Application Hints and Tips

What we look for

We are interested in who you are and the strengths you can bring, we do not look to fill a particular mould.

We recruit employees from a diverse range of backgrounds who we think exemplify our core values of fulfilment, teamwork, excellence, and commerciality.

We look for:

  • students who want to pursue a career in commercial law and who demonstrate a commercial awareness
  • students who demonstrate strong abilities in their legal studies and show they have consistently applied themselves throughout their degree
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • evidence of a balanced university life—someone who has also worked throughout their degree, who has played in a band or joined sporting teams
  • evidence of ability to work effectively in a team.

Your application

An application is an important document that defines a person as an individual and successfully markets their skills and experience. We look for well-rounded applications which highlight strengths and give a balanced picture.

Your application should include:

  • a brief cover letter outlining your interests and suitability for a position at the firm
  • a current CV outlining work experience, extra-curricular activities, academic and non-academic achievements, and
  • a recent copy of your academic transcript.

We also ask all candidates to answer a few short questions about their interest in Freehills and commercial law generally.

Tips for your application

  • Tell us why you are interested in working with us.
  • Show us that you’ve done some research on the firm.
  • Summarise your key skills, interests, extra-curricular activities and work experience.
  • Make sure you spell the name of the firm correctly and the name of the person to whom you’re sending the application.
  • Always check your application carefully for spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Make sure you get your application in on time—allow time for any technical problems.

Your interview

The interview is a two-way process—make the most of the opportunity to find out more about the firm. This is as much an opportunity for you to see if you want to work with us, as it is for us to assess you.

Tips for your interview

Prepare for your interview—talk to people you know who work at the firm about their experiences. Attend careers fairs and campus presentations, talk to representatives from the firm and ask lots of questions.

  • Do your research—keep an eye out for recent news about the firm, clients, competitors and areas in which we work.
  • See what other people are saying about the firm, check the legal directories such as Chambers Global, PLC Which Lawyer?, Asia Pacific Legal 500.
  • Look at interviewer profiles before your interview.
  • Practise for the interview with friends or family.
  • Read through your initial application before your interview to refresh your memory.
  • Be punctual.
  • Be confident and enthusiastic throughout the interview.
  • Be honest, try to relax and be yourself.
  • Make eye contact with the interviewers; try not to fidget, it can be distracting.
  • Emphasise your strengths and potential, not your shortcomings.
  • Prepare some questions that you really want to know the answers to.
  • Take a breath before answering a question, it can help you sound less nervous.