Clifford Chance

 
 

The Firm

We are one of the world's largest law firms, with significant depth and range of resources across five continents.

As a single, fully integrated, global partnership, we pride ourselves on our approachable, collegial and team-based way of working.

We always strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, which include corporates from all the commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies and not-for-profit organisations. We provide them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the Firm's global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Last, but not least, we aim to be easy to work with, down to earth and approachable.

Early Careers and Graduate Opportunities

SPARK Programme

  • What it is: A long-term programme (9 months over two academic years) for students early in undergraduate study (first-year for a 3-year law degree; second-year for a 4-year law degree; or penultimate year non-law students).

  • Purpose: To offer insight into a career in commercial law, build skills (commercial awareness, legal knowledge, etc.), give exposure to the firm, and provide a route that may lead to a Training Contract interview.

  • Components: Includes classroom learning, workshops, work shadowing, networking, community and pro bono elements, skills training. Some parts are paid (£500 per week) for certain weeks.

  • Outcomes: If you successfully complete SPARK, you may be invited to interview for a Training Contract.

Training Contract

  • Length & structure: Two years of formal training (seated in different practice areas) in London. You rotate through seats, with seat allocation via a points system so you have some say in areas you might prefer. There are also opportunities for international or client secondments.

  • Qualification route: Includes preparation for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exam) and/or conversion courses for non-law graduates (e.g. PGDL). All future trainees are required to complete SQE1 & SQE2, even if previously did LPC.

  • Support & learning: Induction programme, development meetings, mentors and partner sponsors, global academy training, resilience and wellbeing support.

  • Benefits & pay: First year trainees salary listed (£56,000 in London), plus benefits (health, pensions, etc.) and opportunities to get exposure to high profile work.

Events Series

  • Clifford Chance runs a range of virtual and in-person events for students and graduates, aimed at different stages of the early careers journey.

  • Types of events include:
      • Insight Days (e.g. focused on London, on the Middle East, etc.) – these give exposure to life at the firm, senior lawyers’ work, Q&A panels, workshops.
      • Virtual Skills Sessions – application process advice, interview skill building, commercial awareness, etc.
      • Flagship events – often in partnership with external organisations or themed around current affairs topics (e.g. geopolitical risk, trade).

  • Purpose: To support prospective applicants, build awareness, help people understand the application process, develop relevant skills, demystify what working in a firm like Clifford Chance is like.