Clifford Chance |

Tell us a bit about your background: what was your university background, when did you join the firm?

I studied modern history at London University and was a Clifford Chance summer intern in 1991. I completed the Law Conversion Course at Bournemouth University and studied for the Law Society Finals in London. I joined Clifford Chance as a trainee in September 1993.

Why did you choose CC?

In 1990, when I was an intern at a smaller City law firm, one of the partners suggested I look at doing an internship at this new law firm called Clifford Chance. He said he thought my interest in working abroad for part of my career would be more achievable at a firm like Clifford Chance. So I applied and was lucky enough to given a place on their Summer Scheme.

In those days, the summer interns spent a month in the office and had two weeks in two practice areas. Clifford Chance was still a young firm with infectious energy and was quite different from what I was expecting. The CC culture was already very evident. I was keen to be a part of it.

What is the most interesting piece of work you have been involved in to date?

I did manage to work abroad and spent 12 years in Hong Kong and was over there during the Financial Crisis in 2008. The first few weeks after the collapse of Lehman were very busy and we were dealing with a number of clients across Asia who had been dealing with Lehman as a counterparty, as investors in their structured products or had assets with them in custody or as collateral. We were very busy dealing with many different and new problems. It was incredibly absorbing and challenging.

Do you think you are at a disadvantage coming from a non-law background?

When I started, I was very conscious that I had not taken the typical route to becoming a lawyer but very quickly the work experience, the training and the guidance of colleagues settled those concerns and you realise you have access to the expertise to deal with the client matters. Whether you are studying a non-law degree or considering a career change, there's definitely a place for you at Clifford Chance and many of our trainees and fee-earners studied a non-law undergraduate degree.

What are your top 3 tips for someone wanting to go into the law field?

Show a genuine interest in your target firms' existing clients and the factors affecting them. Understanding what matters to the firm will help you align your priorities with theirs. Likewise, law firms do not operate in isolation from what is going on in the world. Pay attention to the political world and the financial markets. This may well help in any interview and will be invaluable throughout your career

Though it is great to show your interest in the law and law firms, we are also a people business. Use your years before joining any law firm to work in areas where you will meet customers, have responsibilities and develop some experience and confidence in dealing with clients.

What is your role, when did you join the firm?

My name is Thomas So and I am currently a second-seat trainee, having completed my first rotation in the structured and asset backed real estate team (SABRE). I joined the firm in August 2023, after securing a Training Contract through the SPARK scheme in my undergraduate degree.

What inspired you to apply to Clifford Chance?

Naturally, I applied to Clifford Chance because of its reputation as a leading global law firm that provides me with a new challenge every day and allows me to be a part of a global community that delivers legal advice and client services that are second to none.

However, what set it apart from many City law firms with similar professional offerings was its commitment to providing an inclusive environment for its employees. The culture at the firm is founded on respect and collaboration, and I was struck by just how friendly and welcoming Clifford Chance employees were whenever I engaged with them at career events. This really left a lasting impression on me throughout the application process.

I was also very impressed with the firm's social credentials. The firm offers a wealth of pro bono and community engagement programmes, through which I am now able to contribute to causes I care deeply about.

Finally, the firm has shown it is willing to support all its employees regardless of background and perspectives. In my personal experience, the firm has been extremely accommodating with my accessibility requirements, maintaining an open dialogue about how they can make the workplace suited for my needs.

What does a typical work day look like?

From my experience, it is difficult to define a 'typical' work day, especially given the broad range of practice areas and team dynamics. My previous experience in a transactional seat usually involved a constant stream of stimulating work throughout most of the day, that required me to juggle many responsibilities and deadlines.

At the start of each seat, every team will provide thorough training for your practice area, so it's a constant process of learning and development both through formal training as well as on-the-job experience.

Peppered throughout will also be numerous internal and external events, which are great opportunities for you to go and meet your peers and other colleagues, be it through casual meet-ups or team building activities.

Overall, your experience will never truly stay the same throughout, and staying nimble on your feet is definitely the way to make sure you can make the most of your time in each seat.

What are your working hours like? Link to The Real Contract

The work can definitely get tough at times. This is due to the complex and fast-moving nature of the work, which can change pace at any stage of a deal. It's important that we are flexible and available to respond to changing needs promptly and meet client expectations. Thankfully, the firm's hybrid working policy helps with taking the edge off the longer hours and gives me the flexibility to avoid having to go into the office for an early morning call after a late night, we're really trusted to manage our own time in that regard and get the job done! Additionally, in transactional seats the level of busyness will depend on market conditions, and during calmer seasons you may find yourself with more opportunities to make personal plans during the week, this can be difficult during the busier periods, and that's the reality of being a trainee at an elite global law firm.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

I'd say that would be effective communication. Being transparent about your capacity for work and whether you're feeling overloaded is one of the most important things a trainee can do. Trusting your team to support you is the most effective way to get the work done, and this can only be made possible if your supervisor and other team members have a clear picture of everyone's status. Sometimes, it might be too much for one person to do everything, and knowing when extra support is needed is a core part of transaction management. A common encouragement for trainees is to 'speak up', people might not know you already have your hands full and give you more work to do! But in the same breath, it's not meant to be easy and being a trainee at Clifford Chance will challenge you in different ways, every day.

