Clifford Chance Assessment Test, Interviews, Assessment Centre 2024/25. Practice Guide.

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SUMMARY

Are you applying for the Clifford Chance internship or graduate programs or exploring professional opportunities? Look no further than this comprehensive guide.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment, and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships, apprenticeships, and other graduate programs at Clifford Chance across the globe, including the UK and US.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews, and assessment center exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process.

Not sure if you should practice preparing for the Clifford Chance tests? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

IN A NUTSHELL

How to prepare for Clifford Chance assessment tests and get the job?

1. Complete your Clifford Chance Job Application

• Fill in your Clifford Chance application online
• Match your application to Clifford Chance company values
• Use language/keywords from the job post in your resume
• Answer any motivational questions you may find

2. Practice for Clifford Chance Online Assessment Tests

Clifford Chance uses various aptitude tests to measure your critical thinking. These may include:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Critical Reasoning 

3. Record mock interviews of yourself

You should practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for law firms. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, and filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.

Prepare for a telephone interview by running mock interviews and answering typical interview questions. For Clifford Chance interview practice, use:

• a smartphone
• Zoom or
• our video interview practice platform

Our video interview practice platform offers predefined competency and industry questions, mimicking the experience of employers’ interviews like Hirevue, Pymetrics, and Sonru. Record answers, watch them, and repeat recordings until satisfied with your interview technique and words.

Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

4. Prepare for the Clifford Chance Assessment Day Exercises

Clifford Chance makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment centre to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including:

• Case study interview
• Group exercise
• Written exercise

Hone your written and spoken communication techniques. Research online, prepare and practice presentation of as many business case studies as possible.

Be aware that not many get to this stage. The competition is very fierce.

Continue reading to get answers to these critical questions:

1. How to get into Clifford Chance?
2. How to pass the Clifford Chance Watson Glaser Test?
3. How do I prepare for a Clifford Chance interview?
4. What to expect at the Clifford Chance Assessment Center?
5. What are the early career programs offered by Clifford Chance?

For your Clifford Chance assessment practice, click on the links below to get started now with our practice assessments!

Let’s take a look at what’s to come in this in-depth guide:

Contents

1. What is Clifford Chance?
2. Clifford Chance Online Job Application
3. Clifford Chance Online Assessments
4. Clifford Chance Video Interview
5. Clifford Chance Assessment Day

Good to know Bonuses:

6. Clifford Chance Early Careers
7. Clifford Chance FAQs

Before we dive in, let’s take a closer look at Clifford Chance and explore its wide range of career options.

What is Clifford Chance?

Clifford Chance is a British multinational law firm headquartered in London, England. The firm was founded in 1930 by Clifford Chance, a British lawyer, and has had a significant impact on the legal profession, both in the UK and around the world.

Currently, Clifford Chance is a global law firm with over 4,500 lawyers in 46 offices across 28 countries.

What career opportunities Clifford Chance does offer?

For career opportunities, Clifford Chance offers a wide range of roles, from entry-level positions to senior management positions. These roles include:

But what are these values? Let us find out in the next section.

Clifford Chance Values

What are the core values of Clifford Chance?

• Exceeding clients’ expectations: Clifford Chance strives to provide exceptional service to its clients, exceeding their expectations in every interaction.

• Local excellence, global standards: The firm maintains a strong commitment to local expertise while upholding global standards of excellence, ensuring seamless collaboration across its offices worldwide.

• Ambition for success: Clifford Chance fosters a culture of ambition and drive, encouraging its people to aspire to achieve their full potential.

• Investing in talent: The firm invests in its people, providing them with comprehensive training and development opportunities to nurture their skills and knowledge.

• An adaptable and approachable team: Clifford Chance cultivates a collaborative and supportive work environment where teams are dynamic, adaptable, and always willing to go the extra mile.

• Thinking ahead: The firm encourages a forward-thinking approach, anticipating trends and challenges to proactively shape its strategies and services.

