Clifford Chance training contract review 2025

The Firm

Picture a magic circle firm: what do you see? A “glass building and suits,” stressed trainees with their heads in their hands. While this image may sound scary, we at Chambers Student are here to tell you not to fret; Clifford Chance may be the former, but it certainly does not fall into the latter. Instead, upon their first visit, our interviewees “quickly learned it wasn’t intimidating at all!” In fact, inclusivity was the big takeaway from our conversations with Clifford Chance trainees. Yes, plenty are drawn in by its status as a London elite, but for many it was the glowing reviews about its DEI initiatives and the role they play in the firm’s culture which quickly sealed the deal. Of this, one commented: “Something that I felt with CC was a genuine belief in diversity and inclusion. They put their money where their mouth is with the pro bono and internal schemes here,” and another echoed this sentiment: “The key mix between its reputation and DEI work was a huge part of why I applied here.”

“They put their money where their mouth is with the pro bono and internal schemes here.”

It almost goes without saying that CC's reputation would attract any candidate to its doors, our sister guide Chambers UK considers the firm among the best of the best across banking and finance, competition law, corporate/M&A, capital markets (debt, equity, and securitisation), commercial and corporate litigation, and many more. But it doesn't stop there, over at Chambers Global, Clifford takes the number three spot in the table of firms with the highest number of ranked departments. Once again, globally, it's noted for its work in, you guessed it, corporate/M&A, capital markets (debt, equity, and securitisation), dispute resolution etc . Evidently, the firm is well known for its transactional work, so it’s no surprise that training contracts here are often finance-heavy. But this was no problem for our insiders, who were also keen on the firm’s large trainee cohort (“because I thought there would be a more built-up trainee infrastructure”) and exciting secondment opportunities (more on these below!).

The Seats

Clifford Chance has a unique seat allocation process as it’s “kind of like bidding in an auction for the seats you want.” Trainees start with 200 points to spend across their four seats and the highest bidders win. Unsuccessful bidders get their points back to spend in the next round. Word of advice from a couple of veterans: “act like you’ll get two seats, not four” and bid lots of points on just your top two seats, as “that’s how you get the ones you want.” While this system is subject to change in future years, several of our interviewees thought the process is “generally transparent and works well” as it “avoids workplace nepotism and other factors.”

Both international and client secondments are available to trainees, but usually only during their second year. “They email us about opportunities for third and fourth seats, so we have notice for points,” one explained, “you have to say if you want coveted ones in cities like Paris and Sydney, or companies like Amazon.” Many of the client secondments are to charities or other NGOs such as the Mary Ward Clinic and the Centre for Sports and Human Rights. Other opportunities include banks, investors, and private equity houses, so “they do span the whole range of practices.” Most international opportunities are to Clifford Chance’s overseas offices, but some are to clients like Airbus, which is based in Toulouse, or clients based in Ireland. If you want to do a particular seat but don’t have the credits for it in the London office, they might send you off to an office abroad to sit in that department. This is a win regardless, because “it gives you the chance to see how massive the Clifford Chance network is.”

All trainees must sit in litigation, and “you’re strongly encouraged to do a seat within global financial markets – the big finance group.” Since global financial markets work (GFM) makes up about 50% of the seats on offer, “most people end up doing one. Even if you’re not interested in finance, it’s such a core area of the firm.”

One subdivision under the finance umbrella is the asset finance team. Compared to other departments, there’s “a much higher volume of transactions to get involved in” and these often involve other jurisdictions, so the work “can have a more international feel.” Matters are “often aviation-focused,” though the department also covers rail and shipping finance, and we heard it was “exciting” to be “dealing with an asset that was moving through different jurisdictions.” Recently, the firm acted as lead counsel to a syndicate of twelve major banks in relation to a warehouse facility agreement for the financing of 18 aircraft with AerCap in a matter worth almost $1 billion. If all of that flew over your head (pun intended), don’t worry: there is also a “very, very good emphasis on training and development” in this group with training sessions every week or two.

Capital markets is one of the firm’s larger teams: “We have a whole floor – debt capital markets, equity capital markets, trusts.” Most trainees work on programme updates, but “the work you get really depends on your supervisor.” The “biggest, most prestigious practice in debt” is the sovereign debt team, which helps countries manage their finances. For example, Clifford Chance advises Sri Lanka on its domestic and external debt restructuring. The firm also advised the joint lead managers on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s issuing of $715 million Green Bonds, which are a type of fixed-income investment utilised to fund environmentally sustainable projects.

“…they welcome you as part of the team.”

The seat in “litigation was bonkers, absolutely bonkers” due to how high-profile the department’s cases are. “It’s such a big department, you end up working with specific people; you tend to stick within a team more than any other seat,” so the type of matters trainees work on depends quite heavily on what their supervisor and team do. The banking litigation team often represents major international banks and other high-profile financial institutions. In headline news, Clifford Chance defended Morgan Stanley in a lawsuit brought by the Frasers Group boss Mike Ashley. The property litigation team has many banks and corporations on its books alongside plenty of property projects in London, such as advising Canary Wharf Group on the development of its estate and issues with tenants. Trainees were generally positive about their time here, especially because “the juniors were lovely and so supportive… They don’t make you feel like an idiot, and they welcome you as part of the team.” Sources described a progression in the type of work they were given, starting with more admin-type tasks in preparation for hearings, then receiving more “academic” research tasks later in the seat. But “the proper, proper grunt work we don’t have to do; we have a great team up in Newcastle who are epic” and handle most of the admin. Better still, some “lucky” newbies even get to go to court!

