Chris' success story: Securing a Training Contract at Clifford Chance

Chris is a Classical Archaeology and Ancient History graduate from the University of Oxford. He secured a Training Contract as a Future Trainee Solicitor at Clifford Chance in London, through Bright Network.  

What was the application process like?

“Clifford Chance made the application process as clear and straightforward as possible. The Early Careers team outlined each stage and were always happy to answer follow-up questions over email, which really helped take away some of the uncertainty.

The first stage of the application involved completing the Watson Glaser test, which was challenging as you need to build familiarity with the different style of questions. The most surprising part for me was how much I actually enjoyed the process.

Condensing your experiences into concise, meaningful answers in the written section is challenging but also rewarding. In many ways, it mirrors what lawyers do every day – taking complex ideas and communicating them clearly. If you can find enjoyment in that process, despite the nerves, it’s a good sign you’re on the right path.”

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

“I attended the Bright Network FESTIVAL, where I had the opportunity to speak directly with Clifford Chance lawyers and members of the graduate recruitment team.

These conversations gave me valuable insight into the firm’s culture and approach, which ultimately reinforced my ambition to pursue a career there.

Alongside this, I completed the Commercial Law stream of Internship Experience UK, which deepened my understanding of the legal profession and the practical skills required to succeed. IEUK provided me with a strong foundation that prepared me for every stage of the application process, from writing my application to performing successfully at the assessment centre.”

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

“Don’t underestimate the value of the different ways you can build experience – from firm events to open days and virtual opportunities. Every experience teaches you something and the skills you gain are transferable. The key is learning how to draw out what you’ve developed and show how it aligns with the skills firms like Clifford Chance are looking for.

At interview, the best advice I received was simple: be yourself, as it’s your soft skills and personality that set you apart.

For commercial awareness, I found the Financial Times Daily News Briefing podcast a great way to start the day as it gives you a broad understanding of what’s going on in the world. From there, I’d pick stories and themes that genuinely interested me to dive deeper so that I had both breadth and depth.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn, as most are more than willing to share their experiences. Those conversations gave me practical insights and helped to make the process feel less daunting.”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“I’m excited to begin my Postgraduate Diploma in Law and to build a strong foundation before starting my legal training at Clifford Chance.

I’m particularly looking forward to applying what I learn in practice, developing my skills through real client work and continuing to grow both professionally and personally within such a dynamic firm.”