Student Review

This vacation scheme has been one of a kind. It had the correct balance between departmental work, interactive workshops, networking and socials! It offered a great opportunity to experience the firm's unique culture, whilst working with first-class lawyers on market leading deals. I had forgone other vacation schemes to take this one and I do not regret it at all. I had a fantastic two weeks.

Unlike other firms, Clifford Chance made everyone feel extremely valued. Clifford Chance explained that 'there is a place for everyone' and as a result, you know they are rooting for you. Also, the fact that they put together an unbelievable itinerary, a mind-blowing residential and personalised merchandise, does show that they value you on their scheme.

The guidance/support was above and beyond what was expected. In the run up to the vacation scheme, each vacation scheme student had a ‘trainee buddy’ from the firm. Then, while on the firm, we had a supervisor and a trainee buddy for each department we sat in. On top of this graduate recruitment, like the fee earners I encountered a Clifford Chance are very approachable and accommodating.

I would say that the department work gave me the opportunity to develop skills (attention to detail, critical analysis, teamwork etc) that of course will assist in my degree studies. However, using these skills in the workplace will help me beyond my degree and hopefully at a law firm, where such skills are pivotal to the transaction you are working on. Also, at Clifford Chance there were workshops on business development skills so we could understand what is needed to obtain and retain clients.

The itinerary provided is testament to the structure of the scheme. Every day we had the right balance between departmental work, networking and socials. Every morning we would start off with a networking breakfast, then a departmental talk or straight to departmental work. Often, in the evenings there was a social, or another networking event.

The atmosphere is made by the people and its work. I found the atmosphere to be engaging, inviting and quietly confident. It was great to be surrounded by like-minded people, as well as knowing that there is no ‘Clifford Chance mould’. During the scheme, the atmosphere made me feel wanted and invited.

Clifford Chance run a variety of departmental insights that allowed for a firm understanding of the work of that department to be developed. Also, there were sessions on Business Development, Continuous Improvement and Pitching for Clients that clearly showed the investment they are making in the vacation scheme students. As a result of the sessions on the itinerary, I did feel invested in.

The good focus on having at least half a day of work in departments gave me a true insight of what it would be like to have a full-time role at Clifford Chance. The more time I spent in the department, the more I felt like an employee, got to know its culture and work on its market leading deals.

The right balance between networking with trainees, working in departments with all fee-earners and the Partner Dinner gave me a great understanding of the culture of the firm. For me, I found it to be friendly, meritocratic and ambitious. This, for me, was the cherry on top. Great work, great people, great culture.

The vacation scheme cemented my decision to become a lawyer. It has confirmed the type of work I want to pursue, and the departments I would like to train in. This can be explained by the great amount of time available to vacation scheme students for departmental work, and departmental networking.

Clifford Chance was unique in that it contributed towards your expenses if you are a recipient of a government grant. This was refreshing to know.

There was an abundance of opportunities to network, both with trainees and fee-earners. Almost every day there was a breakfast with trainees from a designated department. There was also an evening of ‘speed networking’ where we had time to speak to trainees from almost every department at Clifford Chance. Then to top it off, there were Partner Dinners that gave us an unparalleled opportunity to speak with the leaders of the firm.

The socials were extremely fun. They ranged from a Quiz with Live Music, an Escape Room and to a Treasure Hunt. They were fantastic. Also, Clifford Chance incorporated a residential into their vacation scheme which was one of its kind. It was the best weekend residential that could have been planned.

We had a talk by a senior associate who explained Clifford Chance’s role in Pro Bono and Corporate Social responsibility. What was fantastic is that we were offered the opportunity to take part in a few FreeLaw pro bono sessions. I took part in one of them and it was great.

I would absolutely recommend it. It was a fantastic vacation scheme with the right balance of departmental work, networking and socials. The Graduate Recruitment team went above and beyond for the vacation scheme students, as can be seen by the great itinerary and the residential. I cannot fault the scheme at all.