The best way to learn more about what we do and what it is like to work here, is to come and try it for yourself. Our vacation scheme will give you an insider's view of a career in law, providing valuable insight into what working here is really like. Time on the vacation scheme will help you develop new skills, meet new people and decide whether Clifford Chance is the right place for you.

What the students say>> Hints and tips>> Dates and deadlines>>

We run a four-week scheme during the summer holidays. Our vacation scheme is aimed at penultimate-year students from any discipline. If you join the vacation scheme and have the relevant language skills, you might have the chance to spend two weeks in one of our European offices. Whether you're in London or elsewhere, you'll benefit from quality work experience and work-related learning. You will be involved in live projects, with the support of a closely integrated team of qualified lawyers and trainees. You will also participate in a variety of training exercises, social and networking events.

As well as a salary of £270 per week, you'll have full use of our outstanding facilities, including the staff restaurant, swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

But of course, the real benefit is the chance to work alongside and learn from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the business.You can explore your career aspirations while developing your skills and commercial awareness.

What the students say

To find out what our students thought of our vacation scheme, here are some comments from some of our most recent students, as well as a full 'insider report':

'The scheme totally sold Clifford Chance to me, especially the relationships HR built with us.... it really convinced me that Clifford Chance is different.'

'The scheme is very well devised as to its length and the students' level of involvement in the firm's work. Four weeks at the firm made me develop a sense of belonging to Clifford Chance.'

Insider report by a 2009 vacation scheme student

'When deciding which law firms to apply to for a summer vacation scheme, Clifford Chance was an obvious choice. It is a top-performing City law firm and part of the elite ‘magic circle' of law firms. A truly international firm, with offices all around the world, providing for a wide range of international opportunities. It is one of the most prestigious and reputable firms for which to work.

I spent the first two weeks of the scheme in the banking department, where I was involved in a great variety of ‘real' work; I drafted letters, emails and even clauses of loan agreements, proof read a range of documents and completed a legal research task. My second two weeks were in the litigation department, where I spent a lot of time getting familiar with the cases that my supervisors were involved in, asking questions, attending meetings and completing discrete legal research tasks.

The firm boasts an interesting and diverse range of employees, which provides for a very accepting and dynamic environment. The people are driven, intelligent and well-spoken but at the same time very friendly, approachable, and generous with their time.

Over my four weeks, I gained an insight into what life at Clifford Chance is like and the type of work that employees, in particular trainees, do at the firm. I've gained an understanding that a lot of work that a City lawyer does is not solely legal and a good business and commercial awareness is essential. In addition to this, I was able to network with some key players at the firm.

A lot of time was put into structuring the vacation scheme and organising invaluable seminars, networking events and social activities. I very much enjoyed my vacation scheme with Clifford Chance and would highly recommend the scheme, and indeed the firm, to anyone who is considering a career in the legal profession.'

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How to make the most of your vacation scheme - hints and tips

• Get involved - take advantage of the many opportunities you will encounter to network and meet people from around the firm. Talk to our trainees, lawyers and partners, as well as your fellow vacation scheme students and partners about different parts of the firm so that you can build a picture that extends beyond your first-hand experience.
• Seek out tasks and opportunities - you will have a supervisor who will ensure that you are exposed to interesting tasks and projects but if you find yourself between jobs do ask around, and see if there's anything you can do to help other people in your department.
• Listen and ask questions - this is your opportunity to learn about what a major law firm does and what the career entails. There will be a lot of information to absorb. Do ask if you wish to learn more of clarify something. You will find the people around you understanding and helpful and even if they can't help directly they'll be able to point you to someone who can.
• Have fun - the vacation scheme isn't just about work, it's also about experiencing the culture of the firm and getting to know our people. There will be an extensive programme of social events and networking opportunities where you can get to know people more informally. Also, we have great facilities here - make the most of them!

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Dates and deadlines

*Including dates in Cambridge, Oxford and Manchester
These are the main assessment dates but other dates may become available.

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