PRIME Scheme Participant Review
at Clifford Chance
Work Experience
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of the Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Company Culture
Overview of the Experience
Please give an overview of what your work experience involved:
5/5
Work experience involved an insight into work as a trainee, talks from partners, and talks from Graduate Recruitment. We learned more about the culture and the firm. I was also given a strong insight into the firm's clients, the nature of the work and work patterns as a lawyer at Clifford Chance.
To what extent did you enjoy your work experience?
5/5
I enjoyed my work experience to a great extent. Clifford Chance facilitated a number of opportunities to network with other like-minded students, trainees and lawyers, many of which had a similar background to mine. There were also many social events that made the experience all the more memorable and enjoyable.
How well organised was your work experience?
5/5
It was very well organised. Right from the outset, you are given a planner that provides you with an agenda during my time doing work experience at Clifford Chance. The scheme was well-structured and you are aware of all events from day one. There were no gaps during the day where you would have nothing to do.
How much did your work experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
5/5
This was a huge insight into the world of law. It shaped my approach towards university and towards a career in law. I completed my work experience in 2017, then accepted onto a Vacation Scheme in 2020, offered a training contract right after and now I am a Trainee Solicitor in CC.
Were you paid or reimbursed for this experience?
5/5
I was paid, yes. We were paid a small allowance to cover our time during the week, with all travel costs reimbursed. Meal costs were not factored in here as Clifford Chance scheduled in daily lunches for all participants in the scheme. Social costs were also covered fully by Clifford Chance.
Skills Development
What training and skills development did you learn from your work experience?
5/5
I learned a lot from my experience. This was effectively my first experience where I saw first-hand the opportunities available at a global law firm. I was able to appreciate the breadth of the firm's practice areas and what work you would be involved in as a Trainee Solicitor in Clifford Chance.
Company Culture
How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
5/5
I learned a great deal about the Clifford Chance company culture and what it is like to work here. The office atmosphere was overall welcoming and friendly, and many of the lawyers had humble backgrounds - something that made me feel like I could fit in with the team well given that I share the firms values.
Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
5/5
Yes. There was an abundance of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. Throughout the week, we had insights from Trainees, Associates, Senior Associates and Partners. This was important because I was able to network with employees and see all the different positions in Clifford Chance from different departments (finance, corporate and litigation etc).
Recommendations and Advice
Would you recommend Clifford Chance to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Clifford Chance has been a great firm to work at. It has a welcoming and inclusive culture where you are not left feeling out of place. I would recommend Clifford Chance because of the career insights you are provided with and the opportunities to network with like-minded individuals and lawyers - an opportunity that is invaluable and very important in determining whether this career is for you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Clifford Chance?
I would recommend you research Clifford Chance thoroughly and spend time understanding the firm in and out. Do not waste time studying deals that the firm has worked on, but rather spend more time on what you find interesting and why it draws you even closer to the firm. Overall, it is important to be yourself and relate to the role you are applying for.
