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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
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Applications

Our Houston, New York and Washington, DC offices recruit from a wide range of law schools. 1L applications will be accepted starting November 15, 2024 and will close on January 31, 2025.

2L applications will be accepted starting May 15, 2025. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an ABA-accredited law school, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2027. Complete applications must include a resume and law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable). Only complete applications will be considered. We encourage you to apply through your school's early resume collect. You may also apply via our online application portal.

Diversity Scholarships

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are proud to offer the Clifford Chance 1L and 2L Diversity Scholarships in our Houston, New York and Washington, DC offices. As a 1L or 2L 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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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.

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