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Hong Kong SAR

A bright start to a career in Hong Kong SAR

Back in 1980 we opened our Hong Kong office, our first in Asia Pacific, and today we are the leading international firm in the region. 


Our track record of top-tier deals is built on substantial resources - we have over 150 lawyers in Hong Kong, around 22 of which are trainees. Hong Kong is a hub for businesses and we reflect this by combining regional reach and deep-sector expertise in a single office. Recruiting the best new talent is critical to our success - trainees are the future partners and leaders of Clifford Chance, and we pride ourselves on a rigorous and fair selection process. 


For students or graduates we offer two routes of entry to our Training Programme: 

  • Summer Vacation Schemes – taking place in June and July annually, this is an opportunity to complete an internship as a part of your application. 
  • Direct Training Contract process – applications accepted from January to March annually, this is our route for those who are unable to join us for summer internships.


We offer between 10 to 12 training contracts annually and we always recruit trainees two years in advance of their start date. 

Training Contract 

Throughout your two-year training you will rotate through four six-month seats, covering our Hong Kong office's practice areas of Corporate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Global Financial Markets. 


In addition to this, there are opportunities for international secondments to locations such as Beijing, London, Shanghai and Tokyo, allowing you to gain real insight into how our cross-border collaboration contributes to our success. 


From the moment you start your training contract, you’ll receive tremendous direct and indirect support from the HR team, partners and supervisors who have been through the process themselves because we recognise that quality training and supervision are the key to getting the most from your training period. 


The Clifford Chance Academy, a pioneering resource which develops innovative learning tools, will also provide you with support throughout your career. Our Training Contract programme is designed to give you the breadth of experience you need to emerge as a confident business adviser.

 The Real Contract 

Training Contract benefits

Training Contract benefits

  • First year trainee salary: HK$54,000 (monthly) 
  • Second year trainee salary: HK$56,000 (monthly)
  • Financial Assistance for the PCLL Conversion Examinations 
  • We will fund your PCLL tuition fees 
  • Maintenance allowance of HK$70,000 for the year of your PCLL 
  • 22 days' annual leave 
  • Mandarin language training 
  • Medical and dental insurance schemes 
  • Life assurance scheme 
  • Competitive pension scheme 
  • Use of the firm’s junk boat 

Training Contract applications for 2027 will open in January 2025

Vacation Scheme

You'll benefit from an unparalleled introduction to the world of commercial law. We will offer you plenty of opportunities to see a wide range of our market-leading work, meet our people, and build on your university knowledge. In return, we ask that you get involved, be enthusiastic and curious throughout the scheme. 


 This opportunity not only allows you to gain work experience in a first-class working environment, it is often the first step in your career path as a lawyer. During the four-week scheme, you will follow the life of a lawyer at Clifford Chance closely – you will sit in two different practice areas, working with our lawyers on real, live, client projects. You will be treated as a part of our team and given opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. 


 The scheme will bring out the best of you. To do this we will assign you a mentor and an experienced lawyer one or two years ahead of you who will help you settle in and answer any questions you might have.


The scheme will also host sessions from professionals across the firm to give you a real insight into how our firm works – from Finance to our Best Delivery and Legal Technology teams. As well as showing you the things that matter to us, such as introductions and opportunities to be involved in our affinity groups ARCUS and Accelerate as well as taking part in responsible business activities. 

Vacation Scheme requirements

Vacation Scheme requirements 

We encourage applications from penultimate to final year students studying a qualifying law degree. Typically, applicants are studying in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or other common law jurisdictions.

As well as a consistently strong academic record, we are seeking candidates who can demonstrate intellectual curiosity, common sense, strong interpersonal skills, an interest in business, and the capacity to quickly grasp detailed information. 

Due to the nature of the work in our Hong Kong SAR office, the ability to speak Mandarin or a Chinese dialect, and to read and write Chinese is preferable. 

A salary of HK$10,000 will be paid to you for the month-long scheme, and you'll have the chance to take part in various training sessions, networking events and socials during your time here.

Dates and Deadlines

Dates and Deadlines 

Recruitment for our 2025 Vacation Scheme is now open and will close on 8 December 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. 


We encourage you to apply and prepare as early as possible! 

Apply Now
GLOW

GLOW

GLOW – a unique opportunity for exceptional pre-penultimate students.

This programme is designed to not only give you insider knowledge of life at a leading law firm, but also tips on how to get here. During the programme, you'll experience an intensive schedule of practice area overviews, and skills workshops and you'll hear from trainees, associates and partners about their own path into law. If you are a pre-penultimate student with a drive to succeed, and the ability to make the most of the opportunities presented to you, we want to hear from you.

How to join GLOW

How to join GLOW

To apply for GLOW, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a pre-penultimate year student of a qualifying law degree. Those commencing the first year of a three-year course, second year of a four-year course or third year of a five-year course in September 2024 will be eligible to take part in 2025 GLOW.  
  • You must be fluent in English and possess a strong command of Chinese language skills. 
  • You must be available to be at our office on the set date of the scheme. 

Apply Now
Learn More

Learn More 

Our diverse and talented people are at the heart of everything we are, and everything we do, we understand the importance of meeting and hearing from our people in helping you through the application process. 

In case you are unable to meet with us in person, you can join us at the Virtual Presentation Series this year. The series will include a mixture of sessions including Trainee Panels, Application Workshops and Ask the Recruiter forums. You can find more information by clicking the below link.

Meet Us
What we look for

What we look for 

To be successful in your application, you will need to demonstrate your potential to become a first-class professional, and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. 

You must exhibit ambition, drive and commitment; you will have the ability to clearly articulate your ideas, and the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. We're also looking for business awareness, a keen commercial insight, and a strong ability to lead and manage. 

Ultimately, we are seeking candidates who can help us achieve our global firm vision and strategy.

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Our application process 

Our process is designed so that you can demonstrate your academics, experience and skills as well as understand our firm in more detail. Throughout the process you will be asked to complete a written application, submit a pre-recorded video interview and attend a telephone interview with a member of our recruitment panel. 


After these stages, if you're applying for a Vacation Scheme, offers will be extended and during the scheme you will be asked to complete a written and translation exercise. Those applying for the direct process will be asked to complete these same exercises as the next stage of the process. 


Successful candidates will then be invited to take part in a final partner panel interview. In line with local regulations, all Training Contract offers are extended annually on 1 August. Candidates who have applied for a vacation scheme position do not need to apply for the training contract in the same year as this will be considered in tandem with your vacation scheme submission. Please note that we will be inviting candidates to submit pre-recorded video interviews on a rolling basis. 


We only accept applications via our job board. Please submit your application to the relevant vacancy, or contact us with any questions.

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