Vacation Scheme Review

I had a very enjoyable time at Clifford Chance, working and networking with bright, enthusiastic and friendly lawyers.

The range and quality of activities provided for the vacation scheme cohort clearly showed the extent to which the firm valued us.

I felt guided and supported throughout the vacation scheme: not only by my three friendly trainee buddies, but also by the associates and paralegals with whom I was working. The paralegals were particularly generous in offering to answer my questions, even as they were seeking to completing a time-pressured transaction.

The skills which I developed during my vacation scheme - in understanding, co-ordinating and drafting legal documents - will equip me to pursue a GDL conversion course to Law. In addition, the specific knowledge which I gained in Securitisation and Litigation will help me to make more informed seat choices as an aspiring trainee solicitor.

The insight scheme was very well-structured, beginning with a general overview of Clifford Chance and then offering specific insights into each of the practice areas at the firm. The residential weekend joined up the classroom-based activities during the scheme and the more informal social events - it formed an ideal segue from week one to week two of the scheme.

The atmosphere during the vacation scheme was friendly and open, which was - I believe - reflective of the firm's overall ethos and values. The vacation scheme students formed a cohesive and friendly group.

The firm invested in vacation scheme students by organising a wide variety of talks, e.g. covering personal wellbeing and presentational skills. The scheme also featured a sample of the high-quality internal training for which Clifford Chance is known: the talks on Finance & Capital Markets offered a valuable insight into these areas.

Both through working alongside and networking with trainees, I developed a stronger understanding of what the trainee role involves at Clifford Chance. The residential weekend included a useful Q&A session with current trainees, in which they offered insights into their everyday work and the skills which they have developed over the course of the training contract.

I got an impression of the focus which Clifford Chance places on creating a dynamic and meritocratic culture, in which the potential of every employee is realised. It was evident not only from talks with partners, but also from the atmosphere of the London office that the firm actively works to champion equality and diversity (e.g. this office was participating in an art exhibition celebrating LGBTQ+ equality.)

I had previously completed some ad hoc work experience in a legal setting, but this was my first opportunity to experience the top tier work of a leading global law firm. Participating in a vacation scheme at Clifford Chance has strengthened my resolve to become a commercial solicitor working on high-profile deals and disputes that cross borders and shape markets.

I was paid a good salary to cover two weeks of living expenses.

There were a variety of opportunities to network with current and future trainee solicitors at the firm. These included a speed networking session and regular breakfast events - I was able to gain a stronger understanding of how a trainee solicitor works, and how trainees grow into the associates and partners of the future.

The networking and social events were a useful informal opportunity to explore a career in law. They were well-spaced throughout the scheme, which meant that I continued to discover more about training contracts at Clifford Chance up to the final day of the scheme. The social events involved fun, team-based activities such as a treasure hunt around London.

There was sufficient opportunity to discuss out of work activities with employees, but this was not a major component of the scheme.

I would definitely recommend this vacation scheme to a friend. It enabled me to deepen my appreciation of Clifford Chance as a firm, and of careers in commercial law. It also helped me to learn skills which I intend to apply as a trainee solicitor: how to draft, organise and co-ordinate legal documents; and how to add as much value as possible in my work on a particular matter.