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How we hire

Online application form

Online application form

 

The application process is your chance to stand out and showcase what you can bring to Clifford Chance. Take time to reflect on your unique strengths and use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to bring your experiences to life. Our application process is thorough and designed to be as fair as possible while maintaining high standards, ensuring that the best candidates succeed.

5 ways to ace your application


Hear from Toby, on what separates good applications from great applications.

Tips for a Strong Application

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This is crucial for lawyers. We will reject applications that contain spelling or grammatical errors or lack clarity. Double-check your work before submitting.

Use only the clearest and most compelling examples in your work experience and application answers. Make every word count.

Include full details of your degree, including module scores for all years of study, even if they don’t affect your overall classification.

If applicable, provide details of any approved mitigating circumstances related to your academics or work experience. Attach supporting documentation if available.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a link to complete the Watson Glaser test. Every application that passes this test is reviewed, so take the time to prepare thoroughly.

We do not recruit on a rolling basis, so you have plenty of time to submit your application. You’ll be notified of the outcome after the deadline and if you’re progressing to the video interview stage. No amendments can be made after submission.

We’re proud to be the first firm to adopt contextual recruitment, considering grades within the context of your social and educational background.

Please note, you cannot apply for both SPARK and a Training Contract. If you apply for a Training Contract, you may only choose either the London or Middle East Training Contract—you cannot apply for both.

Use of AI in applications

 

Clifford Chance is a firm that embraces technology. Whilst AI tools can support your preparation, overreliance may weaken your application. Our team reads every application and can recognise generic content so let your unique voice come through – authenticity is key.

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Use of AI

The Watson Glaser test

Watson Glaser test

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a link to complete the Watson Glaser test within two working days (excluding weekends). The only exception is if it appears you are not eligible for the programme to which you have applied. Please also check your junk folder for this email.

This test is a key part of the assessment process and focuses on your ability to draw inferences, recognise assumptions, make deductions, interpret information, and evaluate arguments. These are essential skills for legal thinking, and it’s important to prepare thoroughly. Please note that the use of AI is not permitted.

The test lasts 30 minutes and includes 40 questions that assess your critical thinking skills. These include:

The skills it measures include:

  • Defining a problem
  • Selecting relevant information to solve a problem
  • Recognising stated and unstated assumptions
  • Formulating and selecting relevant and promising hypotheses
  • Drawing valid conclusions and judging the validity of inferences

Practice tests


Before sitting the Watson Glaser test, we strongly recommend that you practise as much as possible. Familiarity with the format and the style of questions will help you perform at your best. You can take our practice test as many times as you like. These attempts are for your preparation only and are not visible to Clifford Chance.

In addition to our practice test, there are many other online resources you may wish to use—some are free, while others may require payment.

Practice test
Practice tests

Completing the test Deadline considerations

Completing the test

Completing the test

You’ll receive the deadline for completing the Watson Glaser test once you submit your application. Please keep this in mind when deciding when to apply, and ensure you complete the test within the timeframe provided in your test email.

If you require extra time or adjustments, it’s essential to submit your application before the deadline so that appropriate arrangements can be made. If you apply during the final week before the deadline, you’ll have less time to complete the test. Make sure to check your test email and complete it within the time allowed.

Deadline considerations

Deadline considerations

If you apply for a Training Contract during the final week before the deadline (or on the deadline itself), you will have less time to complete the test. In this case, you will receive the test link within 48 hours of submitting your application and must complete it by 23 November 2025

If you are applying for SPARK in the final week before the deadline (or on the deadline), you must complete the test by 19 February 2026

5 FAQs about a London assessment day

 

Our application and assessment process is designed to help us identify the very best talent. Hear from Zoe about what you can expect and some helpful advice on how to prepare.

Assessment day

Assessment day format


Assessment days take place in-person, with virtual options in exceptional circumstances.


London Training Contract:

  • Case study/competency interview (with a Partner + Senior Associate)
  • Written task
  • Group exercise

 

SPARK:

  • Commercial/competency interview (with two fee-earners)
  • Written exercise
  • Group exercise

 

Pre-Assessment Support:

Once you have secured your place on one of our assessment days, you will be invited to join a preparation webinar with the Early Talent Acquisition Team. This will provide you with the information and guidance you need to approach the day with confidence.

Contextual Recruitment


We have long been at the forefront of making the legal profession more accessible. In 2013 we introduced CV-blind interviews, and in 2015 we partnered with RARE Recruitment to develop a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) allowing employers to fairly evaluate your academic achievements in the context of your background.


These initiatives have broadened our talent pool and enabled candidates to share their authentic experiences throughout the process.

Contextual Recruitment

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