Over the ten-week program, our clerks will work on a wide variety of assignments, not only to gain exposure to our full range of practice areas, but also to get to know the partners and associates in those departments.

Through close attorney contact, formal training, time spent in one of our offices abroad, and social events that explore the city, our summer law clerks receive a realistic vision of what it means to be a Clifford Chance lawyer.

We remember what it was like at the beginning of our own careers, and understand that the best mentorship comes from all levels.

We believe that the best learning is done on the job, and we also understand that the first two years of law school can only cover so much. We encourage our clerks to use the summer program to try areas of the law they may not have had exposure to, and to find the best fit. 

In addition, since we do not have a fixed rotation, our assignment system provides flexibility to tailor each project based on each summer's interest and availability. Typical assignments include drafting memos, writing briefs, assisting with closings, and attending client calls and meetings. 

Success requires careful planning, and we take time at the start of the program to map out every step of your way

During the first week of the program, our clerks meet individually with assigning associates to discuss their interests, backgrounds and what they want to accomplish over the next 10 weeks. It is the responsibility of our assigning associate, and every lawyer involved in the program, to ensure that these goals are reached, that each summer law clerk has had exposure to the work requested, and that constant feedback is given.

Our summer law clerks also have formal mid-point and final reviews. The reviews are designed to be a dialogue, allowing the clerks the opportunity to discuss their work and also reflect on their experiences overall.

We supplement hands-on training with formal training opportunities throughout the summer. Our law clerks participate in Corporate trainings, a legal writing seminar, as well as a presentation specifically geared to prepare them to work as an international lawyer. Our job is to not only help them thrive as junior lawyers, but to also make sure they succeed as Clifford Chance lawyers, and we host a number of presentations to help them get there. Our professional development team hosts a lunch focused on associate life at the firm; two associates lead a discussion with advice regarding "what they wish they had known" when they were summers; and our CFO presents a seminar to demystify the business side of running a law firm.