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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 practice areas of Corporate, Global Financial Markets, Projects, Debt Capital Markets, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, or Real Estate & Construction.


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 AED 3,250 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/Fluent Arabic writing and speaking skills are preferred
  • Strong cultural and/or familial connections to the region are 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 dates

Key dates

Application open: w/c 15 September 2025

Application close: 14 January 2026

Assessment held: The first stage interview is w/c 23 February 2026. If you pass this stage, the second stage interview is 10 March 2026.

Application process: Submit an online application, complete the Watson Glaser test, and a pre-recorded video interview.

Assessment process: If you are progressed following your pre-recorded video interview submission, the next stage will consist of a virtual competency-based interview with a Partner and Senior Associate based in the region. If you are progressed through this stage, you will be invited to an in person assessment which will consist of a case study exercise (inclusive of a written exercise) in the London office, followed by a case study interview with a Partner and Senior Associate.

Scheme dates: The Summer Vacation Scheme will be held in our office in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices between 17 June 2026 - 3 July 2026 (inclusive).

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Middle East Insight Day

Middle East Insight Day

Date: 5 November 2025

Join us at the Clifford Chance London office for an Insight Day focused on legal careers in the Middle East.

During this event, you'll connect with experienced lawyers from the region and gain valuable insights into the legal landscape and career paths available.

You’ll also receive practical guidance on crafting a strong application for our Middle East Training Contract or Vacation Scheme. Whether you're studying law, pursuing another discipline, or recently graduated, this is a unique opportunity to discover what it means to practise law in the Middle East.

Spaces are limited — apply now to take a meaningful step toward your legal career.

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Before you apply

We don’t recruit on a rolling basis; all applications are reviewed after the closing date. Before you apply, we encourage you to explore the following:

Watson Glaser Practice Test Events Hub Global Virtual Internships

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.


TRY THE TEST

Events Hub

Events Hub

Our virtual and in-person events will cover a wide range of topics - from application guidance to career development insights, and each event is designed to support you through the recruitment process.

Global Virtual Internships

Global Virtual Internships

Our award-winning virtual internships are valuable resources to help you explore a career in law and whether it is the right fit for you. Gain firsthand insight into a lawyer's responsibilities and access learning materials created by our experts.

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