Recruitment and application process | Training/work experience/vacation scheme | Equality and diversity

Recruitment and application process   

What are your minimum criteria?   
You will be expected to meet or exceed our benchmark criteria, which for graduates means 320 UCAS points at A-level (or equivalent) and be on target for a 2:1 (or equivalent) degree result or higher. The subject of your degree, however, is not important and we accept applications from both law and non-law students and graduates. It is your potential to become a lawyer that is important to us, rather than your knowledge of law itself.
 
When should I apply for a training contract?   
Please use the following link as a guide to application dates.

What are the deadlines for law and non -law applications?
For Non Law applications you will need to apply  by the 31st January 2012, For Law applicants you will need to apply by the 31st July 2012.

Can I check what status my application is at?   
Yes, you can log back in using your password and check the status of your application.  If you are experiencing any problems logging into your application please email support@wcn.co.uk.
 
If I apply and get rejected for one scheme, can I apply for another?   
We allow one application per vacancy every 12 months. You are welcome to apply for a vacation scheme and training contract in the same 12 month period.

Can I request feedback if I was not invited for an interview?
Unfortunately, as we receive such a high number of applications, it is only possible to provide feedback to those who have had an interview with us.

How many trainees join every year?   
120 candidates start the Training contract with us each year.

When can I expect to be interviewed?   
Non law candidates (February 2012)
Law candidates (August 2012)

Can the deadline for application be extended?
No, unfortunately due to our tight schedules we have to stick to our deadlines.

What kind of work experience is well-regarded?   
All work experience is relevant. However Legal or Commercial work experience is beneficial for your application.

Will you help me with obtaining a visa if I need one?
All non-EU nationals will require a visa to undertake work in the UK. Our Graduate Development and HR Advice teams will assist individuals requiring a visa, prior to the start of their employment, providing guidance and support on the application process at the time. A visa may also be required to work in some international offices and our International Assignments team assist our Trainees with this process.

It's a long time between when I am recruited and the start date - will there be any contact with Clifford Chance between?   
The Graduate Development team provide ongoing support from the point at which a Training Contract offer is accepted, through to qualification at the end of the Training Contract. All prospective trainees are encouraged to maintain contact with the Firm prior to the start of the Training Contract and the Graduate Development team are on-hand to respond to any queries at any stage prior to starting with the Firm. Throughout the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), the Legal Practice Course or for individuals following the QLTT/S route, an e-newsletter is regularly sent with updates and useful information from Clifford Chance. An event will be organised prior to the start of the LPC and social events organised throughout the LPC course. The Graduate Development team make regular visits to the LPC students at college and encourage individuals to come to speak to them about any aspects of their studies or future Training Contract.

Training/work experience/vacation scheme   

Which universities do we recommend?   
Unfortunately we are unable to advise on universities.

Is it better to do law or non law?
Approximately 40 - 50% of our trainee intake is from a non law background.

Do LPC modules and marks count?
We require all of our future trainees to have passed the LPC exams and modules in the 1st sitting.

Do we recommend a GDL provider?
There are no restrictions regarding where you study for the GDL however we do encourage you to complete it at The College of Law, Moorgate where you will complete your LPC. Details of universities and colleges offering GDL courses are available on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website: www.sra.org.uk

If I am part way through either my GDL or LPC, will I be reimbursed my fees?
If you are still participating in the course when you apply for your Training Contract, we will reimburse part or all of your fees depending on the stage you are at with your studies. We encourage individuals to discuss this with the Graduate Recruitment or Development teams for further clarification.

Do you run a vacation scheme?
Yes, we currently run two 4 week summer vacation placements - our summer vacation schemes are aimed at penultimate-year** students from any discipline.  You will be involved in live projects, with the support of a closely integrated team of qualified lawyers and trainees. You will also participate in a variety of training exercises, free law sessions, social and networking events.  As well as a salary of £300 per week, you'll have full use of our outstanding facilities, including the staff restaurant, swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

How many places are available on your vacation scheme?
Each year we have approximately 40 - 50 students on our vacation scheme.

What are your criteria for the vacation scheme?
The criteria is the same as for the selection of trainees.  Places are limited therefore there is a lot of competition, please ensure that you apply in plenty of time.

Do I need to complete a work experience placement or vacation scheme before applying for the training?
It isn't necessary for you to complete a vacation scheme or work experience placement with us or any other law firms to secure a training contract here.

Can I have some say in which seats I do?
Over the two years of your training contract, you will complete four rotations in our practice areas. The purpose of doing a number of seats is to give you a broad experience across our business and the opportunity to work with different teams and clients, and potentially in different jurisdictions. When it comes to the seat allocation process, after meeting each group to discuss their business requirements, the Graduate Development team will invite you to identify a number of groups which are of particular interest to you. These will then be discussed with you during your individual career development meetings with the Graduate Development team. While taking into account the needs of each business group and a number of other factors, we will try to allocate you to one of your preferred groups during each seat allocation process.

What is the retention rate of trainees upon qualification?
At Clifford Chance our aim is  to retain the best people. For 2011, our retention rate was 83%.

Equality and diversity   

I have a disability and require the application in a different format can you provide this?
Yes, Clifford Chance can provide the application in alternative formats.  Please contact us on  +44 (0) 20 7006 3003 or  with details of the alternative format that you require. 

What should I do if I require reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process because of my disability?
Clifford Chance will work with you to ensure any reasonable adjustments are implemented correctly.  Please contact the Recruitment team (insert number) to discuss your requirements.

I have a disability, but I am not sure if or what adjustments I require, are you able to advise me on this?
Clifford Chance will liaise with you to establish the most suitable adjustments that you would require for the recruitment process,  and we ensure the adjustments are implemented as necessary. Clifford Chance  has established relationships with external specialist disability organisations who we can communicate with  for advice and guidance.

I graduated quite a few years ago, can I still apply?
Yes, Clifford Chance  has no limit between when you may have graduated and when you submit your application.

If the FAQs have not answered your question, please contact us on 0207 006 3003 or email recruitment.london@cliffordchance.com