Both Allen & Overy and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer had intended to auction off paid-for work experience stints in support of The Duchenne Research Fund, a charity working towards cures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, both firms have done a sudden about-face on the plan, citing concerns that offering wealthy bidders the chance to purchase experience at one of the prestigious firms would run counter to broader diversity and social mobility efforts. As the placements had been advertised as 'perfect for [a] 17-19 year old school or gap year student,' it's likely that the career-launching spots would have been purchased by parents or relatives of young aspiring-lawyers.

CSR conflicts 

'Last year we provided placements to over 150 students from less privileged backgrounds. Whilst this opportunity was well intentioned with regards to charity, it does not fit with what we are trying to achieve with those students,' said Freshfields in a statement to Legal Cheek. A similar statement from A&O said that the firm had withdrawn from the auction to ensure that there would be no conflict with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda.

Alternative support

Both firms have indicated that they will support the Duchenne Research Fund fundraiser via alternative means, with A&O specifying that a donation would be made.

Sources: Legal Cheek; RollOnFriday