Clifford Chance’s structured asset backed real estate group (better known as SABRE) is part of the GFM practice. SABRE can be sub-divided into three further groups: real estate finance; structured debt; and loan portfolios. In SABRE, “you’re told from day one that everyone will make a mistake. They say, ‘if you do, tell someone and we can do something about it; we’ll help.’ You’re by no means expected to be a rounded lawyer” when you arrive. It’s a “very supportive environment” where “the first time you’re tasked with something, you’re walked through in detail. The second time, if you’re confident, you’re given a free run.” Trainees are put in charge of document management with some opportunity for drafting. They also sit in on negotiations and attend signings and closings. Even though one interviewee found that “the work is not what I’m mostly interested in, it was nice being completely integrated into a matter” by managing all the documents, which can be 100+ per deal due to the large scale of the work. Take, for example, the firm advising Ares Management as the lead arranger on the refinancing of a property portfolio that covers thirteen hostels in nine different jurisdictions in Europe. This was part of a larger worldwide refinancing transaction, so it’s not hard to imagine where all that document management comes into the picture!

Trainee Life

So… are all the rumours about the intensity of the magic circle true? When asked about culture, one trainee confessed: “They push you hard, but that’s what you want at this stage.” Luckily, there’s “a good support system of trainees, a supervisor partner and a managing partner for support – including mental health support if you want it,” as well as workplace anti-stress initiatives like yoga sessions. “I’ve been really impressed by the partners in my department,” one insider praised. “They have 20+ years of experience but they’re still colleagues; they come to congratulate me and I’m at the bottom of the food chain,” this source laughed. More broadly, “I don’t think we’re overly traditional or overly edgy and quirky – we’re in the middle. I quite like that.”

“It’s amazing to have that group of friends you can confide in.”

In some ways, the firm defied expectations: “I’m surprised to find it’s a very party culture,” one newbie contemplated; “we’re all nerds but nerds who want to spend time together and unwind with each other, so it works.” We also heard that “the firm makes an effort to generate the connectivity between cohorts,” such as putting on trainee socials (which happen “pretty much every month”) and “when we have secondees, they invite them too. It’s nice to meet people you might not have otherwise.” Trainees “all do the LPC together, which is great because we develop that relationship with each other before the training contract. It’s amazing to have that group of friends you can confide in.”

Insiders emphasised how integral diversity, equity & inclusion is to the firm’s culture. For affinity groups, “there’s everything you could want” – from LGTBQ+ to gender inclusion and social mobility – and “there’s always the encouragement to go along as an ally too.” Recent events include talks from Cancer Research and Stephanie Boyce, former head of the Law Society. Clifford Chance marks Pride Month with the Arcus Art Exhibition showcasing artwork from LGBTQ+ artists, which one newbie said, “creates an inclusive feel.” There’s “definitely a lot in terms of inclusion and support that makes the firm feel like a nice place to be, even with the longer hours.”

As for pro bono, “the firm really does prioritise that work” which reflects its emphasis on DEI.  One insider highlighted Clifford Chance’s work for Christie Elan-Cane, a high-profile activist for gender-neutral recognition as “awesome. It was one of the things that drew me to the firm – you get to see the work that goes into that.” Another shared: “We regularly support asylum seekers and refugees” in their appeals to the Home Office, after receiving rejections for their claims “when they’re trying to appeal under certain characteristics to justify why they can’t go back to their home country.”

But what about those longer hours? “I have a social life, which is unheard of, I think!” one trainee chuckled when asked about their work-life balance. “I leave around 6pm on a good day, 8pm on a bad day – it’s a pleasant surprise,” this source continued, noting that depending on the department, trainees can work much longer hours of “9am to midnight every day.” Another newbie who frequently worked until late shrugged, “You want to be pushed when you’re doing something like this. It was what I expected. You have to be pragmatic; you’re not going to be paid this much if you work 9-5.” Even considering their long hours, trainees felt “very well compensated,” and with the firm’s 50/50 monthly policy, newbies only have to spend half of their working days per month in the office. “It’s great because I can structure work around my life,” a source reflected, “everyone here structures work around their life, not their life around work.”

“Everyone here structures work around their life, not their life around work.”

Interviewees were pleased to report that “I like being in Canary Wharf. I’ve got a gorgeous view from my office window.” A Canary Wharf office is unique among London firms these days, but Clifford Chance resides right above the Jubilee Place shopping centre, so “if you need to run errands in your lunch hour, it’s really easy.” The building itself has plenty of perks, from a swimming pool, gym and squash court to a hairdresser and laundrette service; “the office is very much built to have everything you could want. It feels like a privilege.” Though, the firm will be heading back to the City come 2028, in a spot next to St Paul’s.