What are your top tips for someone applying to Clifford Chance?

It's important to remember that there is no single template for a 'Clifford Chance lawyer'. Everyone here has something unique they bring to the table, and the firm is a true melting pot of different personalities and working styles. Being yourself in the application process is very important, as genuine passion and interest will make a far better impression than half-memorised pre-prepared lines about things you aren't actually interested in, but think is required as a 'Clifford Chance lawyer'.

Of course, for a job like this, you will be expected to be commercially aware. This boils down to staying up-to-date with what's going on and critically thinking about it, be it through reading the news or listening to podcasts etc. This will allow you to draw connections between what's happening around the world and how this may affect Clifford Chance and its clients. It is also generally useful to look at publications on firms' websites to get a grasp of what they are paying attention to.

Finally, overcoming adversity is a normal part of the process, and you may face setbacks along your journey. In these moments, it is crucial to keep the bigger picture in mind, and not hyperfocus on past mistakes. Instead, maintaining a positive mentality and treating everything as a learning opportunity to better yourself will do wonders for your progression.

Tell us about your background, when you are starting your Training Contract?

My name is Alfie and I am a current trainee within the Tax practice area in Clifford Chance's London office. I studied Law at the University of Birmingham for my undergraduate degree, and, looking further back, Maths, Physics and History at A Level.

Can you tell us why you completed a Global Virtual Internship?

I completed several of the Clifford Chance Global Internships during my time at University. Initially, I came across them during the March 2020 lockdown (at the end of my first year of University) as a means to keep busy and further my development in my legal studies. It also proved particularly useful as in-person experience was very limited across the industry and I believe that it helped me to stand out in the application process to ultimately land an interview.

Following the interview, I was unfortunately rejected for a Training Contract at Clifford Chance. One key piece of feedback that I received from the Early Talent Acquisition Team was that whilst I clearly had an academic passion for the law, it was not obvious that I had that passion for law as a career, or Clifford Chance as a firm. Following that feedback, I completed further Global Internships and gained a much greater insight into the role of a lawyer, and the firm itself. When I interviewed for Clifford Chance again in my third year, I was able to draw on my experiences when completing the Internships to ultimately be a better candidate and secure an offer.

What did you learn about the role of a lawyer from completing our Global Virtual Internship(s) and what skills did you gain?

Organisation and analytical skills are undoubtedly two of the key skills to be a successful lawyer. These are skills that I am still improving on every day of my Training Contract and learning from the impressive people around me. The Global Virtual Internships were very helpful in honing these skills in a non-academic context, and they gave me concrete evidence to show interviewers my passion for the law and the profession outside of the lecture hall. But more importantly, they provided me with a genuine insight into the type of work I'd be asked to complete as a Trainee at Clifford Chance, and confirmed my belief that this was the career for me.

Interestingly, I also learned things that I was able to take into other areas of my life. I completed the Business and Human Rights Internship, which really opened my mind to the pro-bono possibilities within the firm, and the importance of being an advocate for these key issues, to the point that I spent six months working for a human rights charity before starting my Training Contract. Knowledge that I had gained from the internship, and avenues of research that opened up as a result, really informed the work I did for that charity, and continue to do via pro bono work during my Training Contract.

Why would you recommend completing a Global Virtual Internship?

First and foremost, the Clifford Chance Global Virtual Internships are genuinely interesting, challenged my skillset and affirmed to me that law was a career which I would enjoy. They are flexible and don't have specific deadlines, so are easy to fit around work or study commitments during the busy applications season. I also think it helped me in obtaining my Training Contract. Of course, there were other reasons why I was a better candidate the second time around, but the internships were key stepping stones in showing that I had developed my passion for the field, and for the firm, and gave me experiences and skills which I could draw upon to impress.

Why Clifford Chance?

Clifford Chance is a top tier law firm, working across a huge number of jurisdictions and practice areas. I pursued a career in law due to my broader interest in business, and I knew that training at Clifford Chance would allow me exposure to the some of the best strategic and business minds, both through the lawyers I would be learning from and through the calibre of clients the firm attracts. Such training would allow for the best possible start to my career as a lawyer.

When were you introduced to the Firm?

During my second year at university, I attended an event on campus, which Clifford Chance was hosting.

What have you enjoyed most?

