The Future Lawyer of the Year Award

Are you the Future Lawyer of the Year?

We’re searching UK universities to find the Future Lawyer Undergraduate of the Year! Do you see law as more than just rules to learn? Are you curious about how the law can shape society, challenge barriers and drive meaningful change? We’re looking for undergraduates who bring curiosity, fresh thinking and determination to the way they approach legal challenges.

This is more than an award, it’s your opportunity to showcase your potential, get recognised by Freshfields and take the next step towards your legal career. You’ll have the chance to demonstrate your critical and ethical thinking, share your ideas and show us what the future of law could look like.

‍Enter if you are‍

A current undergraduate student at a university in the UK
Interested in Law and studying a degree of any discipline
On track for a 2:1 degree

Apply now

Prizes

What could you win?

Win £1,000 to invest in a professional development course of your choice!

Whether that's leadership training, public speaking, negotiation skills, project management, or any specialised area that will enhance your professional skills to become a lawyer. On top of that, you'll enjoy an exclusive dinner with Freshfields partners, offering you a unique opportunity to build connections, gain career insights, and learn directly from leaders at the very top of the legal world.

Apply now

what it takes

What makes an award winner?

A Future Lawyer of the Year isn't just someone with strong academic results, they're a forward-thinking problem-solver who can see beyond the textbook. They're curious about the world around them, committed to justice and equality, and able to apply innovative legal thinking to real-world challenges. The Future Lawyer of the Year should:

Show curiosity about society, justice, and the law's role in driving positive change
Bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to complex legal and ethical issues
Demonstrate resilience and adaptability when navigating complexity and ambiguity.

Apply now

FROM OUR PARTNER

Freshfields and the Future Lawyer of the Year Award

Freshfields has defined what it means to be a global elite law firm, leading the profession for nearly 300 years with quality, innovation, and impact. With 32 offices worldwide, we advise the world’s most influential businesses on their most critical issues, from market-defining transactions to high-stakes disputes that set global precedent.

Our reputation is built on excellence. The Being Freshfields values of respect, support, openness, and excellence underpin a culture where exceptional talent thrives. We believe that the most successful legal careers are founded on collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of the highest standards.

At Freshfields you will join a firm where heritage and ambition combine. From your first day you will work alongside some of the brightest legal minds, advising global clients and gaining exposure to complex, high-value matters. You will develop across practice areas and sectors while also contributing to initiatives that deliver real impact through our pro bono and community commitments.

We are dedicated to equality and diversity, recognising that the strongest teams draw on a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Whatever your background, you will find the support, resources, and opportunities to shape your ambition into lasting impact.

going all the way

How do I win?

Register

To apply, you’ll need to:

Register for the Undergraduate of the Year Awards
Complete three SHL assessments: a personality questionnaire, situational judgement test and reasoning test

Deadline: 12pm (midday), Monday 25 January 2027.

Extended Deadline:

January

2026

Online tests

Deadline:

January

2026

Submit by

26 January

2026

Remember, please make sure you allow enough time to complete all three assessments before the deadline.

If you’re successful in progressing to the next stage, we’ll be in touch by 26 February 2027 with details of what happens next.

Assessment

If you successfully pass the initial application and screening stage, your application will be reviewed by Freshfileds.

From there, you could be invited to take part in networking, interviews, an assessment centre or other activities designed to help you showcase your skills and get to know Freshfields.

Full details will be given to successful students.

Grand final

Made it to the final? Congratulations!

The final shortlisted students will be invited to join us at the Undergraduate of the Year Awards ceremony on 16 April 2027, where we’ll celebrate their achievements and reveal the winner of each award.

Could you be taking home the trophy? Good luck!

Apply now

How do I win?

Register

To apply, you’ll need to:

Register for the Undergraduate of the Year Awards
Complete three SHL assessments: a personality questionnaire, situational judgement test and reasoning test

Deadline: 12pm (midday), Monday 25 January 2027.

Online tests

Deadline:

January

2026

Submit by

26 January

2026

Remember, please make sure you allow enough time to complete all three assessments before the deadline.

If you’re successful in progressing to the next stage, we’ll be in touch by 26 February 2027 with details of what happens next.

Assessment

If you successfully pass the initial application and screening stage, your application will be reviewed by Freshfileds.

From there, you could be invited to take part in networking, interviews, an assessment centre or other activities designed to help you showcase your skills and get to know Freshfields.

Full details will be given to successful students.

Grand final

Made it to the final? Congratulations!

Could you be taking home the trophy? Good luck!

Apply now