Community impact
Freshfields Aspiring Professionals Programme
The Freshfields Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP) is a social mobility outreach programme created in partnership between Freshfields and the Social Mobility Foundation to support talented young people from social mobility ‘cold spot’ areas.
The programme aims to encourage social mobility and racial equality for students by raising aspirations, building confidence in a professional setting and establishing professional networks. Each year APP offers 100 students from lower socio-economic and diverse backgrounds the opportunity to get an insight into a career in the City.
“This week has been a great insight into the work of an international commercial firm,” said one recent Aspiring Professionals student. “The people are all a credit to the firm and have truly made this experience.”
London Managing Partner Claire Wills said that Freshfields strongly believes that career success should not be defined by an individual’s social background or ethnicity. “We feel we need to do what we can to address the systemic issues which create barriers for many.”
Sarah Atkinson, CEO of the Social Mobility Foundation, said the pandemic has highlighted and increased barriers which prevent disadvantaged young people achieving their potential. “This is a significant commitment from Freshfields and we are delighted to be partnering with them to deliver this exciting programme.”
Year one
- Work shadowing Insights Week with a day in the office
- Freshfields mentor assigned
- Skills sessions
- University personal statement checking
Year two
- Opportunity for paid residential internships (12 avaliable)
- Skills sessions
- University interview preparation
- Pre-university events
Year three
- Skills session
- Graduate recruitment workshops
- CV, interview and application support
Student profile
Criteria
High potential
Living in a 'cold spot' area
Interested in law or business
Y12/S5
Meet PRIME social mobility criteria
Racially diverse
