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The Challenge

Introducing The Challenge, an immersive insight experience for penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students, with the opportunity to be fast-tracked to a Training Contract Assessment Day.


Through a three-part programme unfolding in real time, you'll collaborate with others, use AI tools, and tackle complex legal and business challenges for a fictional global client. Designed to develop the skills needed for a successful legal career, The Challenge will test your problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability and commercial awareness while helping you to decide if this career is a good match for you..


While the client is fictional, the experience reflects the pace and demands of multi-jurisdictional legal work across time zones, real cross-border legal work, with a core part of The Challenge taking place between 17:00 and 21:00.


Think you've got what it takes? Take on The Challenge.

Apply now

We believe the best way to truly understand the challenge of a training contract is to experience it. Hear from Toby Horner, Head of Early Careers, UK & Middle East, on what you can expect from The Challenge


Eligibility

 

  • Penultimate year law students
  • Final year non-law students

 

The Challenge builds on the diverse career experiences of our lawyers who started their journey with the Clifford Chance training contract.

Eligibility
Key dates

Key information

Applications open: 7 September 2026

Applications close: 19 October 2026

Assessment process: Submit an online application and complete both The Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment and the Watson Glaser Test

Part One: Preparation


  • Virtual briefing and skills session
  • Tuesday 17 November 17:00-18:30

Before The Challenge unfolds, you'll join the Clifford Chance team who designed the experience.


Together, we'll explore the skills, behaviours and mindset that underpin high-performing trainees and have shaped every element of The Challenge. You'll also take part in an interactive skills session designed to help you get the most from what comes next.


Our aim is that you leave with a better understanding of the trainee role, greater confidence in your abilities, and practical skills you can take into The Challenge.

Part Two: Into The Challenge


  • The immersive real-time experience at 10 Upper Bank Steet, London
  • Thursday 19 November 17:00-21:00

For one evening, you'll leave the role of a student behind and step into the role of a trainee.


As the experience unfolds, you'll find yourself at the centre of an evolving situation inspired by the complexity, pace and challenges of global legal work that our lawyers face every day.


There will be competing priorities to navigate, problems to solve, and moments where collaboration, judgement and adaptability will be key. And, we hope, it will be one of the most enjoyable insight experiences you've taken part in.


Exactly what you'll be facing? You'll have to wait and see.

Part Three: The Final Task


  • Where standout performers could be fast-tracked to a Training Contract Assessment Day at 10 Upper Bank Steet, London
  • Friday 20 November 9:00-12:00

You've experienced The Challenge. Now it's time to shape the outcome.


Working in teams, you'll be set a final task, drawing on everything you've learned and experienced along the way. Together, you'll develop your approach before presenting your recommendations to an expert Clifford Chance panel.


This is the only assessed element of the experience, designed to give you the opportunity to showcase your potential. Standout performers could be fast-tracked to a Training Contract Assessment Day.

An inclusive experience

  • We've designed The Challenge to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.
  • Travel expenses will be covered, and accommodation provided for participants travelling from outside London.
  • Dinner, breakfast and refreshments throughout the experience are included, and all participants will receive a £100 voucher to support their participation in The Challenge.
  • We've also built in time to rest and recharge between Parts Two and Three. The final assessed task won't be revealed until the morning itself, so you can enjoy your evening knowing there's no advantage to working late.
  • We want everyone to have the opportunity to take part, and the chance to perform at their best.

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.

How we hire Events Hub Global Virtual Internships FAQs

How we hire

How we hire

There are specific attributes we look for in our Training Contract candidates, all of which are reflected in The Real Contract campaign. To learn more about these qualities, our assessment process and how we recruit future trainee solicitors, visit our How we hire page.

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.

FAQs

FAQs

Have more questions about eligibility criteria, our recruitment process or what we offer? Make sure you check out our frequently asked questions page.

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