• Strength through diversity: Clifford Chance values diversity and inclusion, recognizing the power of different perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success.

• Community: Clifford Chance actively contributes to the communities where it operates, supporting social initiatives and promoting positive change.

Now that we know more about Clifford Chance, let’s dive into the recruitment process with the first step: the Clifford Chance online application!

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Clifford Chance Online Job Application

How to get a job at Clifford Chance?

For your Clifford Chance job application, you must create an account on their website to apply for a position. Once you have found a role that interests you, you can apply by filling out your: 

• Personal information
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills

You will also be required to upload documents such as your resume and a cover letter at this stage.

What do I need to apply to Clifford Chance?

This marks your first chance to set a good impression and stand out from the competition. 

1. Attach Your CV: Make sure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the job description. 

2. Fill in the Educational Qualifications: Clifford Chance usually seeks strong and consistent academic performance leading to a 2:1 degree.

3. Provide Relevant Work Experience: Demonstrate a variety of experiences which you have used to develop skills. Emphasise the impact of these and their relevance to the firm’s requirements.

4. Answer the Motivational Questions: Differentiate yourself by discussing achievements and extracurricular activities. Illustrate the impact of these experiences, and how they make you an exceptional candidate.

5. Showcase Your Skills and Competencies: Clifford Chance values specific job-related skills, including technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

As well as the job description, you’ll need to do your research on Clifford Chance itself to get a headstart in your preparation. 

Check out our video below to get started on crucial research tips you can use to boost your Clifford Chance application:

Now let’s move on to the next step – the Clifford Chance online assessment, a crucial step in the recruitment process.

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Clifford Chance Online Assessments

What are the Clifford Chance online aptitude tests?

The Clifford Chance online aptitude tests are a series of assessments designed to evaluate candidates’ cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. These tests are typically used as part of the application process for various Clifford Chance programmes.

The online test can consist of the following sections:

1. Clifford Chance Verbal Reasoning Test
2. Clifford Chance Watson Glaser Test

We’ve got you covered for all things assessment in this section! Keep reading to discover the best tricks and tips to ace your Clifford Chance verbal reasoning tests.

1. Clifford Chance Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the Clifford Chance verbal reasoning test?

The Clifford Chance verbal reasoning test measures your ability to understand and interpret written information. The test typically consists of a series of short passages followed by multiple-choice questions. 

You will be asked to identify the main point of the passage, draw inferences from the information provided, and evaluate the arguments presented.

Don’t miss our short video below for an overview of verbal reasoning tests used by employers such as Clifford Chance:

HOW TO PASS THE CLIFFORD CHANCE VERBAL REASONING TEST

Top 5 Tips to Ace your Clifford Chance Verbal Reasoning Test

1. Familiarise yourself with Clifford Chance’s format
   • Before diving into practice, understand the format and question types used by Clifford Chance. This will help you to  focus your preparation.

2. Enhance your reading comprehension skills
   • Success in Clifford Chance’s assessment requires the ability to understand complex written passages. Practice reading diverse materials, including news articles, and academic papers to develop your vocabulary.

3. Practice under timed conditions
   • Time management is crucial for maximising your performance. This will help you develop speed and accuracy, ensuring you complete the Clifford Chance test within the allotted time frame.

4. Avoid external information
   • The Clifford Chance verbal reasoning test will assess your ability to analyse the information presented within the test material, so it is crucial to focus exclusively on the information provided.

5. Develop a systematic approach while answering
   • First identify the key information, then consider the possible inferences and eliminate those that are clearly unsupported. This will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Clifford Chance-Style Verbal Reasoning Question Example

Got the answer? Check the bottom of the page to see if you got it right!

After completing this Clifford Chance online test, the following assessment you will likely be headed for is the Clifford Chance critical thinking test.

2. Clifford Chance Watson Glaser Test

What is the Clifford Chance Watson Glaser test?

The Clifford Chance Watson Glaser tests (WGT) was created by TalentLens. The Watson Glaser test is used by Clifford Chance to assess crucial attributes for legal thinking, and is designed to evaluate your ability to think logically, analyse information, and make decisions.

