Clifford Chance LLP is a global law firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom and a member of the 'Magic Circle' of leading UK law firms. It is one of the ten largest law firms in the world measured by both number of lawyers and revenue. In 20010/11 it achieved total revenues of £1.219 billion and profits per equity partner of £1.005 million.
At Clifford Chance they aim to set the standards for an emerging global elite of law firms and assist our clients at the very leading edge of evolving business and law. Combining the highest international standards with practical local expertise in a stimulating and demanding environment we offer outstanding support to our clients and exceptional career opportunities to our people.
If you see yourself as an international lawyer, working at the top of the profession with market-leading clients and supportive, expert colleagues, read on. A career here will be characterised by international opportunities, fascinating business challenges, inspiring people and teamwork
The Clifford Chance graduate scheme
This one-year conversion course will provide you with a foundation in legal knowledge and process and set you up to begin your LPC alongside graduates who have studied Law. In terms of the structure of your career, this extra year of study is the only material difference between graduates with law backgrounds and those without. There are no restrictions regarding where you study for the GDL however we do encourage you to complete it at The College of Law, Moorgate where you will complete your LPC.
What you need:
If you are applying as an undergraduate, you should have a strong academic record. You will be expected to meet or exceed our benchmark criteria, which for graduates means 320 UCAS points at A-level (or equivalent) and be on target for a 2:1 (or equivalent) degree result or higher. The subject of your degree, however, is not important and we accept applications from both law and non-law students and graduates. It is your potential to become a lawyer that is important to us, rather than your knowledge of law itself.
If you do not have a degree, it is still possible to pursue a career as a lawyer. You will need to apply for a certificate of good standing from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
We accept applications to our training programme from those who have or are due to qualify as a lawyer outside the UK but who wish to qualify as a lawyer in England and Wales. However, the route taken prior to starting training will depend on the jurisdiction in which you have studied. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you qualified, or are about to qualify, you may not need to complete the LPC but take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) instead.
