Clifford Chance

Careers

Where Ambitious
minds meet

Hong Kong SAR

We are seeking the best and brightest new talent to join our firm

We opened our Hong Kong office, our first in Asia Pacific, in 1980, and today, we are the leading international firm in the region. Our track record of top-tier deals is built on substantial resources - we have over 150 lawyers in Hong Kong, around 22 of which are trainees. Hong Kong is a hub for businesses in Asia Pacific and we reflect this by combining regional reach and deep-sector expertise in a single office. 

Recruiting the best new talent is critical to our firm's success - trainees are the future partners and leaders of Clifford Chance, and we pride ourselves on a rigorous and fair selection processs. Below are the opportunities we offer to join our office as a student or graduate.

Training Contract

Throughout your two-year training you will rotate through four six-month seats, covering our Hong Kong office's practice areas of Corporate, Finance, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Capital Markets. In addition to this, there are opportunities for international secondments, allowing you to gain real insight into how our cross-border collaboration contributes to our success.

From the moment you start your training contract, you’ll receive tremendous direct and indirect support from the HR team, partners and supervisors who have been through the process themselves because we recognise that quality training and supervision are the key to getting the most from your training period.

 

We offer between 12 to 18 training contracts annually, and always recruit trainees two years in advance of their start date. In addition to  our Vacation Schemes, we also offer a direct application process which is open between January and April of each year. If your online written application is successful you will take part in a series of assessments that include a video interview, critical thinking test, assessment centre and panel interview.

Training Contract benefits

  • First year trainee salary: HK$48,000
  • Second year trainee salary: HK$50,000
  • Financial Assistance for the PCLL Conversion Examinations
  • We will fund your PCLL tuition fees
  • Maintenance allowance of HK$50,000 for the year of your PCLL
  • 22 days' annual leave
  • Mandarin language training
  • Medical and dental insurance schemes
  • Life assurance scheme
  • Competitive pension scheme
  • Use of the firm’s junk boat

Applications for our direct training contract 2023 will close on Friday 30 April 2021.

Apply Now

Vacation Scheme

You'll benefit from an unparalleled introduction to the world of commercial law. We will offer you plenty of opportunities to see a wide range of our market-leading work, meet our people, and build on your university knowledge. In return, we ask that you get involved, be enthusiastic, and remain curious throughout the scheme. 

This opportunity not only allows you to gain work experience in a first-class working environment, it is often the first step in your career path as a lawyer.

We run three vacation schemes annually: a winter scheme (four weeks across January) which is aimed at students on their summer break in Australia, and two schemes across June and July which are aimed at students attending other universities, such as those in Hong Kong and the UK.

 

During the four-week scheme, you will follow the life of a lawyer at Clifford Chance closely – you will sit in two different practice areas, working with our lawyers on real, live, client projects. You will be treated as a part of our team and given opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. 

The scheme is designed for us to see the best of you; in order to do this, you will be assigned a mentor, an experienced lawyer one or two years ahead of you, who will help you settle in and answer any questions you might have. We will also host sessions from professionals across the firm to give you a real insight into how our firm works – from Business Development to Finance.

As a part of the scheme, you will also take part in interviews at our Assessment Centre which offers the opportunity to secure a training contract ready for when you graduate.

Vacation Scheme requirements

To apply for a vacation scheme you must be in the penultimate year of a qualifying law degree. As well as a consistently strong academic record, we are seeking candidates who can demonstrate intellectual curiosity, common sense, strong interpersonal skills, an interest in business, and the capacity to quickly assimilate detailed information. The ability to speak Mandarin or a Chinese dialect, and to read and write Chinese is preferable. A salary of HK$10,000 will be paid to you for the month-long scheme, and you'll have the chance to take part in various training sessions, networking events and socials during your time here.

Dates and deadlines

Applications for our Summer Vacation Scheme 2021 have now closed. Applications for our Winter Vacation Scheme 2022 will open in March 2021.

GLOW

GLOW - a unique opportunity for exceptional first year students. 

This programme is designed to not only give you insider knowledge of life at a leading law firm, but also tips on how to get here. During the one-day programme, you'll experience an intensive schedule of practice area overviews, and skills workshops and you'll hear from trainees, associates and partners about their own path into law. If you are a first-year student (or in the second-year of a four-year degree) with a drive to succeed, and the ability to make the most of the opportunities presented to you, we want to hear from you.

To apply for GLOW, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a first-year student of a qualifying law degree, or a second-year student of a four-year course. Those commencing the first year (or second of a four-year course) of their degree in September 2020 will be eligible to take part.
  • You must be fluent in English and possess a strong command of Chinese language skills.
  • You must be available to be at our office on the set date of the scheme.

GLOW 2021 will take place on 11 August 2021.
Candidates will be able to apply from February 2021 to take part, please check back nearer the time for application details.

Open Evening

Our diverse and talented people are at the heart of everything we are, and everything we do. We host an Open Evening at the office annually, so that you can come and meet our exceptional people and hear more about life at Clifford Chance. 

Due to the unprecedented situation arising as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have adapted our recruitment activity and all events will now take place virtually until further notice. Please click the below link to see our latest event schedule.

MEET US

What we look for

To be successful in your application, you will need to demonstrate your potential to become a first-class professional, and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. You must exhibit ambition, drive and commitment; you will have the ability to clearly articulate your ideas, and the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. We're also looking for business awareness, a keen commercial insight, and a strong ability to lead and manage. 

We only accept applications via our job board. Please submit your application to the relevant vacancy, or contact Grace Gough with any questions.

EMAIL Grace

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A bright start to a brilliant career, search and apply for our current vacancies in Asia Pacific.

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