LIFT Internship Review

I undertook a LIFT internship in the Pro Bono department. With the support of my supervisor, I was fortunate enough to be given large responsibility and autonomy on several tasks, allowing me to quickly build skills and complete tasks at a trainee level. I completed a variety of tasks, often research and drafting based, which supported the firm's pro bono projects. This often involved liaising with senior colleagues across the firm, as well as our NGO clients.

The Pro Bono internship equipped me with vital skills and experience that will benefit me during my training contract. I learnt about how the firm maintains relationships with their clients, how new projects are established, and how work is coordinated across practice areas. I gained a great understanding of the firm’s pro bono and community outreach across numerous areas, including environmental work, gender equality, disability inclusion, refugee action, and racial justice. It has increased my confidence in my legal skills.

I was given a large amount of responsibility during the internship. Working in a small team, I often completed the first draft of documents before proof-reading by my supervisor. I was able to participate in all meetings with colleagues and clients and present my own ideas. I took the opportunity to present my research on a new pro bono project to the firm's Global Managing Partner. I was also allowed to research and develop my own pro bono project for the firm to take on.

I received great support prior, during and after the placement. The Graduate Recruitment team are the main point of contact before and after the internship, providing a brief training beforehand and follow-up sessions after to assess your performance. My supervisor was excellent at providing support throughout the placement, and has become a useful contact in the firm prior to my TC.

The company's culture is warm and welcoming and particularly invested in building the skills of their new employees.

I highly enjoyed the internship. I learnt a vast amount about the firm's practice, its culture, and particularly how it oftens pro bono services to NGO clients. I enjoyed working and socialising with my colleagues. I felt like the pro bono work was meaningful and it goes to the heart of what Clifford Chance strives to be as a firm.

Yes

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