The Real Contract

A Training Contract is the agreement you sign. But The Real Contract is something more.

It's the commitment you make to yourself when you choose a career in commercial law. A commitment to keep learning, keep growing and keep showing up when the work is demanding. To embrace challenge, push your thinking and develop into the lawyer you want to become.

At Clifford Chance, we know that a Training Contract is about more than technical legal skills. It's about building confidence, judgement and resilience. It's about working with talented people, taking ownership of complex work and discovering what you're capable of in a fast-paced, global environment.

Through the stories of our people, The Real Contract offers an honest view of life at the firm. The opportunities, the expectations, the milestones and the moments that shape a legal career. Because success isn't defined by the contract you sign on day one. It's defined by the promises you keep to yourself every day after.

Every edition of The Real Contract shines a spotlight on the people behind the work. Through honest conversations and real experiences, our trainees share what it's really like to build a legal career at Clifford Chance, from the challenges they've faced to the lessons they've learned along the way.

Watch our latest story and hear first-hand how our people are developing their skills, confidence and ambition through life at the firm.

Chinwe Odimba-Chapman

(Office Managing Partner, London)

Mo Al-Shukairy

(Head of Middle East and Türkiye, Dubai)

Catherine Freeman

(Senior Associate, London)

Ahmed Shafiek

(Senior Associate, Dubai)

Ilijah Gibbs

(Associate, London)

Nabeela Afifi

(Associate, Dubai)

Go deeper

Go beyond the film with our companion guide, featuring each participant's full letter in their own words. Discover additional reflections, experiences and insights into the challenges they've faced, the lessons they've learned and the commitments that continue to shape their careers.

Find out more

Think you've got what it takes?

The people featured in The Real Contract all started with a commitment to challenge themselves, learn continuously and step outside their comfort zones.

The Challenge gives you the opportunity to do the same.

Designed to reflect the kind of thinking, judgement and problem-solving required in commercial law, The Challenge invites you to tackle a real-world business scenario and demonstrate your potential.

For a small number of exceptional participants, completing The Challenge could lead to a fast-track opportunity to a Training Contract Assessment Day.

Whether you're exploring a career in law or ready to take the next step, this is your opportunity to put your skills to the test.

Take on The Challenge

The previous Real Contract

There is no single route to success, and no two lawyers' careers follow the same path. Explore the previous edition of The Real Contract to discover a range of perspectives, experiences and career journeys from across the firm.

What could your Real Contract look like?

The stories featured in The Real Contract are unique to the individuals who tell them, but they all start in the same place: with the decision to pursue a legal career and a commitment to keep developing.

If you're ready to take the next step, explore our Training Contract opportunities and discover where your journey could begin.

London Training Contract

Launch your legal career through our London Training Contract and discover what The Real Contract means to you. Working alongside exceptional colleagues on complex, international matters, you'll develop the skills, confidence and judgement needed to thrive in a global law firm.

Discover the London Training Contract

Middle East Training Contract

Discover the Middle East Training Contract" and that then link to that page and replace the current text of "A legal careers starts long before..." with "Take the first step towards a career in the Middle East and experience the opportunities that come from working in a fast-moving, globally connected market. Our Middle East Training Contract will challenge you, support your development and help you build the foundations for a successful legal career.

Discover the Middle East Training Contract

Stay Connected

A legal career starts long before you submit an application. Explore more opportunities to learn about commercial law, develop your skills and connect with Clifford Chance.

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