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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 to commit to excellence, every day. We call this "The Real Contract." It represents the promise our people make to themselves to remain determined in achieving success, no matter how challenging the journey.

 

We invite you to explore "The Real Contract" through the words and voices of Clifford Chance lawyers from across our international network.

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 penultimate year law, or final year law and non-law students 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 across one of or a combination of our offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. This international experience will enable you to qualify as an England & Wales lawyer while building your career in the Middle East.


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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 opportunities. 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 open from September 3

Preparing for an assessment day

 

Your assessment day will take place in stages. The first stage will consist of a virtual competency-based interview with a Partner and Senior Associate based in the region. If you pass this stage, you will be invited to an in-person case study exercise (inclusive of a written exercise) in the London office, followed by a case study interview with a Partner and Senior Associate.


During the interviews, 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
Preparing for an assessment day

Meet the trainees

 

 


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

We don’t recruit on a rolling basis; all applications are reviewed after the closing date. Before you apply, we encourage you to explore the following:

Watson Glaser Practice Test Events Hub Global Virtual Internships

Watson Glaser Practice Test

How we hire

Before taking the Watson Glaser test, we recommend practicing as much as possible to become familiar with the format and question style. Use the link below to practice as many times as you like. Practice attempts won’t be assessed, and Clifford Chance will not see your results.


TRY THE TEST

Events Hub

Events Hub

Our virtual and in-person events will cover a wide range of topics - from application guidance to career development insights, and each event is designed to support you through the recruitment process.

Global Virtual Internships

Global Virtual Internships

Our award-winning virtual internships are valuable resources to help you explore a career in law and whether it is the right fit for you. Gain firsthand insight into a lawyer's responsibilities and access learning materials created by our experts.

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