If you are applying as an undergraduate, you should have a strong academic record. You will be expected to meet or exceed our benchmark criteria, which for graduates means 320 UCAS points at A-level (or equivalent) and be on target for a 2:1 (or equivalent) degree result or higher. The subject of your degree, however, is not important and we accept applications from both law and non-law students and graduates. It is your potential to become a lawyer that is important to us, rather than your knowledge of law itself.

If you do not have a degree, it is still possible to pursue a career as a lawyer. You will need to apply for a certificate of good standing from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Please visit the SRA website.

We accept applications to our training programme from those who have or are due to qualify as a lawyer outside the UK but who wish to qualify as a lawyer in England and Wales. However, the route taken prior to starting training will depend on the jurisdiction in which you have studied. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you qualified, or are about to qualify, you may not need to complete the LPC but take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) instead.

For further information about eligibility for the QLTS process, please visit the SRA website.

We also welcome applications from people seeking a change in career who possess transferable skills and the intellectual ability to contribute to our success.

Your application will be screened by a member of our graduate recruitment team and will be considered in its entirety and on its individual merits.

Skills

Each element of our selection process is based around a set of skills we know are essential for success when working at Clifford Chance. It is important for you to understand the skills and to think about how you can demonstrate to us that you have them both in your application and at assessment centre. We are looking for evidence that you have these throughout the application and assessment process. Consider why we value these attributes and how you can demonstrate them.

Our skills include:

Business Awareness
Are you able to show an understanding of the Firm's strategy, resources and procedures? Do you understand the business environment the Firm operates in and do you appreciate the challenges it faces? You should be able to display an interest in - and a commitment to - a career in commercial law. You should be able to convey your understanding of the role of a trainee, general business issues effecting us and our clients.


Problem Solving with Commercial Insight
Are you able to analyse and resolve simple and complex commercial problems? Are you able to view  problems from all perspectives and can you use a variety of techniques appropriate to the situation to solve the problem? You should be able to maintain a rational, objective and unbiased approach to problem solving.

Communication
Do you have strong verbal and written communication skills? These are vital to the role of a lawyer. Can you exhibit your ability to persuade through the power of negotiation and style of delivery in group and individual situations as well as in writing? You should be able to communicate fluently, clearly and concisely.


Leading and Managing
Are you able to prioritise your work and organise your time to ensure that  deadlines are met? Can you delegate work effectively and do you understand the limits of your own knowledge to know when to ask for help. It is important that as a trainee you understand the need to keep clients, Partners and colleagues properly informed, sharing your legal and commercial knowledge where appropriate.


Relationship Building and Networking
Can you work well with a broad spectrum of people, show a collaborative approach to work and manage potential conflicts effectively? Are you able to build credibility and respect through your interaction with others? We also look for candidates who can demonstrate a keen eye for detail and those that can be relied upon to do each task accurately and completely.