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Early Careers

Clifford Chance offers an outstanding opportunity to start, grow and develop as a world-class lawyer.

Starting your career with Clifford Chance is more than a professional commitment—it's a personal contract you make with yourself. We call this "The Real Contract." It represents the promises and commitments our people make, not to others, but to themselves. This contract reflects the ethos that guides you and the determination that drives you to achieve excellence, no matter how challenging the journey. To gain deeper insight into what "The Real Contract" truly means, we invite you to watch our campaign video.

The Real Contract

Maximise your potential as a key member of our global community, with a focus on the dynamic Middle East region. Our teams collaborate across various roles and countries, sharing their expertise and innovative ideas to deliver unparalleled legal advice and client services. We champion creativity and diverse perspectives within a learning culture where you can truly thrive.

 

From our Middle East Training Contract for aspiring lawyers to Global Virtual Internships and the Clifford Chance Academy, we offer extensive learning and development opportunities. Bring a collaborative spirit and an open mind, and we'll empower you to explore every opportunity and achieve the career you desire in the Middle East.

Middle East Graduate and Student Programmes

Middle East Vacation Scheme

Middle East Vacation Scheme

Discover our Middle East Summer Vacation Scheme, open to all penultimate year students, final years and graduates. Gain valuable insights into our dynamic legal work while developing essential skills and learning what a successful legal career in the Middle East may look like for you. At the end of the scheme, you will have the opportunity to interview for a Middle East Training Contract.

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Middle East Training Contract

Middle East Training Contract

Discover the Middle East Training Contract, open to penultimate year law or final year law and non-law students & graduates. As a Middle East trainee at Clifford Chance, you'll complete four seats, with one in London and three in the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh). This international experience will allow you to qualify as an England & Wales lawyer while building your career in the Middle East.

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5 things to know about our Middle East opportunities

 

Find out more about our opportunities across the Middle East. Zana, Early Talent Development Coordinator, shares key information about our programmes in the region.


Middle East Insight Day

Middle East Insight Day

Join us for an exclusive Insight Day at the Clifford Chance London office, designed for those interested in building their legal career in the Middle East. Network with distinguished lawyers from the region and gain invaluable insights into the legal landscape and career prospects. Receive expert guidance on crafting a competitive application for our Middle East Training Contract or Vacation Scheme. Whether you're a law or non-law student, or recent graduate, this event is your gateway to understanding the nuances of practising law in the Middle East. Secure your spot today and take the first step towards an exciting legal career in the region.

Applications now closed

Watson Glaser practice test

 

Before you take the Watson Glaser test, it's a good idea to practice as much as you can so you are familiar with the format and the type of thinking involved. You can click below to practice as many times as you need. Your practice attempts do not form part of the assessment and Clifford Chance will not see the results.

 

try the test
Watson Glaser practice test
Preparing for an assessment day

Preparing for an assessment day


Your assessment day will take place virtually. It will consist of a case study exercise (inclusive of a written exercise), a combined case study and competency-based interview with a partner and senior associate from the region.


During the interview, your interviewers will be considering your:

  • Commitment to building your career in the Middle East
  • Commercial awareness
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Client focus
  • Leadership & collaboration skills
  • Understanding of the firm and role
  • Attitude and approach to work
  • Organisation and time management

Global Virtual Internships

Our award-winning virtual work experience offers in-depth resources to help you explore a career in law. Gain firsthand insight into a lawyer's responsibilities and access exceptional learning materials created by our lawyers and in partnership with some of our clients. With 165,000 sign-ups, join us now to learn from the best and prepare to become a world-class lawyer.

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Meet the trainees

 

 


Jacob Bruchez

 

We caught up with our Middle East trainee Jacob to learn more about his journey and experience at the firm so far.

 

 


Yara Hage

 

We caught up with our Middle East trainee Yara who gained a Training Contract through the Vacation Scheme, to learn more about her journey and experience at the firm so far.

 

 


Johnson Cansin Cortelek

 

We caught up with Johnson to find out more about his journey at the firm and his biggest lesson so far. *Johnson has since qualified as an associate in the Real Estate and Construction team in our Dubai office as of September 2023.

 

 


Leen Kayali

 

We caught up with Leen to find out more about her journey at the firm and her biggest lessons so far. *Leen Kayali has since qualified as an associate in the Corporate team in our Riyadh office as of September 2023. 

Before you apply

Before you apply

Have you visited our Events hub and Global Virtual Internships? Here you'll find opportunities to equip you with the skills, knowledge and networks to succeed no matter where you are on your journey.

Need help with your application? Read more about our application and assessment process below.

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