SPARK

Your SPARK journey begins with an offer reception at our London office — a chance to celebrate your place on the programme and to hear more about what’s to come. You’ll speak with future trainees who completed SPARK before securing their Training Contracts and start to build your network with lawyers from across the firm. We’ll also provide more information on the commitment involved as well as tips on how to make the most of the programme.

You’ll become a member of a dedicated Clifford Chance ‘buddy bubble’ - your own unique network at the firm. Each bubble includes a newly qualified Associate, a current Trainee, two future trainees, and two SPARK interns from your cohort. We hope that access to such a diverse range of perspectives will ensure you feel supported and connected from day one.

Over the course of three days, you will take part in intensive classroom based learning at our London office. Through presentations, case study workshops, and seminars, you’ll explore our practice areas while building your legal knowledge, commercial awareness, client focus, and personal brand. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic week filled with opportunities to network with people from all levels. You’ll also receive a £500 salary for the week.

This is where you’ll put what you’ve learned so far into practice. During this stage, you’ll spend a week shadowing one of our lawyers in a core area of the business. With support from a dedicated supervisor and buddy, you’ll be given real work and first-hand insight into life as a trainee solicitor. You’ll also be paid £500 for the week.

Over the nine-month programme, we’ll invite you to a range of in-person and virtual events – all designed to help you become a part of the Clifford Chance community. You’ll gain genuine insights into what life at the firm could be like for you as you connect with peers, future trainees, and colleagues across the business. These exclusive events are only open to SPARK interns, future trainees, and Clifford Chance employees.

Here, you'll have the chance to make an impact through community outreach and pro bono initiatives, bespoke to your SPARK cohort. You’ll also gain insight into our global outreach work and how the firms deliver positive and sustainable impact in the communities where we operate.

We're committed to helping you build the specific skills that you need for a successful career at Clifford Chance. You’ll understand more about how to be a high performing lawyer through two days of dedicated training led by an external expert. Each session is interactive and with team-based simulation. The sessions are designed to prepare you for your SPARK Shadowing week and boost your commercial awareness and business acumen. This part of the programme is also paid.