Overall highlight of working at the firm so far
My favourite thing about working at Clifford Chance is the people! Entering the legal profession in private practice can be intimidating, but everyone I have worked with at CC has been so friendly. I feel supported by both junior and senior team members. Everyone I have worked with so far has been very considerate of my learning and development as a graduate.
International & domestic secondment opportunities
One of my highlights of the graduate programme was attending the 2024 APAC GFM Offsite in Bangkok. It was such a great experience meeting our APAC colleagues in person and learning more about the firm's APAC network. It was such a privilege to have been able to experience this so early in my career and it really highlights the strength of an international firm.
Opportunity to work across multiple partners and areas of law
I have had the opportunity to rotate through the Corporate and GFM teams during my first year of the graduate programme. Both teams really encourage graduates to work with multiple partners and get exposure to a variety of work, which has been really useful for my training as a junior lawyer. I have learned more about the sub-teams across Corporate and GFM (like Projects, Real Estate, LevFin, etc). Since some of the teams at the firm can be quite lean, it allows grads to get exposure to good work and gives us an opportunity to add real value to the matters we work on.
Learning & development
All graduates go through a comprehensive training programme at the beginning of the grad programme, but each practice group has its own training for new rotators. Clifford Chance has a range of resources available to graduates (both practice group-specific and more general) and I appreciate that we have access to training materials across our APAC and global network as well.
Life outside of work
I have been involved with the REACH (Racial Equality and Celebrating Heritage Committee). Getting involved with an affinity group has been a great way to meet and work with people from different teams and offices. It is a great way to contribute to the firm’s culture. The REACH Committee works on some great initiatives including the firm’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), supporting the Bilya Boorn Scholarship and hosting educational events and celebrations throughout the year for various cultural days of significance.
Advice for prospective applicants
Be curious and enthusiastic! So much of my learning from the clerkship and graduate programme came from asking questions and engaging with the work. Beyond work, I think these traits are also important – getting involved in affinity groups, saying yes to
daunting opportunities, and learning more about the culture at Clifford Chance. These qualities have allowed me to make the most
out of my graduate
experience so far.
