Clifford Chance Application Process

Find out everything you need to know about the Clifford Chance application process below.

Online Application Form

The application process is an important opportunity to showcase what you can bring to Clifford Chance. To stand out as a candidate, take the time to reflect on your unique strengths and experiences. Thoughtful preparation is key—use examples and the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to bring your application to life. Our application process is thorough and designed to be as fair as possible while maintaining high standards, ensuring that the best candidates succeed.

Watson Glaser Test

When you have submitted your application, you will be sent the Watson Glaser test via email within two working days. This does not include the weekend. The only exception is if it doesn't appear you are eligible for the programme you've applied to. Please be sure to check your junk folder.

The questions will focus on your ability to draw inferences, recognise assumptions, make deductions, interpret information and evaluate arguments. These are essential to legal thinking and it's important that you hone your skills as this is the first step of the assessment process. The use of AI is not permitted.

The test lasts 30 minutes and involves 40 questions that assess your critical thinking. You will have five days to complete the test unless you submit your application the week of the deadline. Please factor this in when deciding to submit your application, as you must complete your test within the time frame provided to you over email with your test link. If you need additional time or any adjustments, please factor this in and submit your application prior to the deadline.

Assessment Day

Once you have secured your place on one of our assessment days, you will have access to a wealth of additional support and guidance to help you best prepare. You will be invited to a pre-assessment day webinar with the Early Talent Acquisition Team and Future Trainees who have previously been successful in the interview process. This will provide you with the information and guidance you need to approach the day with confidence.

Our assessment day will take place in-person, with an option to interview virtually in some circumstances e.g., if you have a long way to travel.

If you are being assessed for our London Training Contract, the assessment day will consist of a combined case study and competency-based interview with a Partner and a Senior Associate. This will include discussions around the case study, commercial questions, and competency-based questions. You'll also complete a written task and a group exercise.

If you are being assessed for SPARK, you will complete a written exercise, a combined commercial and competency based-interview with senior associates, and a group exercise.

RARE Contextual Recruitment

We have long been at the forefront of making the legal profession more accessible. In 2015, we partnered with RARE Recruitment to develop a contextual recruitment system (CRS), allowing us to evaluate candidates more fairly by considering their achievements in the context of their social and educational backgrounds.

Our commitment to fairness began in 2013 when we introduced CV-blind interviews, and in 2017, we took another significant step by removing minimum academic requirements for our roles. These initiatives have broadened our talent pool and enabled candidates to share their authentic experiences throughout the process.

Apply now!