Overall highlight of working at the firm so far
The clerkship programme at Clifford Chance is the perfect introduction to life at the firm. There is ample opportunity to network with peers who often become part of your graduate cohort which makes the transition into the graduate programme seamless. The generous remuneration package reflects the firm’s commitment to its people. In addition, the secondment opportunities and the chance to work directly with clients early has been invaluable.
International & domestic secondment opportunities
Within my first year at Clifford Chance, I have had the opportunity to undertake a six-month domestic secondment in Perth, attend an APAC offsite in Bangkok, and currently I am preparing for a six-month secondment in London. Several matters I have worked on span multiple jurisdictions, requiring collaboration with colleagues from offices within APAC and beyond. These experiences have broadened my legal perspective and expanded my professional network. For instance, the Bangkok offsite was an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues from other offices and learn about the firms' strategies.
Opportunity to work across multiple partners and areas of law
The 4 x 6-month rotation structure of the grad programme provided me extensive exposure to each practice group ensuring an informed decision while settling into a practice or a team. Working in small teams allowed me to take up greater responsibilities. The firm maintains a healthy balance between responsibility and support, whereby you are given opportunities to step-up and take on interesting work while equally feeling supported and provided with training and mentorship.
Learning & development
In terms of learning and development, Clifford Chance’s online Academy portal has been a great resource for training on everything from AI and business finance to leadership skills. Each graduate rotation starts with in-person training — like GFM’s two-day boot camp —which has helped me build a strong foundation in every practice group. Through the firm’s Affinity Networks, I have also gained a deeper understanding of different cultures, and I appreciate how Clifford Chance celebrates a wide range of cultural holidays, fostering a truly inclusive and collaborative environment.
Life outside of work
Clifford Chance provides a strong support network through its buddy system. As a clerk, you are assigned a buddy (a graduate) for the entirety of the clerkship and as a graduate, you are assigned a buddy (an associate) for your first seat (or "rotation") and for your secondment. In addition to the formal buddy structure, there are also a number of informal mentor opportunities and supports available in the firm. Affinity Groups like REACH, Arcus, Enable, and Accelerate have also helped me to build connections based on shared values. Being part of REACH (Race Equality and Celebrating Heritage), I have organised cultural events and advocacy efforts, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
