Clifford Chance
This new kid on the Magic Circle block has witnessed a meteoric rise over the past couple of decades; having grabbed internationalisation by the horns, Clifford Chance has established itself as the largest law firm both in the UK and globally.
Pros
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Cons
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Employee Reviews
Life on the Job
Culture
- "The firm's culture is friendly and supportive. Trainees do support each other as much as possible and they often get together to discuss the best approach to dealing with issues. There is a fair bit of socialising but your ability to get involved in this varies depending on the transactions you are working on and how busy you are." -- First year trainee
"The trainee group is very friendly and quite a few trainees socialise outside work and even live together. The bespoke LPC means that nearly all of the trainees in that intake know each other, which can be very helpful. It is normal practice for trainees to contact each other for help on legal or general work matters. There is a trainee committee which organises social events such as winter and summer parties and drinks at the start and end of seats." -- First year trainee
"The firm is very open and friendly. There is a lot of support amongst trainees and this extends into the ranks of the associates too. Departmental socials tend to take place every couple of months and trainee events around once a month to once every six weeks. Less formal socialising is always going on, whether it be drinks in the bar or heading out of the office for something more adventurous." -- First year trainee
"Obviously it depends to some degree on the mix of trainees within the department you are sitting in. Generally, you get to know them a bit better during inductions and training and it's easy to ask for help and support from other trainees when it's needed. Everyone is really supportive and friendly because they know that you'd help them if the situation was reversed. I don't think trainees socialise together as much as I might have expected, but there's always the bar which is open in the firm on a Thursday and Friday night and generally it's easy to go down and find a group of trainees for a drink and a chat if you feel like it." -- Second year trainee
"There are lots of organised events either for trainees, for the wider department, or sub-group. People treat each other kindly and with respect. There is a bit of a face-time culture but not extending past 7.30pm." -- First year trainee
"The firm culture is very open and friendly. Trainees spend a lot of time together from the LPC onwards and everyone is supportive and kind. The trainees lunch together, have organised social events, as well as events we plan ourselves at the weekend. Trainees are also very willing to help one another when work loads are tough, e.g. staying late to help another trainee." -- First year trainee
"...Trainees often meet for lunch and coffee in the office or in Canary Wharf, and also meet at the internal gym or at sport events like cricket practice at Lords. There is a bar indoors known as the Budgie, which is abuzz on Thursdays and Fridays. There are also many social events organised by the firm like beginning and end of seat drinks, departmental Christmas parties and retreats, event specific drinks, etc. Plus trainees have separate parties sponsored by the firm apart from departmental drinks." -- First year trainee
"Clifford Chance is a pretty structured working environment – you have a supervisor (who you sit with) and a monitoring partner. You will get some of your work from your supervisor and the rest from other lawyers in the department. The hours can be long but your supervisor will often notice if you are working particularly hard and let other associates know that you are not available to assist with their matters. The trainees tend to all get on well with each other and I think the CC LPC helps to create a supportive environment as you will know quite a few people well before you start." -- Second year trainee
"Contrary to most people's expectations, the firm (or at least certain departments) have a much more easy going approach. There is little or no concept of face-time – in fact my supervisor has often asked me why I am still in the office at 6.30. All partners and associates that I have worked for have been very approachable and willing to answer questions. Obviously you are expected to use your own initiative to try and solve any problems yourself first, but people are more than happy for you to wander into their office and check your understanding. As trainees do the LPC together, you will generally know the people you are starting work with and this is very helpful when you need to ask straightforward questions on how the office works, etc. There are regular department drinks and trainee drinks, and you will most likely find someone you know in the bar in the office on any given evening to socialise with." -- First year trainee
"It is pretty collegiate and for a large organisation the fee earners are mostly quite friendly and approachable. There are a few lawyers who will completely take advantage of trainees but they get sussed out very early on by both trainees and senior lawyers. Trainees do tend to support each other and hang out outside of work. There's not as much infighting or one-upmanship as there is in other firms." -- Second year trainee
Hours, Pay & Perks
Hours
- "The number of hours is what I expected it to be, but it is the unpredictable nature of the work that is difficult. Not knowing if it will be a very late night until the evening, for example." -- First year trainee
"Probably 40-50 a week at the moment. About expected for the group I'm in. My hours have generally been okay throughout my training contract (no all-nighters and the latest I've stayed is 1:30am on one occasion!)" -- Second year trainee
"In my current department I work probably 50 hours a week on average. My worst period involved working 100 in 5 days (or 3 all-nighters in 4 nights)." -- Second year trainee
"During the last six months I averaged about 52 hours per week. I slightly exceed my billable targets. We are expected to be in the office from 9:30-17.30 officially; however 9:15-18:30 is what most trainees aim for." -- Second year trainee