The test comprises 40 questions to be answered in 30 minutes, evaluating your ability to think under pressure and apply various problem-solving methods.

What skills are measured in the Clifford Chance Watson Glaser test?

The Clifford Chance Watson Glaser test aims to measure your ability to:

• Defining problems: Through syllogisms, analogies and pattern recognition, you will be assessed on your ability to identify relationships between details and draw conclusions from the data provided.

• Select relevant information: Your skills in recognising and highlighting relevant details will be tested under strict timed conditions. This aims to measure your speed and your accuracy.  

• Recognise assumptions: Evaluated through questions designed to assess your ability to identify assumptions by prompting you to recognise underlying beliefs or premises in a given scenario.

• Formulate and select relevant and promising hypotheses: Measured by evaluating how well you can generate reasonable solutions to presented problems, assessing your capacity to think creatively and practically in addressing various issues.

• Judge the validity of inferences: Assessed through questions that examine your aptitude for reaching logical conclusions and evaluating the validity of inferences based on the information provided.

HOW TO PASS THE CLIFFORD CHANCE WATSON GLASER TEST?

So how do we pass the Clifford Chance Watson Glaser test? Check out our top tips to pass this assessment below!

Top 7 Tips to Prepare for your Clifford Chance Critical Thinking Test 

1. Familiarise yourself with Clifford Chance’s values
   • Understand the firm’s core values and culture, as the Watson Glaser test often assesses how well you align with the organisation’s principles.

2. Recognise patterns efficiently
   • Develop the ability to identify patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of information, as this skill is crucial for success in Clifford Chance’s WGT.

3. Put ethics first
   • When faced with scenarios, choose responses that show integrity and uphold high moral and legal standards. Prioritise ethical and professional conduct in your decisions.

4. Practice consistently
   • Ensure to practice each type of test in detail, to ensure you have given enough time to understand the questions and solutions.

5. Check one rule at a time
   • When attempting the questions that require deductions, focus on one shared rule in the sequence at a time and eliminate the options that don’t follow these rules.

6. Prioritise questions based on difficulty 
   • Start with questions that appear easier or more straightforward to maximise your chances of earning points early on. Then, tackle more challenging questions with the remaining time.

7. Manage time effectively
   • Time management is crucial for completing this test. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency without compromising accuracy.

Check out even more of our top tips to improve your speed for the Clifford Chance critical thinking test with our short video:

CLIFFORD CHANCE-STYLE WATSON GLASER QUESTION EXAMPLE

In this Watson Glaser-style critical reasoning test question example, you are given a passage followed by two statements. You are asked to determine whether the statements are true, probably true, probably false, or false.

Passage

Global economic trends indicate a shift towards a digital economy, with increased reliance on technology for various aspects of business. As companies embrace digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount to protect sensitive information. However, effective cybersecurity is not solely a technological challenge; it requires a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks governing data protection and privacy.

Statement 1

The shift towards a digital economy reduces the importance of cybersecurity.

Explanation: The passage emphasises the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the digital economy. Therefore, it’s likely false.

Answer: Probably False 

Statement 2 

Effective cybersecurity solely depends on technological advancements.

Explanation: The passage highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks in addition to technological measures for effective cybersecurity. Hence, statement 2 is false. 

Answer: False

Now, we’re onto the main event of the Clifford Chance video interview process, so be sure to continue moving toward success with us in this article! 

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Clifford Chance Video Interview Round

What happens at the Clifford Chance video interview round?

The Clifford Chance video interview is also referred to as the ‘blind’ interview process. The virtual interview round is typically conducted using video conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

The Clifford Chance interview typically lasts for 30 to 45 minutes and will ask you a series of competency-based questions to assess your skills, experience, and fit for the role.

This virtual interview will be competency-based (CBI) and will be focused on your CV and personal motivations, so prepare examples of situations where you demonstrated key skills of ideal candidates. 

