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Freshfields LLP

London, UK / New York, NY·16 offices

Firm Overview

Freshfields is one of the world's preeminent law firms, with a storied history and an M&A, antitrust, and arbitration practice that is among the finest globally. The firm has made aggressive investments in its US platform, hiring laterally to build genuine New York and Washington depth alongside its dominant European practice.

Associate Experience

Associates at Freshfields in the US work on high-profile cross-border matters with a genuinely elite caliber of clients. The firm's culture reflects its European roots — more measured than Wall Street's most demanding firms, but the work quality and client access are exceptional.

Lateral Recruiting Context

Freshfields has been one of the most active lateral recruiting firms in New York as it builds out its US platform. For laterals who want elite-quality global work with significant European deal flow, the firm is one of the most interesting destinations in the market.

Exploring Opportunities at Freshfields?

VortexLegal has relationships at Freshfields and can give you a candid read on whether your background is a strong fit — and what the lateral process typically looks like.

Rankings

TierAmLaw 100

Firm Size

Total Lawyers2,674
Associates1,853
Partners519
Counsel237
Assoc : Partner3.6 : 1

*as of May 2026

Chambers USA Band 1

  • Antitrust
  • M&A (Europe)
  • Arbitration

Practice Strengths

M&AAntitrust/CompetitionArbitrationFinanceRestructuringLitigation

Key Markets

New YorkWashington DCSilicon ValleyLondonParisFrankfurtAmsterdamBrusselsViennaMadrid+6 more