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Training Contract Middle East

As a Clifford Chance trainee, you'll be a valued member of the team from day one. You'll play an active role in client relationships and business development while gaining exposure to a broad range of international, market-leading transactions. You'll often collaborate with colleagues across different offices and global product groups, developing the skills and experience needed for a successful legal career.


You will complete four six-month rotations:

  • Your first seat will be in our London office.
  • The remaining three seats will be based in one or more of our offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Riyadh.
  • You may also have the opportunity to undertake a client secondment in the Middle East.

This structure prepares you to qualify as an England & Wales lawyer and provides a strong foundation for a successful international legal career in the Middle East.


Throughout your training contract, you'll participate in a range of activities designed to strengthen your legal, business and commercial skills. Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary, from drafting and proofreading documents to attending client meetings and managing smaller transactions for our clients.

What are we looking for in a Middle East Trainee?


Your interviewers will assess your motivation and commitment to building a legal career in the Middle East, alongside evidence of previous high performance against Clifford Chance's key success indicators:


  • Ownership and Impact: Delivering with accountability
  • Collaboration: Working as one team
  • Agility: Adapting to the moment
  • Continuous Improvement: Learning and developing
  • Drive Results: Delivering with focus
  • Trust and Professionalism: Earning and building trust
  • Technology and Innovation: Using technology and AI to create value

We recommend attending an online application skills workshop to learn more about these high-performance indicators, how they are assessed during the recruitment process, and how to demonstrate them effectively throughout your application and assessment journey.

What are we looking for in a Middle East Trainee?
Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Penultimate-year law students, final-year law and non-law students, and graduates.
  • Native or fluent Arabic speaking and writing skills are strongly preferred.
  • Strong cultural and/or familial connections to the Middle East region.
  • Applicants must be available to start in the Firm's London office in either February 2029/August 2030 and relocate to the UAE six months later. If you are successful, the Early Talent team will determine and allocate your intake.

Key information


Applications open: 7 September 2026


Applications close: 18 November 2026


Assessment held: The first-stage interview will take place during the week commencing 11 January 2027. If you successfully progress through this stage, the second-stage interview will take place on 21 January 2027.


Application process: Submit an online application, complete the Watson Glaser assessment and the Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment, and participate in a pre-recorded video interview as part of the recruitment process for our Middle East opportunities.


Assessment process: If you successfully progress following your pre-recorded video interview submission, the next stage will consist of a virtual competency-based interview with a Partner and Senior Associate based in the region. If you successfully progress through this stage, you will be invited to attend an in-person assessment at our London office, consisting of a case study exercise, including a written exercise, followed by a case study interview with a Partner and Senior Associate.


Throughout the assessment process, we will be assessing your potential to build a successful legal career in the Middle East, alongside the skills, behaviours and attributes required to thrive at Clifford Chance.

Apply now
Key information
Middle East Insight Day

Middle East Insight Day

Join us for an exclusive Insight Day at the Clifford Chance London office on 12 November 2026, designed for students and graduates interested in building a legal career in the Middle East. Network with distinguished lawyers from the region and gain valuable insights into the Middle East legal market, legal profession and career opportunities. Receive expert guidance on crafting a competitive application for our Middle East graduate and training contract opportunities. Whether you're a law or non-law student, or a recent graduate, this event is your gateway to understanding the realities of practising law in the Middle East and working in an international law firm. Secure your place today and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding legal career in the region.

Apply now

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.

Guidance for your application Watson Glaser Practice Test Events Hub Global Virtual Internships

Guidance for your application

Guidance for your application

We’ve created guidance to support you through each stage of the application, with insights on the form and practical tips to help you start with confidence.


Read more

Watson Glaser Practice Test

How we hire

Before taking the Watson Glaser test, we recommend practicing as much as possible to become familiar with the format and question style. Use the link below to practice as many times as you like. Practice attempts won’t be assessed, and Clifford Chance will not see your results.


TRY THE TEST

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 programmes provide 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.

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