Clifford Chance SPARK Review
at Clifford Chance
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Corporate Law
Canary Wharf
Review Submitted: July 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 Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Company Culture
5/5
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Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
CC SPARK was a five day insight scheme which featured three days of classroom based sessions and two days of work shadowing. The classroom based sessions included presentations on firm's main practice areas, developing one's client focus and the firm's focus on ESG and legal technology. During the last two days of work shadowing, the tasks varied depending on the practice area and supervisor you were assigned to. Examples of tasks include producing a fee quote or conducting research.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The scheme featured several sessions aimed at helping us understand CC's business as a whole. We learned not only about the work of the fee earners but also about the work of CC's business professionals such as the legal technology team or the community outreach team. Graduate recruitment was also particularly forthcoming about potential roles at CC and what skills and expertise that was needed for these roles.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
The scheme developed my technical knowledge on commercial law, notably in regard to the mechanisms of M&A deals and financing structures. It gave me greater insight into the work that trainees carry out and has enabled me to better evaluate whether a career in commercial law is right for me. In addition, it also helped me develop my soft skills, particularly how to deal with clients and interact with more senior lawyers.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture was extremely welcoming and inclusive. Each and every person at CC was patient when answering questions and emphasised the collegiate culture of the company. It was evident that the management of the firm put in a lot of effort to cultivate a collaborative, well-balanced culture. The general atmosphere was warm and encouraging.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I greatly enjoyed the insight. The sessions were informative and extremely engaging. There was no moment in which I felt bored. The people were also extremely friendly and happy to answer any questions. I made a lot of friends on the scheme who I look forward to staying in contact with.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid and reimbursed expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Clifford Chance
5/5
Would you recommend Clifford Chance to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Clifford Chance
I recommend doing as much research into CC as you can to understand its differentiating factors. There are several city law firms which engage in complex, multi-jurisdictional work but there are many ways in which CC can be distinguished ranging from its unparalleled expertise in ESG to its specific culture. It should be clear in your application why CC, as opposed to any other magic circle law firm, is the right firm for you.
