Last updated:
Clyde & Co
Global law firm focused on insurance, transport, energy, infrastructure and trade, with a substantial disputes practice and several UK training routes.
About Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co advises clients across insurance, transport, energy, infrastructure and trade and commodities. Its practice combines disputes and risk management with transactional, commercial and regulatory advice. Insurance is particularly prominent, connecting its work on major losses, professional liability, construction claims and other commercial risks.
The international network supports matters involving several jurisdictions, including claims arising from global business operations and projects. Its UK training opportunities vary by location and specialism. Applicants should therefore consider both the firm’s wider sector focus and the particular work offered by their chosen programme.
The standard rotational training contract comprises four six-month seats, with client and international secondment opportunities. London trainees are expected to undertake an insurance seat. The firm also offers specialist non-rotational training in Bristol, so the structure depends on the programme.
Trainees gain practical experience through research, drafting advice and correspondence, and supporting client matters. Seat preferences are considered alongside business needs and availability.
Clyde & Co funds tuition and provides maintenance support for the PGDL, SQE and Scottish Diploma in Professional Legal Practice where applicable. Published PGDL/SQE grants are £9,600 in London, £8,650 in Bristol and £7,700 in Manchester. Published Scottish study support is £5,000. Funding for an existing course can begin from acceptance of the offer, rather than reimbursing completed study.
Practice areas & rankings
Clyde & Co has 54 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2027. London Band 1 practices include Professional Negligence, Construction: Professional Negligence and Real Estate: £50–150 million. Its insurance and reinsurance practice also holds Band 1 recognition in Chambers UK 2026.
International awards include Middle East Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year at the Chambers Middle East Awards 2026. The firm also won Real Estate Team of the Year and Employment Team of the Year at the Legal 500 Middle East and North Africa Awards 2026.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 for Insurance: Contentious Claims & Reinsurance, UK-wide, in Chambers UK 2026, Clyde & Co handles claims ranging from smaller disputes to major international losses. Marine, energy and construction claims are particular strengths. Its work includes advising insurers and reinsurers operating in the Lloyd’s market.
Ranked Band 1 for Professional Negligence in London in Chambers UK 2027, the team defends claims involving lawyers, accountants, insurance professionals and other advisers. Clients include major insurers, law firms and accountancy businesses. Its wider work includes regulatory proceedings, investigations and managing related reputational risks.
Ranked Band 1 for Construction: Professional Negligence in London in Chambers UK 2027, Clyde & Co advises contractors, developers and insurers on construction-related risks and disputes. Its experience covers infrastructure, energy, transport and commercial and residential developments, linking technical project issues with contractual and insurance questions.
Ranked Band 1 for Real Estate: £50–150 million in London in Chambers UK 2027, the practice advises on investment, development, asset management and significant leasing transactions. Its clients include corporate occupiers, investors and public bodies, with experience across commercial and residential property.
Awards
Insurance Law Firm of the YearLexology European Awards 2025
Recognising the firm's core insurance practice across Europe.
Shipping & Transport Law Firm of the YearLexology European Awards 2025
Won at the same ceremony as its insurance award, covering the firm's two signature sectors.
Law Firm of the Year for Insurance LawBest Lawyers 2025
Awarded to the firm's French practice.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply online for one programme per recruitment cycle. London vacation scheme applicants must first complete Firm Essentials and upload evidence of completion. The initial form collects personal information without lengthy written tasks.
The London summer scheme runs from 5 to 16 July 2027, with applications closing on 19 November 2026. Recruitment is not rolling, although applications may close early if volumes are particularly high.
London applicants can apply from their penultimate year of an English and Welsh law degree or final year of a non-law degree, with graduates also eligible. Scottish and specialist training routes have separate requirements.
Use Firm Essentials to understand how the firm’s sectors connect and what trainees do. Keep any information you submit accurate and consistent, and explain relevant mitigating circumstances clearly.
Clyde & Co: quick answers
How much does Clyde & Co pay trainees?
Clyde & Co pays first-year trainees £48,500, rising to £51,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Clyde & Co earn £90,000.
When are the Clyde & Co application deadlines?
Clyde & Co has more than one deadline in the 2026/27 cycle: the summer scheme closes on 19 Nov and the training contract closes on 19 Nov. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does Clyde & Co take on?
Clyde & Co takes on around 70 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does Clyde & Co use in its applications?
Eligible applicants complete critical reasoning and strengths-based assessments. Question formats include ranking responses and sliders. Both assessments record time, with accuracy and response speed contributing to the score. Use the preparation resources to understand the format. For critical reasoning, distinguish what the information establishes from what you might assume. For strengths questions, consider how you would approach the situation in practice. Work carefully at a steady pace. Avoid spending excessive time searching for an ideal response when the assessment is asking about your judgement or preferences.
What grades do you need to apply to Clyde & Co?
To apply to Clyde & Co you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Clyde & Co asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.