The organisation
Clifford Chance is an international law firm with offices in 20 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. As Global Law Firm of the Year*, we’ve built our reputation on exceeding our clients’ expectations while establishing an open, approachable and team-driven environment.

Our clients look to us to provide creative commercial solutions for a wide range of business issues. Our lawyers combine technical expertise with an appreciation of the commercial environment in which our clients work. They advise internationally and domestically, under both common and civil law systems, across six key business areas: Banking & Finance; Capital Markets; Corporate; Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Real Estate; and Tax, Pensions & Employment.

Application and selection
Applications can be made online at www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk. The selection process consists of an online verbal reasoning test followed by assessment day comprising an interview with a commercial question, a group exercise and a paper verbal reasoning test.

Graduate opportunities
There’s no typical Clifford Chance person. We recruit from a wide range of law and non-law backgrounds, and from over 55 universities in the UK and internationally. As a trainee, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a uniquely global perspective. We actively encourage our lawyers to develop international experience. So if you’re interested in an international secondment, you could get the chance to spend six months abroad.

You will receive legal and business training that will provide you with the best foundation for your career. Our recruitment strategy is based on a long-term view. Put simply, we want you to stay with us on qualification and contribute to the continued success of Clifford Chance. We are a diverse multicultural firm and we expect and encourage our trainees to develop in directions that reflect their individual talents and style.

There are lots of reasons you’ll take a shine to us: the leading-edge training, the international opportunities and the chance to become part of one of the world’s leading professional services organisations. Then there’s the competitive salary, our open, supportive environment and a great benefits package including: a subsidised restaurant; free use of fitness centre, swimming pool, squash courts and wellness centre; the option of up to six weeks’ leave on qualification and a pension.

Starting salary: £35,700 for first year trainees.

Minimum qualifications: 2:1 law or non-law degree.


Method of Application
Please complete the application form online at www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk

Application Deadlines for Training
We are currently recruiting for graduates to start their training contracts in August 2010/February 2011. Law students/graduates should aim to apply by July 31st 2008 for assessment in September 2008. We would encourage non-law students/graduates to apply by January 31st 2008 for assessment in February and March 2008, but please note that we do accept applications throughout the year.

Please apply online at www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk.

Vacation Placements
We run two-day winter workshops, which are based in our London office, and longer schemes during the spring or summer. Your placement will expose you to real and interesting ‘live’ projects within a close-knit team environment. There is a strong social element and you will enjoy a range of informal events with trainee solicitors, lawyers and partners. A number of international placements will also be available during the summer. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to spend two weeks in London, followed by two weeks in one of our European offices.

Application Deadlines for Vacation schemes and workshops
Apply for a place on our vacation schemes or winter workshops by visiting www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk and completing the online form. For winter workshops, you need to apply by 23 November 2007. For spring and summer vacation schemes, you need to apply by 31 January 2008.

Please note that we consider applications as they are received. It’s therefore important to apply as soon as possible. We hold interviews at our London office and regionally.

For details of Training Contract and Vacation opportunities please visit our website: www.cliffordchance.com/gradsuk

*Who’s Who Legal Awards 2007