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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. 


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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 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.

Campus Ambassadors


Meet the 2026-2027 Campus Ambassadors


Our Campus Ambassadors are current law students who recently completed the Clifford Chance summer program and have firsthand experience of life at the firm. They are available to share candid insight into the summer law clerk experience, firm culture, mentorship opportunities, and the recruitment process.


Whether you're exploring your options, preparing for recruitment season, or simply interested in learning more about Clifford Chance, our ambassadors are happy to connect. Representing law schools across the country, they serve as a resource for those interested in the firm and can offer a student-to-student perspective on what makes Clifford Chance stand out.

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Summer at Clifford Chance

 

At Clifford Chance, our Summer Program combines meaningful client work, hands-on training, and access to a truly global platform. Our summer law clerks become part of the Clifford Chance culture, through events exploring their local cities and their week spent abroad in our London office.

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Summer at Clifford Chance
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Applications

Applications are now closed for our 2028 Summer Law Clerk Program and will open later this fall.

Join our mailing list to stay connected with Clifford Chance recruiting and receive notifications when applications open.

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Scholarships

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we are proud to offer 1L Scholarships in our Houston, New York, and Washington, DC offices. As a 1L summer law clerk, you will have the opportunity to embrace team collaboration, receive formal and informal training, and build relationships with our global network, uncovering what it really means to be a Clifford Chance lawyer. Following your summer, you'll stay connected and engaged. We’ll invite you to join us at firmwide activities like office events, training programs and community activities. You’ll receive firm news and updates and continue to build relationships with the team.

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Diversity Scholarships

Summer Programs Abroad

London

Frankfurt

Our Frankfurt 1L summer program, which we have successfully run since the summer of 2014, is designed to provide 1L summer law clerks with an opportunity to work in a capital markets team focused on cross-border transactions and experience life in a large international law firm. Due to the nature of our practice, our summer program is based primarily on Capital Markets securities work (with a focus on US securities). We are dedicated to providing 1L summer law clerks an in-depth and interactive view of our practice.

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