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Clifford Chance
A global Magic Circle firm offering London trainees experience across major financial transactions, corporate deals, disputes and regulatory matters.
About Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is a global commercial law firm advising companies, financial institutions, private capital investors, governments and public bodies. Its London practice handles international transactions, disputes, investigations and regulatory matters, supported by teams across major financial and commercial markets.
Finance is a significant part of the firm’s work, alongside corporate transactions, capital markets, competition, infrastructure and litigation. Its clients operate across sectors including financial services, energy, technology, real estate and healthcare.
For prospective trainees, the breadth of the practice creates opportunities to understand how different legal teams contribute to a client’s objectives. A corporate acquisition can involve financing arrangements, competition approvals and regulatory advice, while disputes may arise from the same commercial relationships. International coordination is a recurring feature, requiring lawyers to consider different legal systems alongside the practical needs of the business.
The two-year London training contract comprises four six-month seats. Trainees must complete at least one rotation in Capital Markets, Debt Finance, Project Development & Finance, Restructuring & Insolvency, or Structured Finance. Seat preferences are considered alongside available opportunities.
Each seat has a dedicated supervisor. Trainees also receive support from a Partner Sponsor, the Early Talent Development team and structured career development conversations. Learning combines practical work with departmental training and professional development.
Secondment opportunities include overseas offices, clients and a split placement involving the disputes team and pro bono clients.
Future trainees complete the SQE through the University of Law in Moorgate, including the bespoke Clifford Chance Plus programme. Non-law graduates complete the PGDL beforehand. The firm funds the required courses and provides maintenance support: £20,000 for SQE study and £12,500 for the PGDL in London, or £10,000 outside London.
Practice areas & rankings
Clifford Chance achieved 61 department rankings in Chambers UK 2027, including 21 Band 1 rankings. Its top-ranked practices include corporate/M&A, corporate finance, commercial litigation, competition, debt and equity capital markets, financial services regulation, infrastructure and projects.
The firm also received European Law Firm of the Year at the GlobalCapital Derivatives Awards 2026. Its Warsaw practice won Poland Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Europe Awards 2026.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Clifford Chance is ranked Band 1 for Corporate/M&A: £800 million and above in London in Chambers UK 2027. The practice advises major companies and financial institutions on substantial international transactions, frequently involving values exceeding £1 billion. Financial services, energy and retail are notable sectors. Its corporate offering draws on competition and regulatory expertise, helping clients address the approvals and compliance issues accompanying complex acquisitions.
The firm is ranked Band 1 for Capital Markets: Debt UK-wide in Chambers UK 2027. It advises on international bond offerings, sovereign issuances and other debt securities transactions. The practice combines European and US capabilities, including experience with US securities requirements. This work connects clients seeking finance with investors, requiring careful coordination of disclosure, transaction documents and regulatory obligations.
Clifford Chance is ranked Band 1 for Commercial and Corporate Litigation in London in Chambers UK 2027. The team handles disputes arising from major transactions and business relationships, including shareholder disagreements and breach of contract claims. Its international network supports proceedings involving several jurisdictions. The practice offers an opportunity to understand how commercial arrangements are interpreted and challenged when the parties’ interests diverge.
The firm is ranked Band 1 for Restructuring/Insolvency in London in Chambers UK 2026. It advises on sophisticated domestic and international restructurings, with particular strength in representing creditors. Matters often require coordination between finance, corporate and disputes specialists. Its experience includes substantial retail-sector work and advising a creditor steering committee on Intrum’s US$4.65 billion balance sheet restructuring.
Awards
Most Popular Graduate Recruiter in LawTargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards
Named for five consecutive years, and recognised as Graduate Employer of Choice in Law by The Times.
International Law Firm of the YearIFLR Europe Awards 2024
Recognising its strength across private equity, financial services regulation, and debt and equity-linked transactions.
Law Firm of the Year for Dispute ResolutionJUVE Awards 2024
Recognising its work on complex disputes involving climate change, energy and geopolitical issues.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Candidates apply directly for the London training contract through an online form covering education, work experience and eligibility. The current application window runs from 7 September to 18 November 2026, for training contracts starting in August 2029 or February 2030. Recruitment is not rolling.
Prepare your information before opening the form, as the application guidance says it must be completed and submitted in one sitting. Work experience can include paid employment, volunteering and roles outside law. Explain your individual contribution and the impact of your actions, rather than listing responsibilities.
Use examples showing how you analysed information, worked with others or took responsibility. Connect your interest in the firm to its clients and work, supported by specific research.
Clifford Chance: quick answers
How much does Clifford Chance pay trainees?
Clifford Chance pays first-year trainees £56,000, rising to £61,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Clifford Chance earn £150,000.
When are the Clifford Chance application deadlines?
Clifford Chance's training contract applications close on 18 Nov for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Clifford Chance take on?
Clifford Chance takes on around 100 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Clifford Chance use in its applications?
The published process includes the Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment and the Watson Glaser critical reasoning test. The immersive assessment explores critical thinking, behavioural strengths, attention to detail and motivation through activities relevant to trainee work. The Watson Glaser assesses reasoning from written information. Use the official practice materials to become familiar with the formats. Distinguish facts from assumptions, follow the instructions closely and check details carefully. Current assessment timings and completion deadlines should be taken from the invitation.
What grades do you need to apply to Clifford Chance?
To apply to Clifford Chance you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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