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 two four-week schemes 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, free law sessions, social and networking events.

As well as a salary of £300 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:

“During my first two weeks, I sat in the Banking and Finance department, where I was given an excellent variety of real work. One day, I would be drafting provisions of a loan agreement for a high profile client; the next day, I would be conducting research into English law for the firm's Hong Kong office. My second two weeks were spent in the Litigation department, which was equally enjoyable. Here, my tasks ranged from preparing witness statements to assisting with the firm's vast array of pro bono work. In both departments, every single task that I was given was extremely interesting and, whenever I needed assistance, there was always somebody on hand to offer me advice. This, coupled with the numerous informal workshops and the opportunity to play for the Clifford Chance softball team, made for a very memorable four weeks at the firm.” Vacation scheme student, LSE, Law

“I was assigned an impressive variety of work during my time at the firm. Obviously there is a limit to the nature of tasks which can be given to a vac scheme student; however, at Clifford Chance I found they were more than willing to push those limits once an aptitude for the work had been displayed.” Vacation scheme student, Oxford University, Law

“The level and variety of work the vacation students were trusted with was incredibly surprising and many of us were working on transactions that were featured on the front of the FT the next morning.” Vacation scheme student, Durham University, Law

“I thoroughly enjoyed advising on such big-ticket transactions, as this involved the exciting opportunity to work for the most high profile clients on some truly ground-breaking transactions. Furthermore, the international nature of the work, which enabled me to interact with both lawyers and clients from diverse, international backgrounds and cultures, impressed me greatly.” Vacation scheme student, Oxford University, Law

“What made the working experience at Clifford Chance particularly valuable however, was the supplementation of our ‘day to day’ work with a comprehensive variety of presentations, lectures, meetings and group exercises. These activities often provided a simulation of the hands-on work we could expect to be doing as a trainee, and so they were a great opportunity to go beyond our capabilities as vac scheme students and learn what it’s really like to be a solicitor.” Vacation scheme student, Oxford University, Law

“Dispelling Magic Circle firm myths, everyone was unbelievably welcoming and would be only too happy to take the time out to explain everything in detail over a coffee and (truly amazing) cupcake.” Vacation Scheme Student, Durham University, Law

“However, I think that what ultimately makes Clifford Chance stand out from other firms is the people. Not only were Graduate Recruitment engaging; everyone from the trainees to the Partners was extremely welcoming and approachable, and they all seemed to be genuinely enjoying their experience at the firm.” Vacation scheme student, Durham University, Law

“Clifford Chance combines top quality clients with top quality service but will also pull out all the stops to ensure you have the full and best experience with brilliant people.” Vacation scheme student, Durham University, Law

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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 or 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.
• Keep a log of your experiences on the vacation scheme – this will come in handy when you are preparing for your training contract assessment.
• Always ask for feedback on your work - a part of gaining experience is learning from your mistakes.
• 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

	Start date	Applications		Assessment dates
		open	close
Vacation scheme	20 Jun-15 Jul 2011 or 18 Jul-12 Aug 2011	13 Dec 2010	9 Jan 2011	Late Jan - early Feb 2011*

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

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