Our People

Overall highlight of working at the firm so far

I am currently a first-seat law graduate in the Corporate team.

One of the highlights of working at Clifford Chance so far has been the combination of early responsibility and strong support. From the outset, I have worked on a range of corporate transactions, including cross-border matters, which has given me early exposure to the commercial drivers behind transactions and how they play out in practice.

I have also valued the strong sense of community within the firm, from the affinity networks and social committees to the relationships built across teams. Working alongside supportive and talented colleagues creates a positive environment, and ultimately leads to stronger outcomes for both clients and the firm.

Opportunity to work across multiple practice areas

The graduate program is structured as four six-month rotations across the firm’s key practice areas, namely Corporate, Global Financial Markets and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.

In my current Corporate rotation, I have had the opportunity to work with highly skilled lawyers at all levels on a range of matters across different areas of corporate practice. This has given me early exposure to a variety of workstreams and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to different aspects of transactions.

Learning and development offering during the grad program and beyond

The learning and development offering at Clifford Chance is comprehensive and ongoing throughout the graduate program.

At the start of each rotation, there are tailored training sessions which give a practical overview of the relevant practice area and the type of work you will encounter. In addition, the firm offers a wide range of online and in-person training covering both technical legal skills and broader professional development topics.

A large part of the learning also comes from the work itself. Working in relatively lean teams means graduates are often given responsibility for discrete tasks, which is a great way to build confidence and accountability early on. This is underpinned by strong supervision and guidance from seniors, equipping you with a strong foundation in core legal skills and commercial thinking.

International and domestic secondment opportunities

Clifford Chance offers a unique opportunity for graduates to undertake a six-month international secondment during the graduate program. While I am still early in my graduate program, the prospect of working in another office and collaborating more closely with colleagues internationally is something I am particularly excited about. Given how frequently matters involve multiple jurisdictions, these secondments feel like a natural extension of the work we’re already exposed to, and a great way to build relationships across the firm’s global network.

Life outside of work – involvement in affinity groups

I am involved in the REACH (Race Equality and Celebrating Heritage) network, which focuses on promoting cultural diversity and inclusion within the firm. I'm also involved in the Arcus network, which supports LGBTQI+ inclusion and equality.

The firm places a strong emphasis on inclusion, and the affinity networks play an important role in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Being involved in these networks is a valuable and rewarding way to engage with the firm beyond day-to-day work, build connections across teams, and actively contribute to the firm's inclusive culture.

Advice for prospective applicants

Be genuine in your application and focus on clearly articulating why you think Clifford Chance is the right firm for you.

It is important to demonstrate curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in the type of work the firm does.

Once you start, being open to new experiences and asking questions will open opportunities and make your time at Clifford Chance all the more enjoyable. The graduate program provides a strong foundation, and you will learn a significant amount simply by getting involved and taking initiative.