Training Contract

Our award-winning Trainee Induction Programme is a key part of helping you start your journey as a trainee with the skills you need to succeed. This three-day programme has been designed with input from key stakeholders in the firm from Senior Partners through to current trainees who have been through the learning process themselves.

The Induction combines practical learning with skill development in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how your role as a trainee fits into the London office and contributes to the wider Clifford Chance strategy — all before you begin your first seat.

Throughout your Training Contract you’ll benefit from structured meetings with your supervisors, monitoring partners, and the Early Talent Development Team to ensure you stay on track and receive the support you need.

You’ll also be guided by a dedicated Early Talent Development Specialist assigned to your cohort. They’ll meet with you at key points during your SQE journey to discuss your career aspirations, answer any questions, and make sure the appropriate support is in place from day one.

We understand that the qualification process can feel daunting. That’s why we start these conversations early — so you can begin shaping your future from the very start of your Training Contract.

During your two-year Training Contract, you’ll gain hands-on experience across a variety of practice areas and teams. Our points-based seat allocation system gives you the flexibility to shape your Training Contract around the areas and specialisms that interest you most.

You’ll be allocated 200 points at the start of your Training Contract to use as you wish. Before each seat, you’ll submit your preferences through our seat algorithm, which is designed to be transparent, fair, and empowering — putting you in control of your career direction.

From Asset Finance to Corporate Antitrust, Tax to Private Equity, or even one of our many international or client secondments, the choice is yours.

As part of our commitment to employee wellbeing, we’ve developed a unique, award-winning resilience programme tailored specifically for Clifford Chance trainees.

We recognise that life has its ups and downs, and that’s why we offer a wide range of support, whether through colleagues or services provided by the firm. Many of these services take a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, ensuring you’re supported both personally and professionally.

This support is further strengthened by our trainee inclusion and mental health champions, peers selected by their cohort to help foster a culture of openness, inclusion, and care.

We understand the value of building strong professional networks and the impact of having mentors who are invested in your development. At Clifford Chance, our associates and partners are committed to providing you with exceptional learning opportunities and exposure to high-quality work.

Throughout your Training Contract, you’ll be supported by a dedicated supervisor in each seat. In addition, you’ll be matched with a Partner Sponsor who will guide you throughout the full two years, acting as a mentor, advisor, and sounding board to help you navigate the exciting opportunities a career at Clifford Chance can offer.

Over a quarter of our trainees are on secondment at any given time — a reflection of our global outlook and commitment to developing internationally minded lawyers. Thriving in a law firm like Clifford Chance means embracing this mindset, and international secondments offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, work closely with global strategic clients, and gain a deeper understanding of how they operate.

Relocating abroad is a significant step, but you’ll be guided and supported throughout the process. We’ll ensure the process is smooth from start to finish, with plenty of support along the way. Before you go, we’ll offer language lessons if needed, and our London Early Talent Development team will stay in regular contact to help you make the most of your experience.

At the start of each seat, you’ll gain access to the Clifford Chance Global Academy — a pioneering learning platform offering in-depth training tailored to your practice area. The Academy is designed to help you build outstanding legal, business, and commercial skills that will serve you throughout your career. This technical training is delivered by expert trainers, with a strong business focus and content customised specifically for Clifford Chance.

In addition, our global Tech Academy provides online training, resources, and a programme of in-person workshops around the world. These initiatives ensure you stay ahead of emerging technology trends and are equipped to address the evolving challenges our clients face.