Freshfields Resists ‘Magic Circle’ Tag as U.S. Growth Rolls On

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer may be able to trace its roots back to 18th century London, but after two years of aggressively building in the U.S., its leaders would prefer not to call it a Magic Circle firm.

“I don’t think the Magic Circle is a correct reference, and, at the same time, we do more than our U.S. competitors as well,” said Freshfields global managing partner Alan Mason in an interview. “It’s difficult to put us in a particular box.”

Freshfields has long been considered among the Magic Circle, a term used to describe a handful of the most prestigious ...