Law · 7-10% acceptance rate

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Interview Preparation

Leading international firm in M&A, antitrust, and competition law

3,500+

Applications

7-10%

Offer rate

$225k

Starting salary

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Freshfields — HireVue Practice

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30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Application process

How to get into Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer — step by step

Application Submission

Year-round

Highlight antitrust, competition, M&A, or regulatory experience. Mention awareness of EU and US competition regimes.

First Interview

September-November

Expect questions about merger control, abuse of dominance, and Freshfields' market position. Demonstrate regulatory awareness.

Callback Interviews

October-December

Meet 5-6 lawyers across practices. Discuss merger analysis, competition law issues, and transaction strategy. Show technical knowledge.

Summer Associate Program

June-August

Freshfields offers summers. Work on real merger reviews, competition investigations, and M&A transactions.

Full-Time Extension

August

Strong performance typically leads to full-time offers.

Interview questions

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Explain the difference between merger control under the FTC and the Sherman Act.
2What triggers merger notification under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act?
3Describe the concept of "abuse of dominance" under U.S. antitrust law.

What they value

What Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer looks for in candidates

Regulatory Deep Dive

Freshfields is an antitrust leader. Show strong understanding of FTC/DOJ enforcement, Hart-Scott-Rodino, and competition policy.

International Sophistication

Freshfields handles global transactions with complex multijurisdictional competition issues. Awareness of EU, UK, and Asia-Pacific regimes is valuable.

Analytical Rigor

Competition law requires complex economic and legal analysis. Demonstrate strong reasoning and ability to master technical concepts.

Client Relationships

Freshfields advises Fortune 500 companies and major corporates on critical competition matters. Show commitment to client service.

M&A Transaction Experience

Most competition work arises in M&A. Show understanding of deal mechanics and how antitrust impacts timing and structure.

Compensation

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer salary & benefits

Graduate

$225,000

Intern

$3,850/week (summer associate, prorated ~$190k)

Bonus

$35k-$50k+ (varies by year and practice)

Perks & benefits

Comprehensive health & dental coverage401(k) matchingCLE and professional development budgetCommuter/transportation benefitsWellness and fitness programs

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Specialized expertise: Freshfields is globally renowned for competition and antitrust excellence. Work on high-stakes enforcement matters and complex transactions.

Intellectual rigor: Competition law attracts brilliant analytical minds. Culture emphasizes deep expertise and thoughtful legal problem-solving.

International collaboration: Offices across major markets. Regular collaboration on cross-border mergers and enforcement investigations.

Client prestige: Advise Fortune 500 companies, technology giants, and international corporations on critical regulatory matters.

Career development: Clear path to partnership. Freshfields invests in training and mentorship. Strong alternative career tracks available.

Insider tips

How to stand out at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Research Freshfields' competition and antitrust practice. Understand the firm's leadership in the field and recent major matters.

Show knowledge of current antitrust enforcement trends: FTC/DOJ priorities, high-profile cases, merger enforcement patterns.

Discuss a recent significant merger (e.g., healthcare, tech) from a competition law perspective. Show regulatory analysis skills.

Demonstrate interest in both EU and US competition law. Global perspective is valued.

Express genuine passion for antitrust or competition law, not just interest in general corporate work.

Compare

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer	$225,000	—/week	Specialized expertise: Freshfields is gl...	—
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Leading antitrust boutique. Powerhouse regulatory practice.	Government positions (FTC/DOJ), in-house counsel, corporate development.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom	$225k	2,000-2,150/year	Full-service leader with strong M&A and regulatory practices.	Investment banks, PE funds, in-house counsel, government.
Latham & Watkins	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	Global firm with growing antitrust and regulatory focus.	Tech company counsel, PE/VC funds, financial services.
Cleary Gottlieb	$225k	2,000-2,200/year	International firm with strong M&A and regulatory capabilities.	Banking/finance counsel, multinational in-house, VC/PE.

FAQ

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer FAQs

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