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ACCESS Development Programme 2025

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Clifford Chance

9d ago

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Placement Program
  • Legal
    People, HR & Administration
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You must be in Year 12 or equivalent, from a non-fee-paying school, have relevant socioeconomic background, possess strong communication, teamwork skills, and show genuine learning ambition.
  • You will attend events, engage with a mentor, participate in workshops across various sectors, and access coaching and networking opportunities to develop essential skills and insights.

Requirements

  • You are in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland)
  • You are attending, and have attended from age 11, a state-funded, non fee-paying school/college
  • You grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended university. You are currently in receipt of, or have previously received, free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or a 16 to 19 Bursary
  • You are attending a school or college with a:
  • a) below average A-level or Higher point score; and/or
  • b) low rate of progression to higher education.
  • You have been, or are currently, in local authority care (for a period of three months or longer)
  • You are, or have been, a full-time or part-time carer
  • You came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker
  • At age 14, the occupation of the main household earner (parent/guardian) is considered to be in the lower socioeconomic group.
  • Business awareness and problem solving with commercial insight and an ability to identify legal and business issues. You will need an inquisitive mind and an ability to articulate apply your knowledge creatively in a solution-focused manner with an ability to explore and analyse ideas.
  • An ability to understand our clients needs and provide exceptional client service, putting clients at the heart of everything you do.
  • Leadership and collaboration skills with a natural enthusiasm for being a team player.
  • An ability to multi-task, remain organised and thrive through challenges in a fast-paced high-pressure and high-performance environment with demanding deadlines.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including being reliable and responsive, and providing regular updates to team members when needed.
  • An ability to demonstrate a real desire to learn from those around you and with an ambition to progress and gain exposure within the firm and with clients.
  • The ability and desire to take pride in your approach to work and your work output, including proactively seeking feedback and taking responsibility for your own career. You will take ownership of your work, being proactive, solution-oriented, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge of and a genuine interest in the role, firm and our clients with an understanding of how this aligns with your skillset and career ambitions.

Responsibilities

  • Your journey with the firm will start with a launch event at our London office to celebrate your place on the programme and provide you with information and advice that will set you up for success.
  • You will have access to a dedicated mentor, as well as support and training on how to make the most of this relationship.
  • You'll spend four days with us virtually & in person the week of 4th August 2025, where you'll gain insights into our work, clients, and the legal sector as a whole. You'll also begin to develop core business skills that are critical to professional success.
  • You'll spend five-days with five different companies the week of 27th July 2026 in sectors ranging from retail to media and sport where you will take part in workshops and develop your career insights and skills.
  • Furthermore, we are committed to providing you with networking and skill development opportunities, so you will receive executive coaching delivered by Rare Recruitment, group sessions from various experts and university admission teams to guide you through the UCAS process, 1:1 sessions with a member of the Early Talent Acquisition Team, an opportunity to become a youth ambassador for Tender, and various networking opportunities throughout the course of the programme.

FAQs

What is the duration of the Clifford Chance ACCESS Development Programme?

The programme spans two years, culminating in the opportunity to apply for the SPARK programme, which may lead to a Training Contract.

Who is eligible to apply for the ACCESS Development Programme?

Applicants must be in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland), or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) and must meet two or more specific criteria related to their educational background or personal circumstances.

What components are included in the ACCESS programme?

The programme consists of ten different components focused on personal and professional development, including workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

Are there any costs associated with participating in the programme?

Clifford Chance provides support with accommodation and travel expenses where applicable.

Is prior legal knowledge or experience required to apply?

No, you do not need any specific experiences or legal knowledge prior to applying for this role.

How will candidates be assessed during the application process?

Candidates will complete an online application form, take the Watson Glaser critical reasoning test, and those who pass will be invited for a video interview.

What networking opportunities will be available during the programme?

Participants will have access to networking events, sessions with experts and university admissions teams, and opportunities to become a youth ambassador for Tender, among other activities.

What kind of support will participants receive throughout the programme?

Participants will receive support from the Early Talent Acquisition Team, a dedicated mentor, executive coaching, and various skill development sessions.

Where will the programme be based?

The programme will be based in London, primarily at the Canary Wharf office, with a planned relocation to 2 Aldermanbury Square in 2027. It will include both virtual and in-person elements.

What attributes or skills are sought in applicants for this internship?

Applicants are expected to exhibit business awareness, problem-solving skills, client service focus, leadership, collaboration, communication abilities, and a genuine desire to learn.

Clifford Chance

We are one of the world's pre-eminent law firms, with significant depth and range of resources across five continents.

Law
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees
1987
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

We are one of the world's largest law firms with significant depth and range of resources across five continents. As a single, fully integrated, global partnership, we pride ourselves on our approachable, collegiate and team based way of working. We always strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, which include corporates from all the commercial and industrial sectors, governments, regulators, trade bodies and not for profit organisations. We provide them with the highest quality advice and legal insight, which combines the Firm's global standards with in-depth local expertise. Many of the world's leading organisations look to Clifford Chance not just for legal expertise but for advice on business critical issues.