So how do we prepare? Keep reading to find out!

Top 5 Tips to Ace the Clifford Chance Video Interviews

1. Identify the competencies required for the role
   • Review the job description to identify the specific responsibilities, traits and skills required. This will help you tailor your responses to align with the firm’s expectations.

2. Familiarise yourself with common Clifford Chance interview questions
   • Practice answering common interview questions to enhance your preparation and confidence through answerings in a way that flows naturally for you.

3. Practice structuring answers using the STAR+R method
   • The STAR+R method will help you organise your thoughts, provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences, and convey your ability to handle situations effectively.

4. Draw from your own experiences
   • Utilising your own experiences demonstrates your suitability for the role. Consider scenarios from your internships, or projects that showcase the competencies sought by Clifford Chance.

5. Maintain effective body language and communication
   • Sit up straight, maintain a confident posture, and use subtle hand gestures appropriately to convey your enthusiasm. Speak clearly and concisely, using a moderate tone and avoiding filler words.

Check out our top five body language tips that can bolster your chances of interview success.

Now that you know more about Clifford Chance’s virtual interview round, let’s explore some commonly used Clifford Chance interview questions with example answers using the above tips!

Clifford Chance Interview Questions and Answers

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL CLIENT SERVICE IN A DEMANDING SITUATION.

Good Answer: 

• Situation: While working on a corporate acquisition project, I was assigned to a client who had a reputation for being demanding and detail-oriented. The client had high expectations and required constant updates on the progress of the deal.

• Task: My primary responsibility was to manage the client’s expectations, address their concerns promptly, and keep them informed throughout the acquisition process.

• Action: I established a regular communication schedule with the client, providing them with detailed updates on the deal’s progress. I anticipated their questions and concerns, addressing them proactively before they escalated. I also went the extra mile by making myself available to the client outside of regular business hours, demonstrating my dedication to their satisfaction.

• Result: The client was consistently impressed with my responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to their needs. They expressed their appreciation for my efforts and acknowledged that my dedication was instrumental in the successful completion of the acquisition.

• Reflection: This experience reinforced the importance of client focus, proactive communication, and going the extra mile in providing exceptional legal services. I learned to anticipate client needs, exceed expectations, and build strong client relationships.

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO MANAGE A COMPLEX LEGAL PROJECT WITH MULTIPLE DEADLINES AND STAKEHOLDERS.

Good Answer:

• Situation: During my internship at a legal aid clinic, I was assigned to a case involving a family dispute over property rights. The case involved multiple parties with conflicting interests, and the court had set a tight deadline for resolution.

• Task: I was responsible for managing the case timeline, coordinating with various stakeholders, and preparing legal documents.

• Action: I developed a detailed project plan with clear milestones and assigned specific tasks to team members. I regularly communicated with clients, opposing counsel, and the court to ensure everyone was updated on the case’s progress. I also prepared comprehensive legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and settlement agreements.

• Result: The case was successfully resolved before the court’s deadline, and the parties reached a mutually agreeable settlement. My proactive approach and attention to detail ensured that the case was handled efficiently and effectively.

• Reflection: This experience taught me the importance of careful planning, effective communication, and teamwork in managing complex legal projects. I learned to prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities, and maintain open communication with all parties involved.

Now, let’s move onto the last key step of your recruitment process: the Clifford Chance assessment day.

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Clifford Chance Assessment Centre

What happens at the Clifford Chance assessment centre?

At the Clifford Chance assessment centre, also known as the assessment day, you’ll participate based on the role you’ve applied for if you’ve successfully passed the initial interview stage. 

You will be asked to take part in a few assessment exercises, that are very likely to include:

1. Clifford Chance Case Study Interview
2. Clifford Chance Group Exercise
3. Clifford Chance Written Exercise

Now that we know more about the Clifford Chance assessment day, let’s jump right in with your assessment exercises in detail!

Clifford Chance Case Study Interview

What is the Clifford Chance case study interview?

