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Early Careers

US Summer Law Clerk Program

We host summer programs in all three of our US offices. During the ten-week program, our summer law clerks work on a wide variety of assignments, gaining exposure to our full range of practice areas and getting to know the partners, associates and business professionals in those departments.  


We believe that the best learning is done on the job, and we also understand that the first two years of law school can only cover so much. We encourage our law clerks to use the summer program to try areas of the law they may not have had exposure to, and to find the best fit. We do not have a fixed rotation; our assignment system provides flexibility to tailor each project based on each summer's interest and availability. 


US Summer Law Clerk Program

Typical assignments include drafting memos, writing briefs, assisting with closings, and attending client calls and meetings. Success requires careful planning, and we take time at the start of the program to map out every step of your way. During the first week of the program, our clerks meet individually with assigning associates to discuss their interests, backgrounds and what they want to accomplish over the next 10 weeks. It is the responsibility of our assigning associate, and every lawyer involved in the program, to ensure that these goals are reached, that each summer law clerk has had exposure to the work requested, and that constant feedback is given.

Our summer law clerks also have formal mid-point and final reviews. The reviews are designed to be a dialogue, allowing the clerks the opportunity to discuss their work and also reflect on their experience thus far. In addition to real work experience, our summer law clerks participate in formal training programs focused on legal writing and practice area presentations, as well as a variety of outside speakers presenting on everything from how to Discover and Define Your Professional Persona to topical DE&I issues and events.  
Our job is to not only help them thrive as junior lawyers, but to also make sure they succeed as Clifford Chance lawyers, and we host a number of presentations to help them get there.

International Opportunities

It is important that our attorneys have exposure to our vast global network from the very beginning. This is the reason we provide our 2L summer law clerks the ability to spend time in one of our foreign offices. For our associates, it is an unparalleled opportunity that many describe as the highlight of their summer experience and one that will serve them throughout their careers.

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International Opportunities

Summer Programs Abroad

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Our summer program presents a unique opportunity for ambitious law students to work directly with our team of partners and associates in our US practice on a wide variety of matters arising throughout the Asia Pacific region. Summer law clerks will experience living and working in Hong Kong as a true member of our team; the work is generally billable providing the opportunity to see what all aspects of life as a leading international capital markets lawyer is like.

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London

London

Our London program, which we have successfully run since the summer of 2012, is designed to provide our summer law clerks with a realistic view of what it will be like to live and work in London. Due to the nature of our practice, our summer program is based exclusively on US securities work and is limited in size. We are dedicated to providing our clerks an in-depth and interactive view of our practice and an opportunity for the future.

To apply for a position in our 2025 London Summer Program, please email Americas Entry Level Recruiting

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Diversity Scholarships

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we’re proud to offer the Clifford Chance 1L and 2L Diversity Scholarships. As a 1L or 2L summer law clerk, you’ll have the opportunity to embrace team collaboration, receive formal and informal training, and build relationships with our global network.

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Diversity Scholarships

Graduate to Partner Q&A

Jessica Springsteen joined the firm in 2011 and is a Partner in our Washington, DC office. She is a lover of languages, and regularly advises on the development of energy and infrastructure projects worldwide, with a particular focus on Latin America. In this video, Jessica answers questions sent in by students on Instagram about what she loves about Clifford Chance, making errors and how to learn from them and how you can stay commercially aware.


Global Virtual Internships


The content has been created by leading experts from across our global network. It will not only expose you to international work in a way that has never been done before but also enables you to develop the analytical abilities that will turn you into a leading lawyer of tomorrow.


This internship will offer you the chance to: 

  • Upskill yourself by completing trainee-level tasks, gain an insight into  challenges facing our clients around the world

  • Learn first-hand from our trainees and lawyers around our global network. The moment to take control of your future has arrived. By giving you access to inspirational lawyers, exceptional development resources and insights that will guide you for years to come.


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