Training Contract

Clifford Chance's London Training Contract provides aspiring solicitors with the opportunity to begin a career in commercial law at one of the world's leading international law firms.

The two-year programme is designed to give trainees the breadth of experience required to become confident and commercially minded lawyers. From the beginning of the training contract, trainees work on complex, high-profile matters for international clients and take on genuine responsibility while collaborating with colleagues across Clifford Chance's global network.

Trainees rotate through different global product groups, gaining exposure to a broad range of legal and commercial work. The programme is designed to allow trainees to develop their interests, build practical skills and gain a strong understanding of the firm's clients and international business.

What the Training Contract Offers

During the two-year training contract, trainees gain hands-on experience across a range of teams and practice areas. Seat allocation allows trainees to express their preferences, helping them explore the areas of law and specialisms that interest them.

The firm's practice areas include work ranging from Debt Finance and Disputes to Tax and Private Equity, with trainees gaining experience on sophisticated and often cross-border matters.

Trainees are given responsibility from an early stage and work alongside experienced lawyers. The programme focuses not only on technical legal knowledge but also on developing commercial awareness, professional judgement, communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international environment.

International and Client Secondments

Trainees have opportunities to undertake international and client secondments during their training contract.

International secondments provide exposure to different legal markets and ways of working while allowing trainees to build professional networks across Clifford Chance's global offices. The firm provides relocation support and, where appropriate, language lessons to assist trainees undertaking international placements.

Client secondments offer another perspective by allowing trainees to work closely with clients and gain a deeper understanding of their businesses, industries and commercial priorities.

SQE Training

Clifford Chance partners with the University of Law to provide its legal education and SQE preparation.

Non-law graduates complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) before progressing to the firm's bespoke SQE programme. The SQE programme prepares future trainees for SQE1 and SQE2 while also developing the practical and technical skills required to succeed as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

All future trainees are required to complete the SQE, including candidates who have previously passed the LPC.

To progress, future trainees must successfully complete each PGDL module on the first attempt, achieve a minimum average score of 60% across the PGDL, and pass SQE1, SQE2 and each module of the Clifford Chance SQE Plus on the first attempt.

Trainee Induction

Before beginning the first seat, trainees undertake Clifford Chance's Trainee Induction Programme.

The programme combines practical learning with professional skills development and is designed to provide trainees with the knowledge and confidence required to begin working effectively within the London office.

The induction also helps trainees understand their role, how their work contributes to the office and how the trainee role connects with Clifford Chance's wider strategy and global business.

Training and Development

Throughout the training contract, trainees have access to the Clifford Chance Global Academy, the firm's learning platform for trainee solicitors and lawyers.

The Global Academy provides technical legal training alongside business and commercial learning. This enables trainees to develop the legal knowledge, professional skills and commercial awareness needed to succeed in their chosen practice area.

Clifford Chance also places significant emphasis on trainee wellbeing and resilience. Trainees receive ongoing support throughout their training contract and during international secondments.

Who Can Apply?

The London Training Contract is open to:

Penultimate-year law students

Final-year law students

Final-year non-law students

Graduates

Successful applicants must be available to start their Training Contract in August 2029 and/or February 2030. In some circumstances, candidates may be offered an earlier February 2029 intake, with the applicable start date determined by the recruitment team.

What Clifford Chance Looks For

Clifford Chance seeks candidates who can demonstrate the attributes required to succeed in a demanding international commercial law environment.

The firm's The Real Contract campaign focuses on qualities associated with high-performing trainees, including determination, adaptability, collaboration, commercial thinking and a commitment to achieving professional excellence.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate their skills, experiences and motivations clearly and show an understanding of what it means to work as a commercial lawyer at Clifford Chance.

Salary and Benefits

The current salary package for the London Training Contract is:

First-year trainee: £56,000 per annum

Second-year trainee: £61,000 per annum

Newly qualified lawyer: £150,000 per annum

The benefits package includes free gym membership, pension scheme, on-site healthcare, private healthcare, season ticket loan, cycle-to-work scheme, dental plan, international secondments, concierge services and free meals after a specified time.

Application Process

The application process consists of several stages designed to assess the skills and attributes relevant to a career in commercial law.

Candidates complete an online application form, followed by the Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment, Watson Glaser Test, pre-recorded video interview and Assessment Day.

The Assessment Day takes place in person at Clifford Chance's London office in Canary Wharf. It includes a combined case study and competency-based interview with a partner and senior associate, discussion of the case study, commercial awareness and competency-based questions, a written exercise and a group exercise.

For candidates travelling a significant distance, a virtual interview may be available at the discretion of the recruitment team.

Clifford Chance does not recruit on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed after the closing date so that candidates can be assessed fairly and consistently.

London Insight Day

Candidates interested in Clifford Chance can also attend the London Insight Day on 10 November 2026.

The event provides students with an opportunity to meet lawyers, trainees and the Early Talent team, learn more about the firm's work and London opportunities, and receive guidance on preparing a competitive application. The event is open to both law and non-law students.

Why Apply?

The Clifford Chance London Training Contract offers a structured route into international commercial law, combining extensive practical experience with formal legal education, professional development and exposure to sophisticated cross-border matters.

Trainees work alongside leading lawyers, take on real responsibility from the outset and have opportunities to experience different practice areas, international offices and client organisations. The programme is designed to help trainees develop the legal, commercial and professional skills necessary for a long-term career at a leading global law firm.

Applications open on 7 September 2026 and close on 18 November 2026.