RateMyPlacement
Insights given through daily partner-led talks usually accompanied by group projects and case study exercises to complete daily. Talks varied widely in nature, from practice area introductions (e.g. litigation) to affinity network presentations, well being events and (very fun) socials.
Overall, the scheme consisted of talks by all the practice areas, contact with a trainee buddy, and talks about the opportunities in the training contract itself. As well as this, every morning began with a calming social – this included yoga sessions, and focused breathing sessions. In the evenings, there were also some social activities, which was a great way to bond with the rest of my cohort. Another big part of this game were the daily tasks and challenges based on the talks and our reflections.
Each day involved listening to speakers from within the firm giving insight into different practice areas, as well as interactive sessions with representatives from the firm's networking societies. Further, we also had to complete tasks/ projects either individually or in groups, as well as reflect on each day considering what we learned and what interested us.
Staying engaged and involved in talks that occur during the day and absorbing all the info, as well as working on group tasks together with my cohort
The scheme involved a lot of talks from partners about different practice areas. We also had many events about the firm’s culture and their drive for inclusion. We had many opportunities to speak to trainees and sessions about the type of work trainees do.
SPARK is a 1 week scheme that allows law students to experience life at Clifford Chance. It is an excellent way to practically expand your knowledge of commerical law, and what a commerical lawyer does in their day-to-day work. The scheme included talks from a range of lawyers from different practice areas.
The programme ran from approx 9am-5pm everyday. Usually in the morning we would have sessions learning about different parts of the business and practice areas and then in the afternoon more interactive work, panel sessions or challenges to complete.
I really enjoyed my insight into Clifford Chance. The scheme allowed me to experience a broad variety of areas of the firm. We had multiple presentations that covered the firms practice areas and also allowed us to have an in-depth insight into the deals the firm works on. We were also able to have insights into the firms networks and pro bono work. This was on top of some fun yoga and cooking socials too! The broad range of experiences really made the insight enjoyable.
I loved the Clifford Chance Virtual Vacation Scheme. Despite being online, it was engaging and interactive. It was hands on, but, also a supportive experience. I enjoyed the programme as I didn't just gain a surface level of knowledge, we explored the thematics and practice areas in depth. I gained a long term vision of my position in the industry and the firm too. Most importantly, I managed to grasp a understanding of the culture of the firm and thorough interaction with the firms employees and fellow interns. This was all made possible through successful virtual communication that the firm put in place for the scheme. Considering I came from a background of minimal legal exposure I feel confident that the scheme has given me the ability to tackle and continue in the legal world.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the scheme. Through partner led presentations, I was able to gain insight into a broad range of practice areas from larger ones such as Corporate, and Litigation & Disputes Resolution, to more specialised ones such as Real Estate and Tax. As well as this, I was able to learn more about innovation at the firm, the firm's international opportunities and its very impressive community outreach and pro bono work. I also enjoyed the social aspect of scheme which included a live cooking class with a Michelin star chef, and a yoga class. There were also tasks set each of the three days of the scheme. They allowed me to apply some of what I learnt throughout the day and also challenged me as I had to do research and produce concise emails/voicemails for fictitious clients.
I really, really enjoyed my time on SPARK 2020. What graduate recruitment were able to achieve, having taken the scheme virtual, was extremely impressive, especially given the limited time they had to adapt. The talks were highly engaging and genuinely helpful, containing a lot of information you could call upon in future interviews. The daily tasks were thorough and interesting, and the virtual setting allowed us to collaborate with peers we'd met on the scheme, so that ended up being a big advantage to the online environment. The daily reflections were surprisingly valuable, and forced me to properly evaluate what I'd learnt and achieved each day, which, again, was helpful for future interviews, and quite rewarding.
I really enjoyed this virtual experience! Despite it having to be delivered in a virtual format in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it still proved to be a highly insightful and fun experience. The positive attitude brought by everyone involved, and the light-hearted, collaborative working environment that this created, was fantastic to witness, and made the sessions highly engaging despite their delivery coming from behind a screen. Not once did I feel bored or disengaged, which I think pays true testament to the charisma and talent of the lawyers delivering the sessions, and the excellent creative-thinking and planning of Graduate Recruitment.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Clifford Chance SPARK scheme for a number of different reasons. From learning about key practice areas, to hearing about the firm's commitment to Diversity & Inclusion and pro-bono, to socialising with the rest of the cohort, the virtual scheme provided me with a strong understanding of commercial law and how Clifford Chance operates as a leading global law firm. Despite the virtual format, I got a real sense of the firm's culture and this was testament to the level of attention to detail and effort which the graduate recruitment team put into the scheme. I enjoyed collaborating with other candidates, sharing ideas, building friendships and exploring Clifford Chance during such unprecedented times. I was impressed by the bespoke nature of the scheme and surprised by how much information I received in a relatively short amount of time. I enjoyed listening to partners speak so openly about their practice areas and appreciated that they all took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my understanding of what I was learning. The virtual scheme has had a lasting impact on me as I've been paired up with a trainee buddy, developed friendships with students from other universities who are similarly passionate about Clifford Chance and I'm now more understanding of how the firm operates as a business, what challenges it faces and how it is prepared to continue providing an excellent client service in the future through materialising its vision and strategy.
I had a great time and learnt so much about the firm and what it might be like to work as a trainee.
The SPARK scheme (1st year scheme) was absolutely amazing. I have done a plethora of first year schemes and this one was far and away the best. It was the ideal mix of classroom sessions to develop us personally and professionally, but also work shadowing which gave me a real insight into the work the firm does, and what a Training Contract might look like there. I never felt bored or like anything was just done to fill time. Everything was planned to a 't' and filled a real purpose.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight. There was always plenty of exciting research and tasks to be completed. The training sessions that were provided were very interactive and provided valuable information to help us. The team was very friendly and were keen to get to know us and find out our career aspirations.
I really enjoyed my time spent at Clifford Chance on the vacation scheme. I found there to be a healthy balance between desk work, interactive activities and social events. I had the opportunity to met with extremely talent, driven and like-minded individuals and overall, this was a very enjoyable two week experience.
I very much enjoyed the insight programme, from the informative presentations to the networking and social events, I was always fully interested and engaged. The week had been extremely well organised and I had the chance to speak to a lot of different people. I had so many opportunities to make the most of the time I spent at the firm.
I enjoyed this insight immensely. My first experience in a large City law firm proved to be an extremely valuable one, and in what fantastic offices to experience it! There was a huge amount of variety on offer throughout the week, which ensured the insight remained interesting and stimulating. The people attending/employees I met were great too!
I very much enjoyed this opportunity at Clifford Chance on the vacation scheme. There was a great balance between desk work, presentations, networking opportunities, and social events. Everyone that I had the pleasure of working with was incredibly friendly and supportive, giving up their vital time to speak me. Overall, a very enjoyable and valuable experience.
