Trainee Solicitor

This is a two-year Training Contract designed to develop you into a confident solicitor in England and Wales, offering experience in the challenging world of commercial law.

What You'll Do

• Undertake four six-month rotations across the firm's Global Product Groups.
• Complete at least one seat in Capital Markets, Debt Finance, Project Development & Finance, Restructuring & Insolvency, or Structured Finance.
• Potentially undertake international, client, or split seat secondments with the Disputes team and Pro Bono clients.
• Develop legal and business skills, gain insight into high-profile clients, and enhance commercial awareness.
• Tasks may include drafting and proofing documents, conducting due diligence, attending client meetings, preparing court documents, researching titles and leases, or creating data rooms for transactions.
• You may have the opportunity to manage smaller client transactions.

Support and Development

• Receive specialised training and a dedicated supervisor at the start of each seat.
• Be supported by the Early Talent Development team, your Supervisor, Resource Manager, and Monitoring Partner.
• Access learning and development through the Clifford Chance Academy.
• Participate in a Trainee Induction programme in your first week.
• Receive PGDL and SQE prep sessions, funded by Clifford Chance, with maintenance grants provided.
• Attend Global Product Group presentations and skills sessions to aid seat choices and prepare for tasks.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Open to penultimate year law students, final year law and non-law students, and graduates.
• Must be eligible to start your Training Contract in August 2029 and/or February 2030.
• Achieved or on track to achieve a 2:1 or above in your undergraduate degree.
• If you have not studied an England and Wales qualifying law degree, you will need to complete the PGDL prior to joining.
• All Future Trainees must complete the SQE prior to joining, regardless of prior qualifications.
• If you have already completed the PGDL, you need a commendation (60% or more) overall and a pass on all modules at the first attempt.
• If you have already completed the SQE, you need to have passed all modules on the first attempt.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Take the Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment and Watson Glaser critical reasoning test.
3. Successful candidates will be invited to a recorded video interview.
4. Further stages include an in-person assessment day with a case study exercise, interview, and group exercise.

Key Attributes

• Business awareness and problem-solving with commercial insight.
• Ability to identify legal and business issues and articulate knowledge creatively.
• Client-focused with a commitment to exceptional client service.
• Leadership and collaboration skills, with enthusiasm for teamwork.
• Ability to multi-task, stay organised, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• A genuine desire to learn, progress, and gain exposure within the firm.
• Pride in work output, proactive feedback seeking, and career ownership.
• Knowledge of and genuine interest in the role, firm, and clients.