Clifford Chance
A Magic Circle firm known for banking, finance, and capital markets
About Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is one of the five Magic Circle firms and one of the largest law firms in the world by revenue, operating across 23 countries with more than 30 offices worldwide. The firm is particularly known for its strength in financial law, international transactions, and cross-border deals. Over a quarter of trainees are on secondment at any one time — one of the highest secondment rates of any Magic Circle firm — with international destinations including Singapore, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, São Paulo, Munich, Dublin, Luxembourg, and Madrid. Client secondments to organisations including Amazon and HSBC are also available.
During the two-year training contract, trainees complete four six-month rotations and must complete at least one seat in Global Financial Markets, the firm's largest practice area. Throughout the training contract, trainees are supported by a dedicated supervisor in each seat and are matched with a Partner Sponsor who guides them throughout the full two years, acting as a mentor, advisor, and sounding board. The firm funds SQE preparation in full and provides a maintenance grant during the study period.
Practice areas & rankings
Clifford Chance continues to be recognised as one of the most sought-after employers in the legal sector. The firm has been named the Most Popular Graduate Recruiter in Law at the TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards for five consecutive years and was also recognised as the Graduate Employer of Choice in Law by The Times, reflecting its strong reputation among aspiring solicitors and trainees.
The firm has also received significant industry recognition. In 2024, Clifford Chance was named ‘International Law Firm of the Year’ at the IFLR Europe Awards, reflecting its strength across private equity, financial services regulation, and debt and equity-linked transactions.
Further demonstrating its market-leading position, Clifford Chance was awarded ‘Law Firm of the Year for Dispute Resolution’ at the JUVE Awards 2024, recognising its work on complex disputes involving climate change, energy, and geopolitical issues.
Banking and finance
Clifford Chance is widely regarded as one of the leading banking and finance adviser in the City, advising across project finance, real estate finance, restructuring and insolvency, and Islamic finance.
Capital markets
A leading global practice in debt and equity capital markets. Clifford Chance advised Greek energy and metals group Metlen on its €6 billion London Stock Exchange listing in August 2025 — one of the largest listings of the year.
Corporate and M&A
Clifford Chance regularly advises on deals carrying a value of £1 billion and above, with clients including FTSE100 corporates and major financial institutions, and a notable emerging markets practice in Africa.
Disputes
A top-tier international disputes practice handling complex cross-border arbitration and litigation for governments, financial institutions, and major corporations.
Real estate
One of the leading real estate finance and investment practices in the UK and globally, consistently ranked Band 1 by Chambers.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Includes a 500-word answer covering extracurriculars, positions of responsibility, and a key achievement. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate attention to detail, include full academic history (including module grades), and explain any mitigating circumstances. Thoughtful preparation is key: take time to reflect on what your unique strengths and experiences demonstrate about your suitability for commercial law and for Clifford Chance specifically.
How to answer why youClifford 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.
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?
Within two working days of submitting your application, you will receive a link to complete the Watson Glaser critical thinking test. The test lasts 30 minutes and includes 40 questions assessing your ability to draw inferences, recognise assumptions, make deductions, interpret information, and evaluate arguments. You have five days to complete the test from receipt of the link, unless you apply in the final week before the deadline in which case the timeframe is shorter.
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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