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Middle East Vacation Scheme

Our Summer Vacation Scheme lasts two and a half weeks and provides a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what a career at Clifford Chance in the Middle East entails. You'll gain valuable insights into our dynamic and challenging work, collaborating with experienced lawyers in two of our key global product groups: Capital Markets, Debt Finance, Disputes, Corporate Transactions & Advisory, Project Development Finance, Real Esatate, Restructuring & Insolvency or Funds.


During the scheme, you'll work on live deals, participate in pro-bono projects, and attend office-wide socials. Throughout the program, you'll receive personalised guidance from a supervising associate and a trainee ‘buddy,’ ensuring a supportive and enriching learning experience that prepares you for a legal career. As you’ll be based in our UAE offices for the duration of the scheme, this is a fantastic opportunity to network, learn, ask questions, and fully immerse yourself. At the end of the scheme, you will be invited to attend a fast-track interview for the Middle East Training Contract. The scheme offers 2,500 AED with flights and accommodation covered where applicable.

Eligibility

 

  • Applicants must be genuinely interested in building a legal career in the Middle East with Clifford Chance long-term
  • Native or fluent Arabic language skills, both written and spoken, are strongly preferred
  • Strong cultural, personal and/or familial connections to the Middle East region are strongly preferred
  • Prior legal experience or a law degree is not required
  • Trainees are expected to be problem-solvers with strong communication skills and commercial acumen

Eligibility
Key information

Key information

Application open: 7 September 2026

Application close: 18 November 2026

Assessment dates: The first-stage interview will take place during the week commencing 11 January 2027. If you successfully progress through this stage, the second-stage assessment will take place on 21 January 2027.

Application process: Submit an online application, complete the Watson Glaser assessment and Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment, and participate in a pre-recorded video interview. This process is designed to assess your suitability for a legal career and training contract opportunities in the Middle East.

Assessment process: If you successfully progress following your pre-recorded video interview, the next stage will consist of a virtual competency-based interview with a Partner and Senior Associate based in the Middle East. If you successfully progress through this stage, you will be invited to attend an in-person assessment at our London office, consisting of a case study exercise, including a written exercise, followed by a case study interview with a Partner and Senior Associate.

Scheme dates: The Summer Vacation Scheme will take place in our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices from 10 to 25 June 2027 (inclusive), providing participants with exposure to real-world legal work, international transactions and the Middle East legal market.

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Middle East Insight Day

Middle East Insight Day

Join us for an exclusive Insight Day at the Clifford Chance London office on 12 November 2026, designed for students and graduates interested in building a legal career in the Middle East. Network with distinguished lawyers from the region and gain valuable insights into the Middle East legal market, legal profession and career opportunities. Receive expert guidance on crafting a competitive application for our Middle East graduate and training contract opportunities. Whether you're a law or non-law student, or a recent graduate, this event is your gateway to understanding the realities of practising law in the Middle East and working in an international law firm. Secure your place today and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding legal career in the region.

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Before you apply

We do not recruit on a rolling basis, so there is no advantage to submitting your application early. All applications are reviewed after the closing date to ensure every candidate is assessed fairly and consistently. Before applying, we encourage you to explore the information below to learn more about Clifford Chance, our Early Talent programmes and the application process.

Guidance for your application Watson Glaser Practice Test Events Hub Global Virtual Internships

Guidance for your application

Guidance for your application

We’ve created guidance to support you through each stage of the application, with insights on the form and practical tips to help you start with confidence.


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Watson Glaser Practice Test

How we hire

Before taking the Watson Glaser test, we recommend practicing as much as possible to become familiar with the format and question style. Use the link below to practice as many times as you like. Practice attempts won’t be assessed, and Clifford Chance will not see your results.


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Events Hub

Events Hub

Our virtual and in-person events cover a wide range of topics, from application guidance and assessment process insights to career development and life at Clifford Chance. Designed to support you at every stage of the recruitment journey, these events provide valuable advice, practical tips and opportunities to learn more about our Early Talent programmes.

Global Virtual Internships

Global Virtual Internships

Our award-winning virtual work experience programme provides in-depth resources to help you explore a career in commercial law. Gain first-hand insight into the work of a lawyer, develop your understanding of the legal profession, and access learning materials created by Clifford Chance experts.

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