Springboard Scheme Review

Of all the first-year schemes I took part in this was the most insightful. Not only did I get the opportunity to network with lawyers at all levels of the firm, I got to take part in interactive sessions allowing me to understand the various practice areas at the firm and also. I also undertook work experience in Private Equity and visited the Paris office!

I felt really valued during the scheme. The graduate recruitment team were very supportive and always made sure I was making the most of my time at the firm. I had some particular questions about the firms ARCUS LGBT+ network, so they arranged for one of the lawyers part of the network to come and meet me during the scheme. They also ran a number of socials before, during and after the scheme including bowling and table tennis, which was a fun way to get to know the graduate recruitment team, lawyers and other students on the scheme.

During the scheme I received lots of support. We were given helpful booklets at the start of each session, which we could use to support our learning. The partner and trainee I sat with in Private Equity were both really helpful. My trainee buddy took me for lunch and gave me loads of advice about the application process. I also had a coffee with a partner, who talked me through how he progressed to that stage.

During the scheme I got to practice some really important skills.The firm held a personal branding session, which was really useful and practical in showing you tips for networking, presenting and working in a professional environment. This will help throughout my degree, studies and beyond. Secondly, the negotiation masterclass was really useful, as this is a skill important in all graduate professions.

The scheme was really well structured. We had an initial meet and greet on the Monday morning followed by introduction sessions to the practice areas for the first few days. This allowed me to ask some really insightful questions at the partner panel later in the week and also understand some of the more complicated work when I returned for work experience.

I really enjoyed meeting like minded people on the scheme. Everyone was really excited to be part of the scheme. It is well known on campus as one of the best schemes to gain an insight to work at a international law firm and it is the only scheme where you can be invited back for a training contract interview at the end!

The firm really invested in me during the scheme. Not only did they provide opportunities to meet trainees, associates and partners, they gave us practical classes to help us develop our professional skills and give us an insight to the work of an international lawyer. The trip to Paris was both fun and useful to talk to lawyers on secondment.

The scheme allowed me to gain a really clear insight into what it would be like to work at Clifford Chance. Not only were we immersed in the work but we were invited to the firms social events and also introduced to their diversity networks, which is really important for me.

The insight really showed me that they really do have a 'open door' culture at Clifford Chance. Partners, associates and trainees were all happy to help at any time. If I had any questions, I always felt I could ask.

With so many talks and insights during the day, it was really helpful to my decision to pursue a career in law. Practising law is very different to studying it. Though I didn't enjoy learning about some of the practice areas, I was really excited about others. With so many practice areas to choose from at Clifford Chance and lots of opportunities, the scheme confirmed my desire to work on top deals with top clients at an international law firm.

There was an opportunity to network with graduate recruitment, trainees, associates, partners, BPP law school staff and also lawyers from the firms diversity networks.

The social events were the best of any first-year scheme I attended. Before, during and after the event I have attended socials such as ice-skating, bowling, table-tennis, karaoke, a trip to Paris as well as some really nice meals and drinks events.

Yes. A lot of trainees are part of pro bono opportunities at the firm or take part in the diversity networks. There are also sports teams and clubs to join. Clifford Chance also have a pool for employers to use!

I would highly recommend this scheme to a friend. It really does give you a great insight to not only practising the law but the lifestyle of a commercial lawyer at an international firm.