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Training Contract Middle East

As a Clifford Chance trainee you’ll be a valued team member, from day one. You’ll be actively involved in client relationships and business development. You’ll face the exciting challenge of working on a wide range of international, market-leading transactions, often collaborating with colleagues across different offices adnd practice areas.

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 go on a client secondment in the Middle East.

This structure prepares you to qualify as an England & Wales lawyer and provides a strong foundation to launch a dynamic career in the region.


Throughout your training, you’ll participate in activities that sharpen your legal, business, and commercial skills. Your daily tasks will vary, from drafting and proofreading documents to attending client meetings, and even managing smaller transactions for our clients.

What are we looking for in a Middle East Trainee?


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We will need you to demonstrate the following attributes and skills:

  • Commitment to building your career in the Middle East
  • Commercial awareness
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Client focus
  • Leadership & collaboration skills
  • Understanding of the firm and role
  • Attitude and approach to work
  • Organisation and time management
What are we looking for in a Middle East Trainee?
Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Penultimate-year law or final-year law and non-law students & graduates
  • Native/Fluent Arabic speaking and writing skills are preferred
  • Strong cultural and/or familial connections to the region
  • Must be able to start at the Firm’s London office in February 2028 and/or August 2028 and relocate to the UAE six months after this date The Early Talent team will allocate your intake if you are made an offer.

Key dates


Application open: 3 September 2025


Application close: 14 January 2026


Assessment held: The first stage interview is w/c 23 February 2026. If you are progressed through this stage, the second stage interview is 10 March 2026.


Application process: Submit an online application, complete the Watson Glaser test, and a pre-recorded video interview.


Assessment process: If you are progressed following the 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 are progressed through this stage, you will be invited to an in-person assessment which will consist of a case study exercise (inclusive of a written exercise) in the London office, followed by a case study interview with a Partner and Senior Associate.

Key dates
Middle East Insight Day

Middle East Insight Day

Date: 5 November 2025

Join us at the Clifford Chance London office for an Insight Day focused on legal careers in the Middle East.

During this event, you'll connect with experienced lawyers from the region and gain valuable insights into the legal landscape and career paths available.

You’ll also receive practical guidance on crafting a strong application for our Middle East Training Contract or Vacation Scheme. Whether you're studying law, pursuing another discipline, or recently graduated, this is a unique opportunity to discover what it means to practise law in the Middle East.

Spaces are limited — apply now to take a meaningful step toward your legal career.

Apply now

Before you apply

We don’t recruit on a rolling basis; all applications are reviewed after the closing date. Before you apply, we encourage you to explore the following:

Watson Glaser Practice Test Events Hub Global Virtual Internships

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 will cover a wide range of topics - from application guidance to career development insights, and each event is designed to support you through the recruitment process.

Global Virtual Internships

Global Virtual Internships

Our award-winning virtual internships are valuable resources to help you explore a career in law and whether it is the right fit for you. Gain firsthand insight into a lawyer's responsibilities and access learning materials created by our experts.

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