Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer vacation scheme with Clifford Chance. The scheme had the perfect balance of time working alongside the lawyers within their respective practice areas, attending various workshops and taking part in numerous networking events. The insight helped me understand that although a career in commercial law is very challenging, it can also be enjoyable.

I felt valued by each individual I came across during my summer vacation scheme at Clifford Chance. The work that was allocated to me during my time within my practice areas was related to real transactions . After given guidance on how to complete the work, I was give the opportunity to complete the work with full faith invested in me. Additionally, the trainees, associates and partners made an effort to learn everyones name and regardless of how busy they were, always made the time to speak to us.

Prior to the Clifford Chance Vacation Scheme, a vacation scheme buddy was assigned to me as a point of contact to discuss any queries or concerns. I met with my buddy at least a month before the scheme was due to start, and she has been a valuable source of information going forward. During the scheme, I had the opportunity to work in two seperate practice areas, where I was assigned by a supervisor and a trainee buddy in each. Finally, the graduate recruitment team made themselves accessible to ensure each of the summer vac students were given additional guidance and support where required.

I have recently finished my penultimate year of my law degree. The insight through the Clifford Chance vacation scheme gave me a practical insight of how the law applies to commercial transactions, across many jurisdictions. In my final year, I will be studying Company Law as an optional module, and I feel that the CC Vac scheme has already given me the knowledge around company law, which will no doubt help me in this module.

The Clifford Chance summer vacation scheme was structured so that we had ample time within 2 separate practice areas, and so that we were able to undergo training through the various workshops delivered by individuals from the various practice areas of the firm. This gave us a genuine insight into the firm as a whole.

The general atmosphere was very good. The individuals I came across seemed to work very hard and have very long hours, however, they gave a strong impression that they were enjoying every second of their time at Clifford Chance. This has made me even more eager to secure a training contract with the firm.

Clifford Chance provided many opportunities for personal development during the summer vacation scheme. This included skills that were specific to a career in law, for example, litigation and dispute resolution. We also underwent training to improve our public speaking skills and a workshop on personal health. The ongoing training available at Clifford Chance gives me confidence that I can focus on improving my skill set with the full support of Clifford Chance.

During the summer vacation scheme with Clifford Chance, I had the opportunity to work within two separate practice areas. I was given real work and involved in high level decisions almost straight away. I was exposed to the same pressures and deadlines as a trainee would. I genuinely enjoyed the work I was involved in and am convinced that I am suited to have a full time role within the firm.

The company culture ensures that each lawyer and trainee at Clifford Chance work with a team spirit. Understanding the dynamics of the wider team helped me understand whether I could also be a part of Clifford Chance, and to what extent my addition would add value to the firm. The firm is also quite obviously diverse as Clifford Chance prides itself on employing the best lawyer, regardless of their background. As a member of the BME community, this reassured me that I would be accepted as a good fit for the firm.

The content of the workshops were valuable in developing an accurate understanding of the various practice areas and of the firm. This helped me visualise my place within the firm and helped me understand whether I would be suitable for a career at Clifford Chance and whether the firm is a good fit for me. The insight also helped me better understand a career in law in general by providing workshops related to financial products and how mergers and acquisitions work.

I have taken part in other vacation schemes and Clifford Chance pay more to their vac scheme students than most firms. General expenses such as the cost of travelling to London were all reimbursed in a timely manner. The in-house canteen provided ample selection of food for lunch and hot drinks were available throughout the day. Although we were paid well and reimbursed almost immediately, most of the food, drinks and entertainment was paid for by Clifford Chance.

The Clifford Chance summer vacation scheme gave me many opportunities to network with other trainees, associates and partners of the firm. The first networking event took place one month before the start of the scheme. The events ranged from breakfast, lunch and dinner networking events, challenges, team building exercises, a treasure hunt and also a weekend away.

The Clifford Chance summer vacation scheme gave me many opportunities to network with other trainees, associates and partners of the firm. The first networking event took place one month before the start of the scheme. The events ranged from breakfast, lunch and dinner networking events, challenges, team building exercises, a treasure hunt and also a weekend away.

Clifford Chance has many clubs and societies ran by its employees, including football, singing groups and more. Clifford Chance boasts an in-house gym, free for Clifford Chance employees to use. During the scheme, some of the summer vacation scheme students were invited to attend a cricket match. The firm also has access to a VIP box at the 02 centre, where some summer vacation scheme students were invited to watch the Vamps.

I would definitely recommend the Clifford Chance summer vacation scheme to a friend. Making a decision such as deciding which law firm to train with and work for is a very important decision. It is important that this decision is made with all of the information to hand. I feel that Clifford Chance have been open and transparent in informing potential candidates of the pros and cons of working for Clifford Chance, and have on many occasion commended their competitors as respectable places to also work.