ACCESS Development Programme

Overview

In this role you join Clifford Chance’s ACCESS development programme, designed to provide fair, structured start-to-law careers through PRIME. You’ll gain broad exposure to the firm’s work, mentorship, and skill-building across days on site and remotely. The programme culminates in potential pathways to a Training Contract via SPARK. You’ll work with mentors, engage in workshops, and develop business and client-service capabilities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is an inclusive, global firm focused on development and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.

Pay / Benefits

• accommodation and travel expenses support
• mentorship and dedicated mentor
• extensive learning and development opportunities
• networking with lawyers and experts
• coaching and university admission guidance
• opportunity to progress toward a Training Contract

Responsibilities

• Attend a launch event and receive onboarding guidance for the ACCESS programme
• Engage with a dedicated mentor and Early Talent team to structure development
• Participate in a four-day hybrid insight phase to learn about the firm, clients, and the legal sector
• Develop core professional skills and business acumen through workshops and coaching
• Complete a series of site visits and workshops with multiple companies to broaden career insights
• Benefit from executive coaching and ongoing networking opportunities with lawyers and experts
• Advance through the programme with ongoing feedback, accountability, and career planning toward a potential Training Contract

Key requirements

• Year 12 (England & Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland)
• At least two of the listed criteria (e.g., state-funded/non-fee-paying school attendance, low prior HE progression, receipt of bursaries, care responsibilities, refugee/asylum status, low socioeconomic background)
• Interest in law, strong problem solving, and client-service orientation
• Ability to multi-task, communicate clearly, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and seek feedback

• commercial insight
• client-focused communication
• team collaboration
• problem solving
• organisational agility
• reliability and responsiveness

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