Clifford Chance early careers: how to get in
Last checked 2026-10-03 against Clifford Chance's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with Clifford Chance.
At a glance
- Training Contracttraining contractOpenVisa sponsorship: Sponsors8 stages
- Paralegal Apprenticeship, Level 3 (Newcastle Legal Delivery Centre, with the University of Law)apprenticeshipNo published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Not published
- The Challengevacation schemeCloses in 12 daysVisa sponsorship: Not published
- SPARKspring weekOpenVisa sponsorship: Some tracks8 stages
Training Contract
How Clifford Chance recruits
August 2029 / February 2030 intake (applications 7 September to 18 November 2026). 8 stages, from Clifford Chance's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Clifford Chance names them.
Online application form
Application form
Online form with eligibility, education, work experience and three competency questions of up to 1440 characters each.
“To apply for a Clifford Chance Training Contract, you'll complete the following stages: Online application form”
Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment
Immersive assessment
Bespoke online assessment new this cycle covering critical thinking, behavioural strengths, attention to detail and motivation; a practice version is emailed after applying.
- about 60 minutes
“It combines a range of assessment elements, including critical thinking, behavioural strengths, attention to detail and motivation, to provide a holistic view of your current ability and future potential. [...] The assessment should last around 45-60 minutes and should be completed within four days (including weekends).”
Watson Glaser Test
Online tests, Watson Glaser
Watson Glaser critical thinking test taken after the immersive assessment: 30 minutes, 40 questions, four days to complete. AI use not permitted.
- 40 questions
- about 30 minutes
“Once you have completed The Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment you will be required to complete the Watson Glaser test. [...] The test lasts 30 minutes and includes 40 questions that assess your critical thinking skills.”
Pre-recorded video interview
Recorded video interview
Pre-recorded video interview for shortlisted applicants after the closing date. Platform, question count and timings not published.
“Once the deadline has passed, you’ll be notified of the outcome and whether you’re progressing to the video interview stage.”
Assessment Day
Assessment centre
In-person assessment day at Canary Wharf, assessed January 2027. Virtual interview possible for long-distance candidates at the team's discretion.
“Our Assessment Day takes place in person at our London office in Canary Wharf and is designed to assess a range of skills relevant to a career in commercial law.”
Combined case study and competency-based interview
Partner interview
Interview with a partner and senior associate combining discussion of a case study with commercial awareness and competency questions.
- partner and senior associate
“A combined case study and competency-based interview with a partner and senior associate”
Written exercise
Written exercise
Written task linked to the assessment day case study.
“Written task aligned to the case study”
Group exercise
Group exercise
Group exercise on the assessment day.
“A group exercise”
SPARK
How Clifford Chance recruits
SPARK 2027 (applications 2 December 2026 to 8 February 2027). 8 stages, from Clifford Chance's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where Clifford Chance names them.
Online application form
Application form
Online application form.
“To apply for the SPARK programme, you'll complete the following stages: Online application form”
Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment
Immersive assessment
Bespoke online assessment new this cycle covering critical thinking, behavioural strengths, attention to detail and motivation; a practice version is emailed after applying.
- about 60 minutes
“It combines a range of assessment elements, including critical thinking, behavioural strengths, attention to detail and motivation, to provide a holistic view of your current ability and future potential. [...] The assessment should last around 45-60 minutes and should be completed within four days (including weekends).”
Watson Glaser Test
Online tests, Watson Glaser
Watson Glaser critical thinking test taken after the immersive assessment: 30 minutes, 40 questions, four days to complete. AI use not permitted.
- 40 questions
- about 30 minutes
“Once you have completed The Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment you will be required to complete the Watson Glaser test. [...] The test lasts 30 minutes and includes 40 questions that assess your critical thinking skills.”
Pre-recorded video interview
Recorded video interview
Pre-recorded video interview for shortlisted applicants after the closing date. Platform, question count and timings not published.
“Once the deadline has passed, you’ll be notified of the outcome and whether you’re progressing to the video interview stage.”
Assessment Day
Assessment centre
In-person assessment day at Canary Wharf, w/c 15 and 22 March 2027.
“The Assessment Day will take place in person at our London office in Canary Wharf and is designed to assess the skills and potential needed to succeed on the SPARK programme and beyond.”
Combined case study and competency interview
Case study
Case study and competency interview with two senior associates (the SPARK page itself says a partner and senior associate).
- two senior associates
“Combined case study and competency interview (with two Senior Associates)”
Written task
Written exercise
Written task linked to the case study.
“Written task aligned to the case study”
Group exercise
Group exercise
Group exercise.
“Group exercise”
Visa sponsorship
Training Contract
States it will sponsor Skilled Worker visas for training contract trainees
“We hire globally... a skilled worker visa can be issued... the certificate of sponsorship is provided by the firm.”
Paralegal Apprenticeship, Level 3
Clifford Chance only says apprentices must already have the right to work in the UK, and does not address visa sponsorship at all.
“You must have the right to work in the UK”
The Challenge
Clifford Chance has replaced its standalone London vacation scheme with a three-day insight event called The Challenge that can fast-track top performers to a training contract assessment day.
SPARK
Clifford Chance's SPARK first-year programme requires candidates to already be eligible to work in the UK, though the paid days themselves are compensated.
“A guidance document and certificate of sponsorship will be provided by the firm.”
Clifford Chance on the Home Office sponsor register
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.
Common questions
- What is the Clifford Chance training contract application process?
- Clifford Chance's own careers pages describe 8 stages: Online application form, then Clifford Chance Immersive Online Assessment, then Watson Glaser Test, then Pre-recorded video interview, then Assessment Day, then Combined case study and competency-based interview, then Written exercise, then Group exercise.
- Does Clifford Chance use a recorded video interview?
- Yes. Clifford Chance lists a recorded video interview stage ("Pre-recorded video interview").
- Which assessment providers does Clifford Chance use?
- Clifford Chance names Watson Glaser on its own careers pages.
- Does Clifford Chance sponsor visas for graduates?
- States it will sponsor Skilled Worker visas for training contract trainees
GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Clifford Chance or by Watson Glaser. Names are used only to identify Clifford Chance's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check Clifford Chance's official careers site before applying.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.