Trainees generally loved their supervisors and were keen to share how they had helped them. For example, one supervisor was “pushing for me to get the best work they could; they advocated for me whenever something was shaky, so I felt very listened to and supported.” Our sources found that working with different supervisors exposed them to an “incredible variety of working styles,” as one nodded, “you find the people you can work well with depending on your own style.”  Trainees have two “informal” appraisals: one with their supervisor and another with the managing partner.The process is an “opportunity to state whether you enjoyed the department and are considering qualifying there, as well as how you want to shape the rest of your training contract.”

Come qualification time, there is “no formal application at all.” As a result, trainees emphasised the importance of staying in contact with the team into which they wanted to qualify. Though not having an interview process “does put more pressure on you to keep up with the teams, which I don’t see as an issue.” In 2024, Clifford Chance did not disclose its retention statistics.

How to get a Clifford Chance Training Contract

Training contract deadline: 20th November 2024

SPARK (first-year programme) deadline: 6th February 2025

The first step to starting your legal career at Clifford Chance begins even before you submit your application. The firm offers a variety of resources to help you develop your skills, deepen your legal knowledge, and learn more about what it’s like to work at Clifford Chance.

Insight Days

A key resource for gaining essential insights into a legal career with Clifford Chance are their Insight Days. These events, which are free and open to everyone, cover topics such as commercial awareness, application advice, client relationships, and the importance of teamwork in handling complex cross-border transactions.

The firm hosts in-person events like ACCEPT, Black in Law and ELEVATE at its Canary Wharf office, giving you the opportunity to make valuable connections. Many of its other flagship events are hybrid, allowing you to attend in person or virtually – whichever suits you best. All offer invaluable networking opportunities with lawyers from different practice areas within the firm, giving you deeper insight into its operations and culture.

Global Virtual Internships

Clifford Chance’s Global Virtual Internships are an excellent opportunity for aspiring lawyers. These internships allow you to prepare for the application process while enhancing your chances of securing a training contract. The virtual internships are carefully designed to help you develop essential skills that are critical for success at the firm.

Available for free to anyone worldwide, these internships offer over 50 hours of modular content that can be accessed at any time. Early Talent Acquisition Specialist Chloe Hatchett-Sparkes describes the internships as "the first step into a career in law," aimed at equipping future lawyers with the knowledge and skills needed even before they physically enter the workplace.

The content is created by experts across Clifford Chance’s global network, including collaborations with clients. For instance, the firm partnered with Swiss Re to offer a unique legal virtual work experience, giving interns exposure to key issues from both in-house and private practice perspectives.

The internship modules explore the legal and commercial aspects of critical areas such as climate change, cybersecurity, business and human rights, sustainable finance, antitrust, and structured asset-backed real estate.

To learn more about these virtual internships, check out an interview with Clifford Chance.

SPARK Scheme

The Clifford Chance SPARK scheme is tailored for high-achieving first-year law students, second-year students of four-year law degrees, and penultimate-year non-law students. The programme serves as an introduction to the world of commercial law, offering both classroom-based learning and work shadowing within one of the firm's practice areas, with guidance from a dedicated supervisor. The SPARK scheme also offers multiple networking opportunities with representatives from across the firm. And on completion of the scheme, you may be invited to apply for a place on the training contract assessment day.

For more insights, read Behind the Scenes at the Clifford Chance SPARK Programme.

Initial Application

When applying for a training contract, it's crucial to clearly demonstrate what makes you unique and how your experiences and skills can contribute to Clifford Chance. Early Talent Acquisition Manager Toby Horner emphasises that candidates should ground their application in their personal experiences, such as past work, hobbies, and extracurricular activities. It's also important to show curiosity and a proactive approach in gathering information relevant to your career. This will demonstrate your understanding of the legal industry and the responsibilities of a trainee.

Horner explains, "it’s not about studying a specific degree or attending a particular university. To succeed as a trainee, you need intellectual agility and creativity in solving problems. Understanding how to deliver excellent client service and building strong relationships is essential. You must also be motivated, resilient, and prepared to tackle the demands of the role. While this career is fulfilling, it’s also rigorous, requiring you to consistently perform at a high level and embrace new challenges as opportunities for growth."

As part of your initial application, you'll be asked to complete a Watson Glaser test, a 30-minute assessment consisting of 40 problem-solving questions.

Assessment Day

If your initial application is successful, you'll be invited to attend an assessment day at Clifford Chance’s London office. Beforehand, you’ll have the opportunity to join a webinar hosted by the Early Talent Team and future trainees, providing guidance and advice on how to confidently approach the day.

The assessment day consists of two interviews conducted by a partner and an associate, focusing on commercial acumen. These interviews will include discussions around a case study, commercial issues, and competency-based questions. You'll also be asked to complete a written task and participate in a group exercise. There is time allocated before each interview to review materials.

Toby Horner emphasises the importance of demonstrating your ability to quickly understand and process information. "This is your opportunity to showcase your potential, engage meaningfully in discussions on commercial issues, and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. We are looking for individuals who can thrive in challenging situations, maintain high standards in any context, and leverage difficulties as opportunities for personal growth."