The Clifford Chance case study interview is a crucial section of the firm’s assessment process. It evaluates your ability to analyse complex legal issues, apply legal principles to specific facts, and make sound judgments under pressure. 

The case study typically involves a hypothetical legal scenario that requires you to provide legal advice to a client. This may involve completing a written exercise followed by an interview with a Senior Associate and a Partner.

Top 5 Tips to Succeed the Clifford Chance Case Study Interview

1. Familiarise yourself with Clifford Chance and its practice areas
   • Make sure you have a good understanding of the firm’s culture, and values to tailor your responses to the specific context of the case study.

2. Practice analysing case studies
   • Find practice case studies online or in legal textbooks and practice analysing them to develop your skills and improve your ability to apply legal principles to specific facts.

3. Develop strong legal research skills
   • Make sure you are comfortable using legal research tools and databases to find relevant case law and regulations. This helps in providing sound legal advice in the interview.

4. Practice effective communication
   • Practice communicating your legal analysis and advice clearly and concisely. This will help you convey your understanding of the Clifford Chance case study and provide guidance to clients.

5. Stay up-to-date on current legal developments
   • Keep up with the latest legal developments in your chosen area of law. This will ensure that your advice is accurate and relevant to the case study.

Clifford Chance Group Exercise

What is the Clifford Chance group exercise?

The Clifford Chance group exercise will examine your ability to work as part of a team. Throughout this task, various employees will observe you on how you solve problems as part of a team, when under time pressure.

Top 5 Tips to Ace the Clifford Chance Group Exercise

1. Prepare thoroughly: Familiarise yourself with the common formats and expectations of Clifford Chance’s group exercises. Research relevant legal concepts.

2. Be an active listener: Pay close attention to the ideas and perspectives shared by your fellow participants during Clifford Chance’s group exercise and  demonstrate your understanding of their perspectives. 

3. Contribute constructively: Share your insights and analysis in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner. Support your arguments with evidence, principles, and real-world examples, demonstrating your knowledge.

4. Demonstrate leadership skills: Take initiative and guide the group towards productive discussions. Encourage participation from all members.

5. Communicate confidently: Speak clearly, using appropriate legal terminology and professional language during Clifford Chance’s group exercise. This will help in demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in a group setting.

Clifford Chance Written Exercise

What is the Clifford Chance written exercise?

The Clifford Chance written exercises are commonly used to assess the skills, competencies, and job knowledge, and are usually done on a particular assessment centre day.

What can I expect in the Clifford Chance written exercise?

The format of the written exercise can vary depending on the role you are applying for. However, it typically involves one or more of the following types of tasks:

• Legal research and writing: You will be asked to research a specific legal topic and write a memorandum or opinion letter summarising your findings.
• Client communication: You will be asked to write a letter or email to a client providing legal advice or updates on a case.

Key 5 Tips to Prepare for the Clifford Chance Written Exercise

1. Thorough research for Clifford Chance’s written exercise: Conduct in-depth research about Clifford Chance’s values, and practice areas. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role you are applying for. 

2. Practice makes perfect: Regularly practice writing legal memoranda and utilising online resources. This improves the ability to structure legal arguments and present your analysis in a concise manner.

3. Prioritise proper comprehension: Ensure that your writing effectively conveys your analysis, arguments, and conclusions. Proofread your work thoroughly to eliminate grammatical errors and inconsistencies.

4. Maintain a calm and focused mindset: Written assessments can be tricky, but it’s crucial to remain calm and focused throughout the process. Take deep breaths, and manage your time effectively.

5. Check your workings: Once you have completed your written memo, letter or email, check through the text to ensure there are no errors or mistakes.

And with this, your Clifford Chance application comes to a close! Once you’ve impressed in your interview, you will shortly receive an offer from the law firm.

But wait, before you go!

Keep reading below to discover the range of career opportunities Clifford Chance currently offers for graduates, freshers, and students.

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Clifford Chance Early Careers

What are the Clifford Chance early careers?  

