Hong Kong - Training Contract 2026

Our training contracts are made up of four, six month seats where trainees get the opportunity to rotate around our Global Financial Markets, Corporate and Litigation & Dispute Resolution practices. We operate a preference based system where trainees can indicate their preferred groups for their seats which include areas such as General Banking, Capital Markets, Public Companies, M&A, Funds, L&DR and secondment places (London, Tokyo and Shanghai have been recent opportunities). 

From the moment you start your training contract, you'll have immense direct and indirect support. From the Partners, Lawyers, Trainee peers and Graduate Recruitment Manager and your supervisor and mentors who have been through the same process themselves - we recognise that quality training and supervision is the key to getting the most from your training period. 

This role is for candidates who will be eligible to commence training in September 2026. For further insight into what our training offers, please visit our Hong Kong careers site here.

If your online written application is successful you will take part in a series of assessments that include a video interview, assessment centre and panel interview.

Applications for the direct training contract route will close on 31 March 2024.

Please note that we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interviews on a rolling basis.

You will need to exhibit ambition, drive and commitment as well as strong interpersonal skills and commerciality. In addition to these attributes we ask that applicants meet the following requirements:

• A consistently strong academic record.
• The ability to speak Mandarin or a Chinese dialect, and to read and write Chinese is preferable.
• A law or combined degree from a university in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or England which will enable you to begin a Hong Kong training contract when you have completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)*. Applications from non-law graduates who have taken the Graduate Diploma in Law (Common Professional Examination) are also welcome.

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise. Back in 1980 we opened our Hong Kong office, our first in Asia Pacific, and today we are the leading international firm in the region. Our track record of top-tier deals is built on substantial resources - we have over 150 lawyers in Hong Kong, around 22 of which are trainees. Hong Kong is a hub for businesses and we reflect this by combining regional reach and deep-sector expertise in a single office.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work. You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams. Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet. And we look forward to meeting you.

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.