Summer Vacation Scheme 2026

Summer Vacation Scheme 2026 — Clifford Chance, Canary Wharf

Clifford Chance is inviting applications for its Summer Vacation Scheme 2026, a three-week immersive programme at the firm's Canary Wharf headquarters. The vacation scheme is the firm's primary pipeline for future trainees and offers participants a genuine insight into life at a Magic Circle firm.

Participants will be placed in one of the firm's core practice areas and will work on live client matters, attend workshops and skills sessions, and have the opportunity to network with lawyers at all levels. The programme is designed to help participants understand whether Clifford Chance is the right fit for their career.

Vacation Scheme Details

• Duration: 3-week Summer Vacation Scheme
• Dates: Summer 2026 (two cohorts in June and July)
• Location: Canary Wharf, London
• Remuneration: Competitive weekly stipend
• Conversion: Significant proportion of participants offered training contracts

Eligibility: Open to penultimate-year and final-year LLB/GDL students. Non-law students and career changers are encouraged to apply.

• Work in a core practice area on live client matters and transactions
• Attend skills workshops, practice area presentations, and networking events
• Complete assessed exercises and receive constructive feedback
• Shadow trainees and associates to understand day-to-day practice
• Engage with the firm's pro bono and CSR programmes
• Participate in training contract assessment during the scheme

• Penultimate or final-year undergraduate (law or non-law) or GDL student
• On track for a minimum 2:1 degree
• Excellent academic record and genuine interest in international commercial law
• Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical skills
• Commercial awareness and curiosity about the global business environment
• Right to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the scheme