First Year Springboard Scheme Student Review

I truly enjoyed my time at Clifford Chance. Though the vacation scheme was obviously designed principally as an opportunity for students to learn more about the firm through more direct contact than that of a campus visit, the firm ensured that each day was varied and interesting, complete with a number of fun and relaxing socials in the evening that allowed a less formal interaction between students and employees.

I felt truly welcome whilst on the scheme. It was made clear to all who attended that those who were selected were to be treated as potential future employees and, if everything went positively, potential future partners of the firm. No question was too small or considered irrelevant and my time working in the practice areas made me feel truly respected and that my insight mattered.

The entire week was orientated around ensuring that any questions about the firm students had were able to be answered, complete with a private discussion of anonymous questions that people may not have felt comfortable asking to other employees/ in a public setting. Any tasks that were set were fully explained, whilst maintaining a degree of respect for the ability of those attending, leading to a patronising tone being successfully avoided.

I feel the information I received will greatly help my decision as to whether I apply to Clifford Chance for a Training Contract in the future, but also helped me to determine what I want from any law firm I may apply to. In addition, the improvements to my negotiation skills and presentation/interview skills will be invaluable in the future, whether at Clifford Chance or elsewhere. As a result, I feel the week has benefitted me long-term, whatever I choose to do in the future.

The week was fully scheduled for each day, with breaks accommodated for and a variety of presentations given by various members of the firm. Having received the schedule in advance, it was easy to follow the day's plan and know what we would have to plan for. An example of this was early notice on our meeting time to travel to the Paris office, allowing for travel arrangements to be made well in advance to get to the train station in time to leave. The week was highly information-focused, rather than direct work, making a point of difference from the traditional placement (it is a First-Year Springboard scheme in fairness). However, this meant each day brought minimal stress.

The Graduate Recruitment Team did everything they could to make the week as engaging as possible. This took a variety of forms. Whether it be an escapade to Paris to demonstrate the firm's international approach or a late night social to relax with trainees, the week had a great mix of fun and information. Since the week was still focused around work, there was still some actual tasks to perform. However, the work was engaging as possible and made the prospect of being a lawyer at Clifford Chance very appealing to those on the scheme.

The firm ensured that whilst we were in the practice areas we were provided with a trainee as a supervisor, This allowed students to stretch themselves whilst still having a point of contact for any questions or if they required assistance. In addition to this, the specific presentation skills and interview skills improvement sessions will greatly assist in any future applications.

Each employee was honest and frank when asked questions about their live at the firm, including both the positives and the inevitable negatives of the job. This refreshing approach reflects the reality that no job is truly perfect and truly gave an insight into how it would be to work for Clifford Chance. The time within the practice area was also designed to be representative of a realistic working day for a trainee within the firm, enabling students to see what it would be like to work for the firm on a full-time basis.

Every event was representative of the culture of Clifford Chance. Whether leading a trip to Paris to demonstrate the firm's international outlook or through explanation of the 'One Team, One Firm' promise, the week truly allowed an immersion into what makes the firm the working environment it is. All employees exhibited the welcoming culture Clifford Chance promotes and made you under no illusion that the culture of the firm is real - rather than simply being designed to promote the firm through focus groups and savvy marketing.

The mixture of information and experiences gave an honest insight into whether Clifford Chance would be the right place for me or not. I left the scheme knowing that Clifford Chance, for me personally, was somewhere I would love to work. I also confirmed my true interest in being a commercial lawyer and the scheme helped me to decide the key characteristics that I would want any firm to which I applied to exhibit.

Expenses for key travel were covered, accommodation was means tested. Paid well for the week.

Everyday, we had lunch with a different practice area within the firm and were encouraged to ask any questions of employees that we had. The trainees, associates and partners were all happy to discuss their working lives and their ability to balance other commitments with work, enabling a true insight into what it was like to work at the firm.

The networking events were highly informative and useful. The social events involved less formal networking and were truly fun experiences.

I was told by many trainees of the opportunities for pro bono work and social activities with colleagues outside of the traditional working day.

I would absolutely recommend this insight. The application process is truly worth it for a great experience and a highly informative week.