The opportunity to work with and learn from market leaders, both within the legal industry and clients within their respective industries.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

I was delighted to be part of the Private Equity team that advised on the sale of Creed to Kering. This was particularly special on two fronts. Firstly, I was fortunate to have been part of the deal development from its kick-off to its signing. The deal team was fantastic, allowing me to take on responsibility very early on. Secondly, the transaction captured significant mainstream attention, appearing in the FT, Reuters and various other news agencies. I'm proud that I can refer to that deal as my first signing as a Trainee!

Are you involved with any of the Firm's networks?

I am involved in the REACH Network – currently assisting with the planning of our Black History Month event in October. Separately, I am helping with the African Counsel Forum, whereby our London Office will welcome over 70 local counsels we engage and work with across our Clifford Chance network.

What makes Clifford Chance a great place to work?

Working at Clifford Chance provides a rare opportunity to receive some of the best training, from market leading lawyers, working on a broad range of interesting projects for huge industry clients, without compromising on the type of culture which supports a long-term and sustainable career. I genuinely enjoy my job at Clifford Chance, and it is the combination of everything above that makes that possible.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

While curiosity, tenacity, attention to detail and a strong work ethic are all important qualities in junior lawyers, I have found that open-mindedness and confidence have been the traits that have allowed me to truly maximise the experience of my Training Contract. I would advise future lawyers to learn to be unafraid to ask questions, put their hands up for work, and initiate and actively engage in conversations that interest them.

Why Clifford Chance?

I wanted to train at a market-leading firm that gave me the chance to be the best lawyer I can be, while still having a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. After completing a vacation scheme here, I knew Clifford Chance was a perfect fit.

What have you enjoyed most?

Having the opportunity to learn from some of the smartest people I have met. It really is a great place to train and work on market-leading deals, and it's true that no two days are the same.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

The most exciting deal I've worked on so far was the takeover of a leading multinational company listed on the FTSE 250 index of the London Stock Exchange. I had the opportunity to work closely with various professionals including investment bankers to guide our client through their takeover. It was exciting to be able to work on such an interesting transaction and read about it in newspapers once the deal became public.

What kind of training have you been given?

Every day is a learning day. While we have formal training for each new seat, I have learned an immense amount from the exposure I have had to client matters.

What makes Clifford Chance a great place to work?

People at Clifford Chance are welcoming and supportive. While the partners and senior lawyers are market leaders in their field, they are down to earth and approachable, which makes the office a friendly, relaxed place to work.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

The most important qualities are attention to detail and a desire to always be challenged. A career in law often involves big sacrifices, but if you enjoy what you do and want to learn then a Training Contract is perfect for you.

Why Clifford Chance?

As someone who has always wanted teamwork, stimulating work, and a global outlook to be part of their future career, Clifford Chance seemed to be the natural choice. Having now worked at the firm, I can confirm my gut instinct was correct and my time at Clifford Chance has been everything I wanted it to be and more!

When were you introduced to the Firm?

My journey to 10 Upper Bank Street was definitely a little unusual. While Clifford Chance was very well known to me during my time in university, my first practical exposure to the Firm was during my time working a fin-tech start-up where they actually happened to be representing the other side! It was an incredible experience and made resolve to one day join the firm on a full-time basis. Luckily it didn't take too long and I was accepted for a Training Contract the next year!

What have you enjoyed most?

The thing I like most about my job is the relationships you build with the Firm's clients. Being a lawyer is a client-facing role and I've come to appreciate the role played by the Firm's lawyers in helping grow these relationships and assisting clients achieve their goals – and it's no different for Trainees. In all my seats, I was encouraged to build a rapport with clients and to take an active role in delivering the service they expect of a firm like Clifford Chance. That being said, if someone had told me before joining that I would have the C-suite of a FTSE 100 company calling me, I definitely would not have believed them.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

I was involved in the amendment of a securitisation for a multinational energy renewables corporation. What made this interesting was that the deal involved offices in three different continents, and I was encouraged to take a leading role in managing the transaction. From running client calls to producing final draft documents, it was an incredible experience.

What kind of training have you been given?

Before the start of each seat, I have received a thorough week of training in that specific area, followed-up by further specialised sessions throughout the seat itself. My favourite piece of training was the corporate case study, where, during my time in M&A, we entered into a mock transaction and had to produce a mock Sale and Purchase Agreement before negotiating the key points with the other side.

What makes Clifford Chance a great place to work?

The way Clifford Chance invests in its people, especially Trainees. Since arriving, I've been amazed, not only by the level of training we receive, but the kind of opportunities the Firm offers its lawyers to ensure they develop in the best way possible I can personally say that the opportunities you get here are unrivalled and really add a sense of adventure to your Training Contract.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

Adaptability. Whether you are a Trainee changing seats or a Senior Associate working on a deal that has never been done before, adaptability is central to what makes lawyers successful in the long-term. During my own experiences, I have found that no two days are the same and that you will often consistently be asked to place yourself outside your comfort zone – which is part of the fun!