SPARK Scheme (2022) Review
at Clifford Chance
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
E14 5JJ
Review Submitted: November 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
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
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.
SPARK is a paid internship that takes place over one week which is correspondingly divided into two parts.
The first three days involve in-depth classroom learning which aim to help each participant develop their knowledge of the legal profession itself, the departmental work of Clifford Chance (from corporate to financial areas), as well as the firm's business aims. Whilst the final two days are spent work shadowing within a pre allocated department.
The first three days involve in-depth classroom learning which aim to help each participant develop their knowledge of the legal profession itself, the departmental work of Clifford Chance (from corporate to financial areas), as well as the firm's business aims. Whilst the final two days are spent work shadowing within a pre allocated department.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The SPARK scheme was invaluable to furthering my understanding of the business and of the potential roles available within the firm. The opportunity to learn directly from focused, curated sessions delivered by a broad spectrum of leaders within Clifford Chance provided a level of direct understanding that is likely lost in indirect online sessions.
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?
Skill development is central to SPARK. Opportunities were routinely given to network - both with our fellow SPARK cohort, and with trainees, associates and partners throughout Clifford Chance - developing our inter-personal skills.
Furthermore, there were multiple group based written tasks regarding the corporate and finances practice areas that enhanced our legal knowledge and developed our critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
The scheme also provided numerous opportunities to deliver presentations, accordingly developing our presentational skills.
Furthermore, there were multiple group based written tasks regarding the corporate and finances practice areas that enhanced our legal knowledge and developed our critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
The scheme also provided numerous opportunities to deliver presentations, accordingly developing our presentational skills.
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 and general atmosphere is extremely welcoming and friendly. The firm is made up of a diverse spectrum of highly intelligent business men and women from a variety of backgrounds, and the firms stands as being incredibly supportive both during my time on SPARK and since.
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?
The insight into the firm was highly enjoyable and really stood as an all-access week long internship in which all our pressing questions could be answered.
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
Firstly my advice is to be yourself both in writing applications and in interviews, as opposed to projecting an image that you believe the firm want to see.
Secondly, I would advise to not talk yourself out of making an application; the firm really welcomes applications from all backgrounds and cultures.
Thirdly, I would advise people to focus upon and celebrate the personal achievements that seemingly make them unique within the competitive application cycle.
Secondly, I would advise to not talk yourself out of making an application; the firm really welcomes applications from all backgrounds and cultures.
Thirdly, I would advise people to focus upon and celebrate the personal achievements that seemingly make them unique within the competitive application cycle.
