At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide personalised career coaching and support to talented lawyers at Freshfields.
- Company: Join a global law firm committed to excellence and career development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lawyers' careers while working in a dynamic professional services setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching or career advisory roles, preferably in a law firm.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Freshfields, our people are our greatest asset. We are a global law firm with an uncompromising commitment to excellence — and that commitment extends to how we invest in the careers of our people. This is a rare opportunity to play a genuinely influential role in the professional lives of talented lawyers, serving as a trusted, independent voice in a firm that takes career development seriously.
The Career Advisor role sits at the heart of our UK People function, providing personalised, confidential career coaching and advisory support to Associates across our London offices. If you are passionate about unlocking potential, skilled at building trusted relationships, and energised by the complexity of a world-class professional services environment, this role offers real breadth, purpose, and impact.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of HR - UK&I, the Career Advisor acts as a dedicated and confidential resource for Associates navigating every stage of their careers at Freshfields. You will work collaboratively across the firm — partnering with Practice Group Leaders, HR Business Partners, the Diversity & Inclusion team, and Marketing and Business Development colleagues — to deliver against the firm’s broader Talent Development strategy. You will also engage closely with Freshfields’ global career development and coaching community, ensuring UK&I initiatives are aligned with and contribute to firmwide frameworks. This is a role with genuine scope: from one-to-one coaching relationships to programme design, from data-driven insight to strategic stakeholder influence.
What You’ll Do
- Coaching and individual career support: You will provide high-quality, confidential career coaching to Associates on a wide range of topics — from practice integration and relationship building to performance improvement, promotion readiness, and long-term career planning. Engagements may range from targeted, short-term interventions to sustained advisory relationships, and you will support Associates through key transitions including progression to Senior Associate or Counsel, lateral moves, secondments, and return-to-work following parental or other leave.
- Programme design and facilitation: You will design and deliver career development programmes and workshops that complement individual coaching and align with the firm’s global learning and development offering. You will also oversee the UK mentoring programme, fostering effective mentor-mentee relationships and helping Associates develop, maintain, and review meaningful individual development plans.
- Collaboration and stakeholder partnership: Working closely with HR Business Partners and Resource Managers, you will translate performance feedback into clear, actionable development plans and help Associates track progress against firmwide career frameworks. You will maintain strong relationships with partners, Marketing and Business Development, and the alumni network to surface external development opportunities, strategic secondments, and client-facing experiences. You will also partner with external coaching providers — in areas such as neurodiversity support, early careers coaching, and outplacement — ensuring quality and value.
- Diversity, inclusion, and integration: You will work alongside the Diversity & Inclusion team to support the development and retention of a diverse Associate population and leadership pipeline, and will play an active role in embedding lateral hires quickly and effectively into the firm.
- Insight and continuous improvement: You will use analytics and reporting to monitor the impact of coaching interventions, identify demographic and retention trends, and translate insight into engaging dashboards that demonstrate return on investment. Your observations will also feed into the broader Learning and Development agenda, helping to strengthen talent initiatives across the UK.
What We’re Looking For
You will bring significant experience in professional development, coaching, or a career advisory capacity — ideally within a law firm or professional services environment — along with a genuine understanding of the legal profession and the career landscape within it. Specifically, we are looking for:
- A bachelor’s degree, and a coaching certification or equivalent (strongly preferred)
- Demonstrable experience in a professional development, coaching, or career advisory role within a law firm, professional services firm, or academic institution; law firm practice experience is a strong advantage
- Familiarity with legal career frameworks and the broader legal market
- Exceptional judgement and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
- The interpersonal skills and credibility to build trusted relationships across practice groups, seniority levels, and geographies — both in person and remotely
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style for diverse stakeholders
- Strong analytical and organisational capability, with the confidence to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
- Proficiency in MS Office and HR systems, with the aptitude to learn new platforms quickly
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered on the basis of merit alone. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
Career Coach employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At Freshfields, we pride ourselves on being a leading global law firm that truly values its people, offering a dynamic work culture where professional growth is paramount. As a Career Coach in our London offices, you will have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the careers of talented Associates, supported by a collaborative environment and comprehensive development programmes. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every employee has the resources and support needed to thrive in their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career Coach
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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We think you need these skills to ace Career Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Dormont Manufacturing Co. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Dormont Manufacturing Co and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
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Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Dormont Manufacturing Co's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Dormont Manufacturing Co and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
