Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a leading global law firm with a strong European presence and a robust network across the UK, Continental Europe, Asia, the US, the Middle East, and North Africa. Registered as a limited liability partnership in England and Wales, Freshfields operates with approximately 5,900 partners and staff worldwide. The firm is renowned for advising major international organizations on complex legal and regulatory challenges, including EU policy and legislative developments. Its Brussels office, established in 1989, serves as a key hub for its Regulatory and Public Affairs teams, which also operate from Berlin and London.
Freshfields combines legal expertise with strategic policy advice, enabling clients to navigate EU and national legislative frameworks effectively. Their services include building client profiles with decision-makers in Brussels, Berlin, and London; identifying risks and opportunities in policy developments; influencing legislative debates; and advising on compliance with EU transparency and lobbying regulations. The firm’s cross-border capabilities and ‘one firm’ mindset allow it to handle complex multi-jurisdictional matters, integrating legal, political, and business insights seamlessly.
The firm’s public affairs consultants (11 in number) work closely with lawyers to support clients in sectors such as financial services, competition, trade, and sustainability. Freshfields also emphasizes responsible business practices, including modern slavery risk assessment and supplier management, reflecting its commitment to ethical standards in supply chains and procurement globally.
Freshfields’ client portfolio includes high-profile names such as PayPal, Airbnb, Experian, and the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. Clients value the firm for its high standard of service, deep regulatory knowledge, and ability to foster trusted relationships with EU officials. The firm has a strong reputation for combining legal advice with public affairs strategies to influence EU policy effectively, particularly in areas like insolvency law harmonization and financial services regulation.
The firm’s lobbying activities are registered with the EU Transparency Register since October 22, 2015. It has a proven track record of supporting multinational clients in shaping EU law and policy, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to deliver strategic insights and influence
