 networks and communities, we promote an inclusive and diverse firm culture. These include: Women’s Network, Halo Network, Black Affinity and Asian Affinity Network, Enabled Network.
Secondments
Secondments at our offices worldwide or with clients (e.g. Brussels, London, New York, Shanghai) provide our employees with valuable insights into international client work and at the same time strengthen their internal network.