Clifford Chance

Applications, 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 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
"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
"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

"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
"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
"...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 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

Tips & Advice for Graduates

"The firm takes a very cosmopolitan mix of people. There is no Clifford Chance standard type so anyone and everyone is welcome. Just be willing to learn, bright, keen and hardworking." -- First year trainee
"The firm normally hires people who are easy to work with and who are teachable. If you try and dominate the group exercise on the assessment day to show off your leadership abilities, this usually doesn't go down very well. Abrasive, defensive types don't last very long. Soft skills would include good manners, ability to make small talk with a wide variety of people and being highly organised." -- Second year trainee
"The firm is very open about what it is looking for. All of our core competencies are available on the graduate recruitment website and in all of our literature. If a candidate can demonstrate that they have all of the competencies, and that they would be fun and interesting to work with, then they will be hired." -- First year trainee
"Varied candidates with different skills and experience but who are all very lovely people." -- Second year trainee
"People who work here are very committed, driven and conscientious." -- Second year trainee
"The firm is trying to maintain its diversity. A reasonable amount of intelligence is required. While a substantial portion of trainees are from Oxbridge, going to any other university does not mean you can't get in." -- Second year trainee

"Most candidates need a 2:1 or better. They look for high achieving friendly people with potential." -- Second year trainee
"...The firm is looking for candidates who are keen to work in this type of firm and know what they are getting in to so research is useful. I think you need to be confident and ambitious and quite self aware to perform well." -- First year trainee
"Go to law fairs and university events that HR attend and read the brochure – this will literally tell you everything that your application will be judged on..." -- First year trainee
"You will need a "good" 2:1 and whilst I don't think the firm looks for any specific universities, it definitely targets some universities more than others. In terms of soft skills, I think it helps to come across as confident and able to make conversation – by the time you've got to interview you already have the academics that they are looking for, what you need to show at this point is that you are someone that the interviewers would like to have in their team." -- Second year trainee
"It's a large transactional firm, which focuses on corporate and finance. There are smaller, more legal departments, but there's no guarantee that you will experience these during your training contract. The firm recruits from all universities but focuses on top tier ones (e.g. Oxbridge, UCL, KCL, Durham, etc.)." -- Second year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

"The firms leading position, poster boy image, stellar reputation, international reach and diverse culture, and its size which offers a great variety and a lot of possibilities." -- First year trainee
"It's a lot more relaxed and a lot less hierarchical than the other Magic Circle firms, and the lawyers genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company. Long hours are much more bearable if you're sharing a room with a friend rather than someone who's just a 'colleague'." -- Second year trainee
"I had previous experience of working at the firm and knew from that experience that it was a good fit for me." -- First year trainee
"Great international prospects, varied and interesting work and the strong commitment to pro bono." -- First year trainee
"Reputation, opportunities, quality of training and size." -- Second year trainee

"The openness and honesty of the firm was what attracted me. I spent two days in the office and met dozens of people, all of whom were very honest about the bad parts, as well as the good, of life at the firm." -- First year trainee
"I went to a law fair and the graduate recruitment lady from the firm stopped me as I was walking through and talked me into it." -- Second year trainee
"The friendly atmosphere within the firm. People are polite, friendly and interesting. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the office with people, it makes a lot of sense to be with people you like." -- First year trainee
"It was my number one choice with opportunities to work on the best deals. On my interview day everyone was very friendly and welcoming." -- Second year trainee