First Year Springboard Scheme Candidate Review

The First Year Springboard Scheme is simply one of the best offerings available for first year students. Encompassing excellently presented classroom-based activities, a day spent in a selected practice area with helpful and enthusiastic associates, and a trip to an international office, I simply cannot imagine how a better week-long scheme could be organised, resulting in me thoroughly enjoying my time at the firm. Having said this, it would have been beneficial to spend more time sitting within the practice areas, this being the only drawback of the scheme.

Taking into consideration the fact those on the scheme were first year university students only spending a week with the firm, the engagement by lawyers, from trainee-level all the way through to partners, was truly commendable. Participants were truly made to feel valued, with many lawyers offering their time to take part in networking events throughout the week.

Graduate recruitment at Clifford Chance were exceptionally supportive, answering any queries candidates had as regards any aspects of the scheme or recruitment process. Q&A sessions were held at the end of every presentation or activity, providing clarification and further analysis where required. Presenters were also happy to take one-to-one questions following the completion of activities, allowing for candidates to ensure they fully understood all aspects of the topics being discussed. When sitting in the practice area, supervising associates ensured any queries we had were resolved and assistance was offered where required.

The 'classroom-based' format of the First Year Springboard Schemed succeeded in giving participants a comprehensive yet introductory insight into the main practice areas of Clifford Chance. Often encouraging learning using practical sessions such as negotiation workshops and 'personal impact' sessions, the high standard to which the teach was conducted has allowed me to truly develop a multitude of skills, ranging from public speaking and communication to teamwork. Though these may not be directly applicable to my degree studies, they are certainly key attributes of a commercial lawyer which will assist me in my chosen career.

The schedule for springboard was very comprehensive, and participants were treated to a tightly-packed series of sessions. The contents of the scheme were designed to give candidates an insight into both the work and culture of Clifford Chance, and succeeded in doing so in a thorough and well-structured manner. A combination of practical workshops, international excursions and time spent shadowing lawyers demonstrated an extremely well-planned vacation scheme.

The frequent networking events and group exercises promoted a collaborative and friendly atmosphere between participants, resulting in there being an apparent absence of competitiveness between candidates. The collegiate culture at Clifford Chance was exhibited continuously by lawyers at all levels, who took time to attend presentations and networking events and showed a genuine interest in candidates during conversations.

One of the most impressive features of the First Year Springboard Scheme was that not only did the firm seek to give us an insight into the work of the firm and its people, but great effort was made to include sessions aimed at the personal development of candidates. This ranged from negotiation workshops to public speaking skills sessions with experts. The result was that I feel I left the scheme with an improved and refined skillset, allowing me to better exhibit the key attributes of a commercial lawyer.

The scheme utilised two principal means of allowing candidates to become better informed as to what it would be like to work at Clifford Chance: networking sessions and time spent working alongside the firm's lawyers. The many networking sessions allowed candidates to meet and talk with lawyers from all corners of the firm, and at varying stages in their career. This allowed me to acquire a good picture of how lawyers at CC enjoy their work, and what it's like to work there. The time spent in the practice areas enabled candidates to get a good idea of the type and quality of work conducted at the firm.

Throughout the scheme, those conducting presentations made it clear that their intention was not to 'sell' the firm to us, but to give us the best possible insight into commercial law generally so that we are then able to make a well-informed decision as to whether such a career path was right for us. This attitude came across readily throughout my time at the firm, and it allowed me to attain a truly valuable insight into the industry in general, as opposed to just Clifford Chance.

£350/week pay, as well as expenses incurred during the scheme (such as taxis to the train station).

The opportunities for networking were plentiful. This ranged from 'social breakfasts', either within the firm or at another location, to networking lunches and evening events. All of these sessions were attended by trainees at the firm, allowing candidates the opportunity to discuss specific practice areas or elements of the recruitment process from those with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

The networking and social event opportunities were excellent! The networking events, as discussed above, allowed candidates to get a great feel for life at Clifford Chance from a wide range of trainees and lawyers. The social events were interesting and of a very high quality, and included an immersive theatre experience, a trip to the firm's Paris office, and a farewell dinner at an excellent steak restaurant.

Yes, there were specific talks given on the pro-bono and community outreach initiatives of the firm. Trainees also spoke of the quality of the gym and fitness classes available, as well as the active social life trainees have together outside of work.

Definitely! I cannot imagine a higher quality, more enjoyable, week-long scheme.