Clifford Chance offers a range of early career opportunities to aspiring lawyers and legal professionals. These programs provide valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the firm’s culture and practice areas and for skills development.

Clifford Chance offers the following opportunities for candidates interested in kick-starting their careers with the organisation:

• Internships
• Apprenticeship
• Graduate programs

Here are some of the locations outside the United Kingdom where Clifford Chance offers its Early Career Programs:

Clifford Chance Internship Program

What are the Clifford Chance Internship Programs?

Clifford Chance internship programs are tailored to accommodate both law and non-law students offering a unique opportunity to engage with real-world legal challenges, work alongside seasoned professionals, and gain insights into the multifaceted aspects of the legal industry.

Clifford Chance offers a range of internship opportunities designed for individuals at different academic stages and backgrounds such as:

1. Clifford Chance Summer Associateships: 
   • The Clifford Chance summer associateships are longer-term internship programs that typically last for eight to ten weeks and take place during the summer months. During the associateship, students will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the law, receive mentorship from experienced lawyers, and participate in networking events.

2. Clifford Chance Vacation Schemes: 
   • The Clifford Chance Vacation schemes are short-term internships that provide students with an opportunity to experience life at Clifford Chance. They typically last for one or two weeks and take place during the summer months. 

3. Clifford Chance Global Virtual Internships (GVI): 
   • The Clifford Chance virtual internships offered to provide students with the opportunity to enhance their employability by gaining valuable international experience and developing their legal skills. GVIs are typically two to four weeks in duration and take place during the summer months

Clifford Chance Internship Program Eligibility Criteria 

Minimum Year of Study: Clifford Chance typically requires undergraduate interns to be in their penultimate or final year of law school.

1. GPA: Clifford Chance seeks interns with a strong academic record. While the firm does not have a specific GPA requirement, they are generally looking for interns with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Coursework: Clifford Chance is looking for interns who have demonstrated a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of law.

However, the deadlines typically fall within the following:

1. Summer Internships: Applications for summer internships typically open in September/October and close in January/February.

2. Vacation Schemes: Applications for vacation schemes typically open in February/March and close in April/May.

3. Global Virtual Internships (GVI): Applications for GVIs typically open in March/April and close in May/June.

Clifford Chance Apprenticeship Program

What is the Clifford Chance Apprenticeship Program?

The Clifford Chance Apprenticeship Program is a two-year structured training program that provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal profession. They also receive mentorship and support from experienced lawyers.

Clifford Chance Apprenticeship Program Eligibility Criteria 

1. Educational Background: Apprentices typically have a law degree or equivalent qualification.
2. Academic Standing: Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, typically with a high GPA.
3. Relevant Skills and Experience: Prior experience in legal research, writing, or analysis can be an advantage.

Clifford Chance Graduate Programs

What are the Clifford Chance Graduate Programs?

Clifford Chance Graduate Programs offers structured training programs along with hands-on working experience to develop the legal knowledge and skills. Through a blend of classroom-based learning, and practical experience they can connect with experienced mentors. Clifford Chance Graduate Programs prepare individuals for successful careers in law.

Some of the key graduate programs include:

1. Clifford Chance SPARK Program: 
   • The SPARK Program is a two-year development initiative, for outstanding first-year law students, second-year students in a four-year law program, or third-year non-law students in a three-year program. It offers a firsthand look at a legal career, combining classroom learning, skill development, shadowing lawyers, and more.

2. Clifford Chance ACCESS Program: 
   • The ACCESS Program is a bespoke, award-winning, two-year development program for year 12 students (England and Wales), S5 students (Scotland), and lower sixth students (Northern Ireland) who are interested in a career in law.

Clifford Chance Graduate Programs Eligibility Criteria

• First-year law students of a three-year degree
• Second-year students of a four-year law degree
• Penultimate-year non-law students of a three-year degree

 Check out more answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below about the Clifford Chance recruitment process! 

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Clifford Chance Assessment FAQs