Alexander Doorman – Associate

I joined Freshfields' Amsterdam office in 2002 when it was in its infancy. I planned to be a banker and completed a first degree in finance, followed by a law degree. A two month student traineeship with Freshfields completely changed my career path. Rather than starting with basic paperwork, I was involved with international cases and clients from day one. And I felt excited to be an integral part of a team that was working to establish itself in the marketplace, thriving in a culture which promotes and supports initiative.

I have just completed two secondments in London and Shanghai, something that is open to all Freshfields' lawyers. This confirms to me the value that Freshfields puts on its lawyers being interesting, well-rounded and truly international.

Being a Freshfields' lawyer is so much more than just learning and practising law. More people now want their lawyers to be someone who can give them input at a broader level, so read the paper, open your eyes, the world is more than just your office. I have learnt to be resourceful, open-minded and deal creatively with problems. It's often the non-legal aspects of my work that are most challenging, being a lawyer is only 50% about the rules, and the other half is management, talking to people and dealing with clients. These are things you have no idea are important at law school. Bureaucracy isn't part of the Freshfields way; you will regularly work with, and learn from, senior associates and partners.

We do not recruit stereotypes. If you walk around our office, you will find former members of the Dutch national hockey team and people with PhDs in completely unrelated fields. Working here is like being part of an elite club of people who know how to have fun. It would be arrogant to say we are the only law firm out there. We need to differentiate on other levels, and often that comes down to people liking you. If I was choosing someone to sit next to at dinner, I would choose a Freshfields person every time.