Training contract

Our award-winning Trainee Induction Programme is an important part of ensuring that you start life as a trainee with the tools and techniques you need to succeed. This three-day programme has been designed with input from key stakeholders in the firm – from the UK Managing Partner, Michael Bates, to trainees who have been through the learning process themselves. Our Induction will give you a clear idea as to how your role as a trainee fits into the London office and the wider Clifford Chance strategy by combining practical learning and skill development in a safe and supportive environment before you transition into your first seat.

Regular feedback is vital to your growth and development. Meetings with your supervisors, monitoring partners and the Early Talent Development Team are built into the structure of your Training Contract to ensure that you are staying on track and receiving the support that you need along the way. A dedicated Early Talent Development Specialist assigned to your cohort will also meet with you at specific times during your SQE to understand your career aspirations, answer any questions you have, and to ensure all the necessary support is in place from your very first day at the firm. The qualification process can be a daunting one and it is important to us that you are aware of the support available from the outset. Conversations start early so you can start to take control of your future from the beginning of your Training Contract.

During your two-year Training Contract, you'll gain experience in different practice areas and teams. Our points-based seat allocation system allows you to direct your Training Contract to the practice areas and specialisms you are most interested in. Every trainee is awarded 200 points at the start of their Training Contract, and it's up to you how you allocate them. Each seat, you'll enter points into our seat algorithm to select the practice area you would like to work in - the system is transparent, fair, and gives you control over your career direction. From Asset Finance to Corporate Antitrust, Tax to Private Equity, you could even allocate your points to one of our many international and client secondments.

As part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees, we have developed a unique and award-winning resilience programme for our Clifford Chance trainees. Life can have its ups and downs but there is lots of support available, be it from colleagues at Clifford Chance or through services provided by the firm. It is important that many of these services take a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing and are complemented by the trainees who are chosen by their peers to act as inclusion and mental health champions.

We know the value of building strong professional networks and having mentors who are invested in your development. Our associates and partners are committed to ensuring you receive the very best learning opportunities and are exposed to the highest quality work. Not only will you be guided by a supervisor each seat, but you'll also be allocated a Partner Sponsor for the duration of your Training Contract. Your Partner Sponsor will be a sounding board, mentor and advisor who will be a key contact as you navigate the opportunities a career at Clifford Chance will offer.

Over a quarter of our trainees are on secondment at any one time. Thriving in a global law firm involves having a global mindset. International secondments provide a great opportunity to be fully immersed in the countries and cultures of the different clients you'll work with and to develop your understanding of how they work.

You may be moving halfway across the world, but there will be plenty of support to make sure the process is smooth throughout. Before you leave, we'll also offer language lessons should you need them and our London Early Talent Development team will be in touch regularly to make sure you're getting the most out of the experience!

When you start each seat at Clifford Chance, you'll have access to The Clifford Chance Global Academy, a pioneering resource that offers in-depth training tailored to your practice area. The Global Academy helps our lawyers develop excellent legal, business, and commercial skills that will benefit you for life. This technical training is combined with a sharp business focus, delivered by expert trainers, and customised for Clifford Chance.

As part of our Training Contract, you'll also have access to our global Tech Academy, which offers online training, resources, and a global programme of face-to-face workshops. These initiatives ensure we stay ahead of the latest technology trends and address the issues our clients face.