Clifford Chance’s SPARK Scheme: How can it help you to secure a training contract early on?

Mar 09, 2023

Written By Helena Kudiabor

One of the best ways to make an informed choice on whether a law career is right for you is to spend some time at a law firm. Clifford Chance’s SPARK scheme provides students who are just getting started in law with a five-day crash course about life in commercial law. If you're currently exploring what a legal career would be like, this is a great opportunity for you to gain some hands-on experience.

What is the SPARK scheme?

Designed by Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance, SPARK is an award-winning scheme which provides valuable insights into a legal career. Unlike vacation schemes, which are aimed at law students in their penultimate year, you can apply for SPARK in your first year of a law degree or penultimate year of a non-law degree. It’s a five-day paid scheme (£450 per week), during which you’ll receive a crash course about commercial law and what it’s like being a commercial lawyer.

What does SPARK involve?

Each day of this five-day scheme has been developed to ensure you gain as much value as possible throughout the day. You’ll attend presentations on Clifford Chance’s practice areas, case studies and seminars, allowing you to gain a better understanding of the legal industry, and to develop your commercial awareness. Outside of presentations, you’ll shadow lawyers, gain hands-on work experience and attend classroom-based learning sessions. A past candidate even got the chance to complete a work trip to Paris.

Clifford Chance opens up opportunities for you to get to know the other lawyers from the firm, so you’ll be able to attend a number of networking events. Here, you’ll get to speak to lawyers from all levels of the firm and learn more about the different societies and networks on offer.

How can SPARK improve my chances of securing a training contract?

Candidates who excel during the scheme will even be invited to join a bespoke SPARK training contract assessment day. Last year 79% of SPARK scheme participants were offered a Training Contract after the scheme. This means you can have a training contract secured before your second year of university!

However, the support you’ll receive from Clifford Chance’s support doesn't end after you secure your training contract. Future trainees will be put in touch with a trainee buddy, who will ensure you’ll stay connected with the firm through your university experience. In addition, the firm’s award-winning LIFT internship provides paid work experience for future trainees. LIFT is completed during the summer of your second year, and aims to support your professional development.

How can I apply for SPARK?

There will be two SPARK schemes in the Summer of 2023, taking place from 26-30th June 2023, and 17-21st July 2023. Applications for the schemes are currently open, and will close on the 9th February 2023 at 11:59pm. Clifford Chance does not recruit on a rolling basis, and will review all applications once the deadline has passed.

Selected candidates will be invited to an assessment day, between the 27th February and the 10th March 2023. The day will involve: a case study task involving a written exercise, a commercial-based interview with a Partner including discussions around the case study, and a competency-based interview with a Senior Associate.

One tip for the application process is to think about what makes you stand out and to be creative and clear in applying this to a legal career with the firm. Clifford Chance actively encourages and celebrates candidates' non-law interests, so definitely mention these in the application process.

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