Fried Frank’s prestigious client base of major corporations, investment funds, financial institutions and business leaders consistently seeks our counsel across top-tier transactional and contentious matters.

With more than 800 lawyers located in key financial and business centers, we bring a pragmatic, business-oriented approach to every engagement – advising clients through the full life cycle of business, developing impactful, long-term relationships.

Fried Frank offers a premier training programme where trainees gain hands-on experience on transformative transactions and landmark matters that shape industries, markets and skylines. Over two years, trainees rotate across four practice areas, working alongside top partners, associates and business services professionals, with personalized mentorship ensures guiding them every step of the way.

Our program emphasizes the development of critical legal skills – including research, writing, negotiation and strategic thinking – through real-world experience on high-profile matters. Trainees also participate in workshops and seminars led by leading practitioners, ensuring they stay at the forefront of legal developments and industry trends.

At Fried Frank, trainees don’t just learn the law – they contribute to work that defines the firm’s reputation and impacts clients globally.

Find more information about the training contracts programe here: London training contracts brochure.

Fried Frank offers currently does not offer vacation schemes.

Fried Frank offers a fresh and individualistic training programe, working as part of a close-knit team with a practical and hands-on approach to learning. Trainees will have direct access to a combination of US and UK expertise, working for clients on European and international transactions. Trainees will spend six months working with partners and associates across four departments, gaining a broad knowledge of the law to become a commercial partner to clients.

Our trainees spend their two-year training contract working with partners and associates across four departments, gaining a broad knowledge of the law on their way to becoming a commercial partner to our clients.

As well as on-the-job training from each department, all trainees receive quarterly 1-2-1 coaching and personal development training throughout their training contract via an external career coach. Trainees rotate between four seats, each six months long. During these seats, trainees have the opportunity to experience different practice areas and build on their experience and knowledge of the frim.

Practice areas where trainees can have a seat are:

• M&A and private equity
• corporate real estate
• corporate finance
• asset management
• antitrust

At Fried Frank we believe that feedback is key, and you will receive ongoing feedback from your seat supervisor, as well as other associates and partners within the team. The firm encourages trainees to take control of their training by actively seeking feedback and networking across the firm.

For all our future trainees we will provide support and sponsorship for them to complete their SQE1 and 2.  During the time they complete their SQE1 and 2 they will be provided a maintenace grant of £13,000

Inclusive Talent Management – Learn more about inclusion at Fried Frank etc.

Inclusion is about leveraging the knowledge, insight and capabilities of talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to the benefit of both our clients and the Firm. By bringing a multicultural perspective we can handle global business challenges in a more tailored and nuanced way.

Our Inclusive Talent Management team is committed to upholding and advancing Fried Frank's legacy as a workplace where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, inclusion is intentional and belonging is deeply felt. As a firm rooted in integrity, collaboration and excellence, we strive to attract, develop and retain top talent by providing access to meaningful career opportunities that empower individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

The firm maintains six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that meet regularly to cultivate community and lead various programs designed to facilitate critical conversations and foster cultural connections.

Fried Frank was also included on Seramount's 2026 100 Best Companies list, which recognises organisations leading in diversity, belonging and family-friendly benefits.

Insights – diversity data

The data provided in the 'Insights' box within the 'Extra info' section below is based on who has consented to have it shared and doesn’t necessarily reflect our firm’s exact diversity data.

• M&A
• Private equity
• Asset management
• Finance
• Real estate
• Antitrust

• Corporate & Commercial

• London

• London

• Inspire
• Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
• LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group)
• Schools Consent Project

• Inspire!
• InterLaw Diversity Forum
• PRIME