"Over 6 months I have probably worked on average 8/9 hours a day. This is about what I expected although obviously it varies depending on what work you have and what stage the deal you are working on is at. Clearly when there is a closing or things are very busy you will be expected to stay and work, but when things are quiet people are happy for you to leave early. It is a lifestyle choice and if you are not willing to work around the fact that the work comes in waves this probably is not the firm for you." -- First year trainee
"My weeks vary in terms of the hours worked; when it is busy I might bill 70+ hours but when it is quiet, no-one expects me to wait around and put in 'face time'." -- First year trainee
"I spend around 55 hours in the office each week, sometimes longer. The hours are difficult but it was what I expected from a Magic Circle firm." -- First year trainee
"Work hours can vary from less than 30 to even 50 hours a week. There are peaks and troughs. But this was always known and expected since big law firms do tend to have long hours. However, effort is made to keep trainees free on weekends and not keep them in office unnecessarily." -- First year trainee
"50 hours a week. About what I expected but in the area of corporate I have been in, nobody leaves until at least 6.30pm even if they don't have work (officially work finishes at 5.30pm and partners say there is no "face time culture" – there is a bit)." -- First year trainee
"For most of the training contract, I've worked as much as I expected I would. However at the start of the training contract I was working an average of 11 hours a day (including weekends) and did at least one all-nighter a week in my last month right up until the day I left the department." -- Second year trainee
Pay
- "It's competitive with other firms but no bonus. Living in London means it’s hard to save anything on a trainee salary." -- First year trainee
"The salary is very high for someone my age, with only investment bankers making more. Compared to some US firms the salary is "low" but equally I feel that those firms want their pound of flesh for their money. There are some weeks when you work 70+ hours and the pay per hour seems quite measly, but we are very fortunate." -- First year trainee
"It's comparable to other firms of this size so no complaints." -- Second year trainee
"We are well paid, but of course when you work out the hourly rate with the hours you work, some people say it is below minimum wage." -- Second year trainee
"Compensation is competitive and as per Magic Circle standards." -- First year trainee
"We are on the upper end of trainee salaries." -- Second year trainee
"We don't get trainee bonuses, unlike the other Magic Circle firms, even though we put in as many hours as trainees at our competitors do. The swimming pool does not make up for it since we don't even get any time to use it." -- Second year trainee
Interviews
Interviews & Assessments
- "If you do your research, are keen and diligent then it makes things easier. The hardest part is getting a really good CV together with the ability to answer why this firm and why the law. The rest should fall into place if you are enthusiastic and informed." -- First year trainee
"The assessment consisted of an application form, online testing and a formal assessment day. The interview was conducted by a partner and senior associate and they questioned me about my experiences and ambitions and knowledge of the firm and legal market. The assessment day also involved more verbal reasoning tests and a group negotiation exercise. The HR team made every effort to make the day relaxing and enjoyable and overall they were successful." -- First year trainee
"The assessment process is based on an online application form, two online tests (verbal reasoning and situational judgment) and a single assessment day which comprises group exercise, commercial awareness test and partner interview. Most partners talk around candidates' applications and then push them a little to see how well they can think on their feet and how confident they are in themselves." -- First year trainee
"Assessment day was: tour, talk from a partner, group task (working to build a case in teams and then being pitted against another team to negotiate a desired business outcome), verbal reasoning test, business question (similar to questions you get given on the business part of the LPC), and interview with two partners." -- Second year trainee
"There is an initial online test, before an assessment day which includes a group exercise, a one-on-one interview, a commercial awareness test and a verbal reasoning test. The commercial awareness questions are very difficult. For the group exercise, they look at how you interact within the group. E.g., it is good to ask someone else in the group what they think about an issue, as well as making comments yourself." -- Second year trainee
"...Question and answer interview with the partners who had general questions and specific questions on a business for which the applicant is asked to give his views from the legal standpoint. Assessment day was rigorous but not very taxing. There were breaks in between to refresh. Why law, why commercial law, why the firm in particular, life experiences (as per application), etc." -- First year trainee
"I imagine it is pretty competitive. There are online tests and then an assessment day with a further test, case study, group exercise and interview. You are interviewed by a partner and a senior associate. You discuss your responses to the case study, some commercial questions and talk about yourself and your reasons for being there. A common question is to discuss a recent commercial issue." -- Second year trainee
"I can't recall any particular interview questions, but I do remember that the interviewers read my application form thoroughly and I had several questions on previous jobs and work experiences, so I'd say it's pretty important to know exactly what you said and be able to elaborate on it." -- Second year trainee
The Inside Buzz View
Training Contracts at Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance expects a 2:1 minimum from all its applicants, and ‘while a substantial portion of trainees are from Oxbridge, going to any other university does not mean you can’t get in’. The hiring process is extremely competitive though, but what else would you expect from one of the world’s most prestigious law firms? Clifford Chance looks for a mix of candidates that possess ‘intelligence’, ‘a willingness to learn’, ‘potential’, ‘confidence’, and the ‘ability to make small talk with a wide variety of people’. These traits are important for the firm’s trainees as a great deal of responsibility is levied from the off.
