Springboard Scheme Intern Review

I greatly enjoyed my time at Clifford Chance. The scheme provided us with numerous opportunities to get to know the firm as well as the surrounding area. For example, we were given the opportunity to attend a nearby play as well as have dinner at Gauchos (a restaurant in Canary Wharf). Overall, it was an excellent week.

I felt incredibly valued by the firm. This is because the graduate recruitment team had clearly invested a lot of time and money into the programme. Every single day was full of events whether that be socials, introductions to different practice areas or talks from partners. What particularly stood out was the trip to the firm's Paris office where we had the opportunity to meet a partner at the office as well as talk to trainees on secondment about their experience at the firm.

I received a lot of guidance during the insight scheme. This came not only from the graduate recruitment team, but also other students on the scheme as well as many of the lawyers I spoke with. This came in the form of advice about how I should go about my studies as well as my future career. In particular, trainees involved in pro bono schemes at the firm illustrated how I could help the society around me as a commercial lawyer.

I don't think it will assist me during my degree as the commercial work involved is very different to my degree. However, it will assist me beyond my degree as the scheme provided a very comprehensive insight into life as a commercial lawyer. It has confirmed my intention to become a commercial lawyer in the city, ideally at Clifford Chance. Furthermore, sitting in the tax department proved to be very insightful and I will now consider sitting in tax during my training contract,

The week was very well structured. We received a timetable at the beginning of the week detailing the activities each day and what would be required of us during each session. It was not too rigid however and the graduate recruitment team was very accommodating when one of the activities overran. For example, we had an impromptu social following the play as the session before slightly overran.

The general atmosphere was very friendly.

The firm invested a lot in us with regards to personal training and development. This was evident from the fact that every day was clearly structured, varied and with plenty to do. Talking to lawyers have me an insight into what their day to day life involves. In particular, the day shadowing an associate in tax showed me what being an associate and what working in the tax department involves.

The scheme allowed me to gain a really clear insight into what it would be like to work at Clifford Chance. For example, we were invited to the firm's social events at the firm's own bar which showed what socialising as a lawyer at Clifford Chance might entail. Furthermore, we were introduced to the firms Black, Mixed and Ethnic Minority (BME) Networks which is really important to me.

Clifford Chance has a standout culture. Many firms claim to have a friendly, team based, open door culture without any real hierarchy. At Clifford Chance this was genuine. Everyone was willing to talk and spend time supporting you. What also shone through was the laid-back professionalism at the firm. Whilst everyone was willing to work hard when needed, this did not make them robotic. Rather, everyone's unique personalities came through.

The content of the day was extremely valuable and I would highly recommend it. It further strengthened the reasons for which I want to do law and really made me consider Clifford Chance as a strong candidate for a future employer. The scheme also highlighted the the importance of commercial awareness therefore motivating me to do as much law work experience as I can. I will also ensure to keep in touch with the commercial and political news as much as possible given that it is important to do so to be a commercial lawyer.

Paid £350 for the week

Yes plenty (as outlined below).

Perfect! There were a multitude of opportunities to network, and to attend social events. Each event was unique which meant that we enjoyed each one but also could ask any questions that we had in a very laid back environment. This allowed for us to gain a varied but also truthful insight into the firm. In comparison with every law firm event I've intended, the social events and networking opportunities were the best here.

Yes from pro bono to sport

For sure.