The Vacancy




Shape Your Future in Law



At Fieldfisher, we believe talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always come equally.



That is why we created Pathways to Practice - our award-winning paid insight and work experience programme designed to support talented students from underrepresented backgrounds who are considering a career in commercial law.



New for 2027, we are delighted to launch our dedicated first-year university programme, providing an earlier opportunity to explore the legal profession, develop key professional skills, and build meaningful connections within the industry.



Pathways to Practice is more than just work experience. It is an opportunity to gain real insight into life at a leading European law firm, develop your confidence and commercial awareness, and begin building a long-term relationship with Fieldfisher.




What You Will Gain



During the programme, you will have the opportunity to:

• Attend a virtual induction covering key workplace tools, including Teams, Outlook and Microsoft Word.

• Take part in sessions on using AI in the workplace, law firms as a business, personal brand, commercial awareness and presentation skills.

• Join an in-person induction to meet the Early Careers team, learn more about Fieldfisher and take part in an office tour.

• Gain insight into Fieldfisher's practice areas through a department roadshow and three days of allocated work shadowing.

• Work collaboratively on a team exercise, including a mock negotiation, and deliver a final team presentation.

• Network with trainees, apprentices and colleagues through lunches, social activities and informal conversations.

• Reflect on whether a career in commercial law is right for you.

Why Pathways to Practice?



We know that entering the legal profession can feel challenging if you do not have existing networks or access to opportunities.



Pathways to Practice has been designed to help remove barriers, increase access and provide meaningful experience that enables students to make informed decisions about their future careers. The programme forms an important part of our commitment to inclusion, social mobility, and developing the next generation of legal talent.



We want every participant to leave the programme with:

• Greater confidence in their own ability.

• A stronger understanding of the legal sector.

• New professional connections.

• Enhanced workplace and career readiness skills.

• A clearer understanding of the pathways available within the legal profession.

Programme Highlights

• Work shadowing and practical tasks.

• Skills and employability workshops.

• Networking opportunities with colleagues across the firm.

• Insight sessions from lawyers and business services professionals.

• Presentations and group projects.

• Exposure to our inclusion networks and community initiatives.

• Opportunities to learn about emerging topics such as AI, technology, and innovation in the legal sector.

Our Commitment to Inclusion



At Fieldfisher, inclusion is at the heart of who we are. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed and feel a sense of belonging.



We welcome applications from talented students from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. Accessibility adjustments and support are available throughout the application and programme journey. Our colleagues, inclusion networks and Early Careers team work together to ensure all participants can thrive and perform at their best.




A Pathway, Not Just a Programme



Pathways to Practice is designed to be the beginning of your relationship with Fieldfisher, not simply two weeks of work experience.



Our aim is to help you develop the skills, confidence and insight needed to pursue a successful career in commercial law, while building a talent pipeline that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.



Whatever your background, if you have the ambition to succeed, we want to help you realise your potential.




Eligibility Criteria



To apply for the Pathways to Practice Insight Scheme, you should:

• Be in the first year of an undergraduate degree (or second year of a four-year course) at the point of application.


• Be interested in pursuing a career in commercial law.


• Be able to demonstrate a genuine motivation to learn more about the legal sector and the work of Fieldfisher.


• Have achieved ABB at A-Level (or equivalent).


• Be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the programme.


• Identify with one or more groups currently underrepresented within the legal profession.

We recognise that talent and potential are not defined solely by academic achievement. We welcome applications from individuals whose circumstances may have affected their educational journey and encourage candidates to share any contextual information within their application.




The Company



We are not a UK firm with offices in Europe. We are a European law firm at our core. While our HQ is London, we are spreading across Europe at pace. In addition to UK, China and Silicon Valley we have offices in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.



With 1,800 people across 28 offices across 14 countries you might expect an impersonal office culture, but you will find a homely, family feel even in the largest offices.




Quality on both sides

Across all our offices and jurisdictions are market-leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences.



We count as clients large corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions.



We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. Applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role.




Testimonials




Charley Guille



"Throughout my time at Fieldfisher from the vacation scheme, time as a paralegal and my training contract, the firm has lived up to its friendly, open, and collaborative culture. As a trainee, fee earners are genuinely interested in your development and pushing you to achieve your potential, not just in your training contract but in your career.



The firm's reputation across its practice areas provides an excellent environment to train where you are trusted to deal with interesting work. The opportunity to spend 6 months in Silicon Valley provided me with a unique experience in a practice area I enjoyed with regular client contact and business development opportunities (as well as some great road trips!)."




Abbie Griffiths



"I started my journey at Fieldfisher as a Paralegal in the Birmingham office in December 2018 and became a Trainee Solicitor in September 2019.



On my first day in the office as a Paralegal in the Employment team, I was welcomed and approached by all, including partners, solicitors, and secretarial staff, who were all keen to know more about me and my ambitions for the future. It was clear to me from that day forwards that not only had I joined an international law firm with market-leading practices, but also a network of people who would support, encourage and help me become the best solicitor that I can be.



The Birmingham office offers trainees seats in Real Estate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, and Corporate, with the option to apply for secondments. Our clients are mostly international and high-profile, making the work exciting, dynamic, and complex. Each team is committed to exposing their trainees to a wide variety of work, and always ensure trainees attend client calls and meetings which are invaluable learning experiences.



The office is situated on Blythe Valley Business Park, which is a ten minute commute from Birmingham International train station and Solihull Town Centre. The office is surrounded by greenery, making lunchtime walks, exercise, and picnics outside a regular occurrence. There are cafes situated on the park offering a variety of lunch options, and a Virgin Active gym which offers a number of exercise classes before and after work.



In my opinion, Fieldfisher is a leading law firm that offers a good work-life balance, challenging work, and the skills and resources to help trainees reach their full potential. I feel very lucky to represent the firm as a Trainee Solicitor"




Minhaal Datoo



"I was drawn to a career at Fieldfisher because of the quality of the training, the culture of the firm, and the strong emphasis on diversity.



I secured a vacation scheme through the Diversity Access Scheme, and after that, I accepted a training contract at the firm. As a trainee, the work can often be challenging. However, Fieldfisher has a great culture which means everyone is happy to help you when needed, your contributions are genuinely appreciated and you are valued not just as a professional, but as an individual too."