Alan Mak, Trainee

Position: Trainee
Education: Law, Cambridge University; LPC, Oxford Institute of Legal Practice
Joined Clifford Chance: 2007

I think a lot of people considering a career in law overlook the business aspect. A lot of what I do is as much about providing business focused advice as it is about legal expertise. You’re learning business skills all the time. Budgeting, project management, team working and networking – they are all essential parts of your ‘toolkit’.

You can compare Clifford Chance with other leading international law firms in terms of the work that we do. But, to me, what makes it different is the training, environment and culture. Clifford Chance is a very nurturing place. There’s fantastic support available but also an attitude that encourages you to take on responsibility and learn from experience. During my first seat I was in charge of incorporating a Swedish shelf company for a US client. Straightaway I was working across three time zones. It meant some very long days but I enjoyed it and was pleased to have been given the responsibility.

There’s so much going on here besides fee-earning work. The pro bono side is very extensive and I’ve already worked on a number of cases for the National Autistic Society and have become a governor at a primary school in Tower Hamlets. I’ve taken on the role of Chair of the Trainee Committee, and recently organised the launch reception for the newly formed Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) of the Law Society. If you are ready to put in the effort over and above what is already a demanding schedule, then the opportunities are endless.