Patrick Ko – Partner

It's hard to believe I've worked for Freshfields for 12 years - it seems to have flown by. After graduating from university, I was fortunate enough to have a number of firms interested in me but I knew Freshfields was the smart choice. I was attracted to the firm's approach and ethos - yes, you work hard, but you are also encouraged to develop your interests outside the office.

I joined Freshfields before the merger with Bruckhaus and despite the growth the firm has maintained the same feel. By that I mean we continue to work together as one unit rather than a disparate set of offices that occasionally deal with each other - and this closeness fosters real team spirit both within offices and across our international network.

At the moment I'm currently based in the Middle East practising corporate law in the Dubai office and with our alliance firm in Riyadh, a transition made easier by the fact that I already know people here. I'm finding the challenge of learning new laws and adapting to different legal systems particularly fulfilling and have worked on a number of interesting mergers and acquisition mandates. I've also been involved in capital markets work, as well as advising government sovereign entities on internal corporate policies and procedures.

Last year I received a phone call to tell me I was being made up to partner. It was a real pleasure to return to the 'mother ship' in London for my partner induction and to meet colleagues from other offices and catch up with friends. I've only ever worked for this firm but I still know choosing Freshfields was the right decision for me.