The process is fairly straightforward: following an online application and verbal reasoning test, successful candidates will be asked to attend an assessment day. This will consist of a tour and quick introduction to the firm, a group exercise, a commercial awareness test, a verbal reasoning test and a partner interview.
For the commercial awareness test, while you need to be aware of key topical issues affecting law, you are not expected to already know the ins and outs of the UK legal system. You’ll be given a short amount of time before your interview to look at a business scenario question and prepare your response. Interviewers’ questions will instead focus on whether you can draw logical conclusions and if you are able to explain yourself clearly – both skills required of any good solicitor.
In the group exercise you will be divided into smaller groups and given a business scenario to read, analyse and discuss in your group. It is important that everyone in your group talks. The better your team works together, the better each of you will be judged individually as ‘they look at how you interact within the group’. Remember to always explain yourself and justify your thinking.
Candidates will typically be interviewed by a partner and senior associate. You’ll be asked to talk through your CV, explaining your choice of subjects and degree discipline, previous work experience, and be confronted with the usual ‘why law?’, ‘why Clifford Chance?’ questioning. Bear in mind, you’re applying to one of the best law firms out there, so it should come as no surprise that you’ll need to put your best foot forward.
>> Practice Numerical and Verbal Tests used by employers
>> Practice In-tray / e-tray simulation tests
>> Improve your performance at Assessment Centres and Group Exercises
Successful applicants will sit four six-month seats throughout the training contract, two of which must be in corporate and finance. Trainees are also required to do a contentious seat, or instead complete a two week course at the College of Law. The music to many a trainee’s ear is that Clifford Chance recruits are ‘positively encouraged’ to do a seat abroad, with around 85% taking the international plunge and ‘some people even do two seats abroad’. Either way, trainees have a wide choice of seats, with numerous sub-departments to choose from within corporate, finance, capital markets, tax, pensions and employment, real estate and dispute resolution. The firm may not be able to accommodate everyone all of the time, but ‘if you are realistic about your choices and make it clear which departments you particularly want to gain experience in, HR will usually be able to accommodate’ you.
Clifford Chance Graduate Recruitment Info
Contact:
Graduate Recruitment
Tel: +44 (0)20 7006 3003
Email: Recruitment.London@CliffordChance.com
Application Deadlines: Training contracts: 31st July 2012
How to apply: gradsuk.cliffordchance.com
Clifford Chance Profile & Stats
Clifford Chance is arguably the largest law firm both in the UK and globally, and perhaps the best-known legal brand in the City. The firm employs 3,400 lawyers, with a total of 6,000 staff across 32 offices worldwide. Although best known for its finance department, the past decade has seen the firm’s corporate practice rise to prominence, and in 2006, Clifford Chance became the first law firm to generate revenues totalling over £1 billion.
The origins of Clifford Chance can be traced back to the 1800s, but it was the merger of two London firms in 1987, Coward Chance and Clifford Turner, that created the firm as it is today. This union singlehandedly transformed London’s legal landscape. The alliance created a full-service giant twice the size of the next largest firm and enabled Clifford Chance to expand internationally. Headquartered in London, the structure of the firm was transformed in the 1990s by managing partner Geoffrey Howe, shifting to a more centralised management with less partner independence. In 2000, it merged again, with German firm, Punder Volhard Weber & Axster, and Rogers & Wells from New York, making Clifford Chance the largest firm in the world.
Clifford Chance has two US offices, New York and Washington DC, and many more across Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East. The recent focus of the firm’s international operations is towards the emerging markets, namely China, India, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. In China the firm has offices in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in Hong Kong. In the Middle East, Clifford Chance has opened outposts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and most recently the firm opened an office in Istanbul in April 2011. Additionally, a capital markets group was formed in Singapore in 2008, to focus on the firm's Indian clients.
Although Clifford Chance is best known as a top banking and finance firm, revered for its work in banking with top financial institutions, it has more than just fiscal strings to its mighty bow. The firm's operations are broken into six global practice areas: banking and finance, capital markets, corporate/M&A, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate and tax, pensions and employment. In corporate, Clifford Chance is one of the best firms for private equity work, dispute resolution and real estate, in addition to excelling in M&A. Corporate clients include the Canary Wharf Group, Siemens, Shell, Barclays, Merrill Lynch and UBS.
The firm takes diversity seriously and because it has a strong international reach, that filters down into recruiting. Women, minorities and LGBT groups are all well represented and employees remark that as long as you can handle the work, no one cares about colour, background, or sexual orientation.
Clifford Chance also strongly encourages pro bono work and represents individuals, NGOs and charities to ensure that everyone has access to justice, finance, and education. Employees at Clifford Chance are given ten hours a year for community initiatives and can participate in drop-in legal clinics and literacy schemes, helping children with special needs and aiding young refugees.
