Why Clifford Chance’s training contracts have the competitive edge

This article has been produced in collaboration with Clifford Chance.

A leading international law firm, Clifford Chance is where bright minds meet. Early talent looking to build a dynamic commercial law career will find that the benefits and development they can gain from our training contracts are second to none.

Setting ourselves apart

From ambitious trainees to experienced partners, the legal profession is full of high-performing, high-achieving individuals. Prospective trainees looking to secure a training contract are vying for the best opportunities, while firms looking to bring on board the next generation of lawyers are competing for the best talent.

To attract and develop the brightest trainees, we’ve structured our training contracts in a unique and innovative way. On top of investing significantly on the learning, development and practical experience our trainees need in order to qualify, our training contracts are about preparing them for a promising career that’s built on their individual strengths.

Hitting the ground running

From the moment a trainee is accepted for a training contract, they become a part of our team. As such, we do all we can to ensure they feel supported in their journey ahead.

Our award-winning trainee induction programme demonstrates our commitment to delivering the tools and techniques needed to help trainees succeed. This three-day programme has been designed with essential input from key stakeholders in the firm, as well as former trainees.

The programme combines practical learning, insight, and skills in a safe and supportive environment and is completed before trainees take the first seat of their training contract — giving them the confidence to hit the ground running.

Learning as you grow

Our trainees are ambitious high performers consistently looking to excel. With that in mind, we've developed the Clifford Chance Academy, a pioneering resource packed with innovative learning opportunities that provides fundamental support throughout their careers.

Courses offered through the Clifford Chance Academy are taught by respected internal and external experts, and are supported by talks from clients, which help to put the key learnings into context.

There are also various people our trainees can turn to for support throughout their training contract. The early talent development team, supervisors, legal support manager, resource manager and monitoring partner are always available to act as mentors and advisers on a full range of subjects, and regular feedback meetings are built into the structure of training contract itself to help our trainees keep on track.  

Perhaps the greatest benefit enjoyed by trainees at Clifford Chance, however, is the opportunity to collaborate with the brightest legal minds on a daily basis. We encourage and assist them in making meaningful connections with the senior colleagues they work directly alongside, fostering a sense of mutual trust and enabling them to take on real responsibility at a very early stage.

The Clifford Chance difference

A workplace full of different perspectives not only strengthens the foundations of our legal work, it also makes for a culture that better represents our communities and purpose. That’s why we’ve created different groups internally to ensure support and opportunities reflect the diversity of our Clifford Chance colleagues.

We're also helping to drive change across the wider legal profession. As well as making social mobility part of our everyday conversation, we’re a founding member of PRIME – an alliance of firms committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to enter the world of law has an equal chance to do so, regardless of their background. 

Strength in support

While many firms offer special benefits, we go the extra mile to encourage the wellness of our colleagues and ensure there are appropriate support systems in place.

We’ve created an award-winning resilience programme for Clifford Chance trainees. With internal and external sources of support, the services we provide take a holistic approach to mental health. 

Life at Clifford Chance

We pride ourselves on transparency — so we make sure our trainees can make the most of their future opportunities. The qualification process can be a daunting one, and it’s important to us that we have support available from the outset. Conversations focused on planning for the future begin in the opening weeks of our training contract, encouraging trainees to consider the trajectory of their careers right from the start.

In what’s an incredibly fast-paced and rapidly evolving profession, our progressive approach to training contracts puts us in a league of our own. With holistic support, strategic programming and a clear focus on development, Clifford Chance is the one firm that equips trainees to establish a great career now and prepare for an exciting future ahead.