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Middle East Vacation Scheme

Our two-week Summer Vacation Scheme 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 2,500, with flights and accommodation covered where applicable.

Eligibility

Eligibility

 

We are looking for applicants who are genuinely interested in building a legal career in the Middle East with Clifford Chance long-term. In addition, applicants who have strong cultural and/or familial connections to the region, and possess native/fluent Arabic writing and speaking skills are preferred for our Middle East programmes.


Whilst you do not need to have prior legal experience or a law degree to apply to us, we expect our trainees to be problem-solvers with strong communication skills and commercial acumen.

Key dates

Key dates

Application open: 4 September 2024

Application close: Applications are now closed and will re-open again in September 2025.

Assessment held: w/c 23 January & w/c 28 January 2025

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

Virtual assessment day: A case study exercise (inclusive of a written exercise), a combined case study and a competency-based interview with a partner and senior associate from the region.

Scheme Dates: The Summer Vacation Scheme will be held in our offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi between the 16 - 27 June 2025 

Middle East Insight Day

Middle East Insight Day

Join us for an exclusive Insight Day at the Clifford Chance London office, designed for those interested in building their legal career in the Middle East. Network with distinguished lawyers from the region and gain invaluable insights into the legal landscape and career prospects. Receive expert guidance on crafting a competitive application for our Middle East Training Contract or Vacation Scheme. Whether you're a law or non-law student or a recent graduate, this event is your gateway to understanding the nuances of practising law in the Middle East. Secure your spot today and take the first step towards an exciting legal career in the region.

Applications now closed

Middle East Trainee Stories






Yara Hage

 

We caught up with our Middle East trainee Yara who gained a Training Contract through the Vacation Scheme, to learn more about her journey and experience at the firm so far.

Before you apply

Before you apply

Have you visited our Events hub and Global Virtual Internships? Here you'll find opportunities to equip you with the skills, knowledge and networks to succeed no matter where you are on your journey.

Need help with your application? Read more about our application and assessment process below.

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