SPARK Intern Review

The centre of the SPARK programme occurred during the summer and was divided over two weeks, called SPARK Insights/Skills and SPARK Shadowing respectively. SPARK Insights gave an introduction to the firm and its operations through practice area presentations and commercial awareness sessions, and SPARK Skills equipped us with career-ready skills sessions. SPARK Shadowing saw me working in the office in a practice area (Litigation and Dispute Resolution), and being given tasks a first-seat trainee might receive from my supervisor. The days were always varied and interesting, with the nature of the work changing day on day.

I sat in Litigation and Dispute Resolution during SPARK Shadowing and was given work that a first-seat trainee might receive through my supervisor. I did legal research, drafted internal memos, and took attendance notes for internal meetings. The work was engaging and exciting, all relating to active cases. My supervisor was conscious of my non-law background, too, so research tasks were given with helpful advice and pointers to make them more accessible.

I honed my legal research skills during the placement, through using online legal databases to present commercially-relevant information in internal communications. I also developed my interpersonal skills through engaging and interacting with all members of the firm, whether fee-earners or non fee-earners, partners or trainees.

I received a lot of support and guidance during the placement. The practice area presentations were engaging and accessible, priming our knowledge ahead of the Shadowing week. During the in-office placement itself, all of the work given to me by my supervisor came with advice and pointers to help me navigate them in accordance with my non-law student background. Alongside this, lawyers both junior and senior also made it clear that they were available should I have had any questions.

Clifford Chance has several identity-based affinity networks and special interest groups that foster a sense of community and encourage learning and celebration. During SPARK, I was able to attend events ranging from a Diwali celebration through to a listening party with Tinie Tempah for Black History Month. The emphasis on people and inclusivity is also felt inside the work place: during my Shadowing week, there was always an open door should I have had any questions. The result made for a supportive atmosphere that was extremely conducive to growth and development.

SPARK provided a comprehensive and accessible foundation for understanding Clifford Chance and its work. The initial practice area presentations and skills development workshops provided key insights that developed my commercial awareness. Regular points of contact outside of the Shadowing week - through my Buddy Bubble and the affinity network events - also made me feel well-supported. They provided enjoyable opportunities to make connections with fellow interns, lawyers, and business professionals, and reflected the firm's culture first-hand. The programme, through its extensive nature, has given me a unique perspective on what a career could look like at Clifford Chance.

Yes