Vacation schemes
The best way to learn more about what we do and what it's like to work here is to come and try it for yourself. Many firms may offer a number of vacation scheme options, so it's important to look around and find the schemes that suit your interests and schedule. Our vacation schemes will give you an insider's view of a career in law, providing valuable insight into what working here is really like. Time on a 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 two-week scheme in the spring and two four-week schemes during the summer holidays. If you join the summer scheme and have the relevant language skills, you might have the chance to spend two weeks in one of our European offices. Vacation scheme students in 2008 enjoyed placements in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Madrid, Munich and Paris.
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, and 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 and to explore your career aspirations while developing your skills and commercial awareness.
What the students say
Our vacation schemes are designed to give you the best possible insight into life as a lawyer at Clifford Chance. But don't take our word for it. Here are some comments from some of our most recent students, and one student's ‘day in the life' diary.
‘Remember that the lawyers are well aware of the amount of new ground that you cover as a vacation student, and people tend to be very understanding if you are unsure about something.'
‘My work has been full of variety and has included proofreading as well as crosschecking references and definitions in documents. People make an effort to ensure you're kept busy but are not overwhelmed by work and tasks are always carefully explained to you.'
‘The very first day I was given interesting tasks, including marking up differences between contracts for a major international bank and researching the regulatory requirements for a recognised overseas investment exchange.'
A day in the life of a vacation scheme student
8:00 am - 9:00 am: No breakfast case study today, so I get to into work bright and early to spend some time in the CC gym.
9:00 am - 9:30 am: Propelled up to the dizzy heights of the 26th floor by the eerily speedy lifts, I spend half an hour reading emails and catching up on the latest news on CC Today.
9:30 am - 12:30 pm: My trainee buddy has set me a rather challenging pro bono task, so I spend the morning researching the relevant area of employment law before drafting a letter to the client. In addition, I prepare a document for my buddy to use at the Stratford FreeLaw centre. [FreeLaw is a drop-in legal advice clinic helping people who would normally struggle to access quality advice.]
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Catch up with the other vacation students in the 5th floor restaurant. Conversation is dominated by Andy Murray's titanic struggle at Wimbledon and nervous anticipation of tomorrow's early start with Thames21 (a local charity).
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm: After lunch, I join my supervisor on a conference call, which, although bewildering at first, gives a fascinating insight into a complex transaction. I spend the remainder of the afternoon making alterations to part of a restructuring agreement on behalf of my supervisor - attention to detail is at a premium as the slightest mistake can render the document meaningless.
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Pro bono forms an important part of many lawyers' lives at CC and, following a plentiful tea, we are given an introduction to the ways in which CC employees contribute to the local community. In addition, an employee of Thames21 regales us with tales of what could lie in store for us during our pro bono activity tomorrow.
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Having checked whether my supervisor needs any help, I head home to get a good night's sleep in preparation for tomorrow's early start.
How to make the most of your vacation scheme - hints and tips
- Get involved - even a two-week scheme can only show you so much. It's up to you to take advantage of the many opportunities you will encounter to network and meet people from around the firm. Talk to trainees and 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 - chances are you'll be busy. You'll have a supervisor who will ensure that you are exposed to interesting tasks and projects but if you do find yourself between jobs ask around, 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. There will be a lot of information flying around so if you don't understand something ask for help. You'll 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 a rich programme of social events and networking opportunities where you can relax and get to know people more informally. Also, we have great facilities here - make the most of them!
Dates and deadlines
30 March - 9 April 2009
22 June - 17 July 2009
20 July - 14 August 2009
Application deadline is 31 January 2009
