ACCESS Development Programme 2026
Clifford Chance
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- No specific experiences required.
- Inquisitive mind with ability to articulate knowledge creatively.
- Desire to learn and drive for continuous improvement.
- Ability to multi-task, stay organised and thrive under deadlines.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, reliable and responsive.
Responsibilities
- Participate in a two-year development program.
- Engage in workshops and networking opportunities.
- Access dedicated mentorship and executive coaching.
- Five days with five different companies in summer 2027 to develop career insights and skills.
- Networking and skill development opportunities including coaching, university guidance and UCAS support.
Skills
Job description
Join to apply for the ACCESS Development Programme 2026 role at Clifford Chance
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We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest‑quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in‑depth local expertise.
Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies which matter most to them.
Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating – full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team‑based approach to work.
You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not‑for‑profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world‑class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.
Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.
Deadline for Applications: 23rd February 2026
Clifford Chance is proud to be a founding member of PRIME. Through PRIME, we are committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to enter the world of law has an equal chance to do so, regardless of their background. For many years, obtaining work experience in the legal sector depended largely on who you know rather than what you know. PRIME members have made a commitment to change this by providing fair access to work experience. Our response to this is our bespoke two‑year development programme – Clifford Chance ACCESS. This pioneering programme consists of ten different components, each focused around specific core areas of your personal and professional development, culminating in the opportunity to apply for our SPARK programme which may lead to a Training Contract. More information about the 10 different components of the programme can be found on our website here. Where applicable, we do provide support with accommodation and travel expenses.
To apply to Clifford Chance ACCESS, you must meet the following qualifying criteria:
- You are in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland)
- You are attending, and have attended from age 11, a state‑funded, non fee‑paying school/college.
- You grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended university. You are currently in receipt of, or have previously received, free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or a 16 to 19 Bursary.
- You are attending a school or college with a:
- below average A‑level or Higher point score;
- low rate of progression to higher education.
- You have been, or are currently, in local authority care (for a period of three months or longer)
- You are, or have been, a full‑time or part‑time carer
- You came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker
- At age 14, the occupation of the main household earner (parent/guardian) is considered to be in the lower socioeconomic group. A summary of this can be found here.
Note: young people who meet the local authority care criterion do not need to meet any other criterion.
- Complete the online application form.
- Take the Watson Glaser critical reasoning test.
- If you pass the Watson Glaser test, your application form will be reviewed by the Early Talent team.
- Successful candidates at application review will be invited to an in‑person assessment day at our office in Canary Wharf in London, which you can find out more about here.
Over the course of the programme, you will build your network and receive many learning and development opportunities with your dedicated ACCESS mentor, Peppo Tutor, the Early Talent Acquisition Team, and lawyers you meet across the firm.
Your journey with the firm will start with a launch event at our London office on 22nd July 2026 to celebrate your place on the programme and provide you with information and advice that will set you up for success.
You will have access to a dedicated mentor, as well as support and training on how to make the most of this relationship.
You’ll spend four days with us, a combination of virtual and in‑person, the week of 3rd August 2026, where you’ll gain insights into our work, clients, and the legal sector as a whole. You’ll also begin to develop core business skills that are critical to professional success.
You’ll spend five days with five different companies in the summer of 2027 in sectors ranging from retail to media and sport where you will take part in workshops and develop your career insights and skills.
Furthermore, we are committed to providing you with networking and skill development opportunities, so you will receive executive coaching delivered by Rare Recruitment, group sessions from various experts and university admission teams to guide you through the UCAS process, 1:1 sessions with a member of the Early Talent Acquisition Team, and various networking opportunities throughout the course of the programme.
You do not need any specific experiences or legal knowledge prior to applying for this role.
However, it's worth noting we do look for attributes/skills in our trainees such as:
- Business awareness and problem solving with commercial insight and an ability to identify legal and business issues. You will need an inquisitive mind and an ability to articulate and apply your knowledge creatively in a solution‑focused manner with an ability to explore and analyse ideas.
- An ability to understand our clients needs and provide exceptional client service, putting clients at the heart of everything you do.
- Leadership and collaboration skills with a natural enthusiasm for being a team player.
- An ability to multi‑task, remain organised and thrive through challenges in a fast‑paced high‑pressure and high‑performance environment with demanding deadlines.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including being reliable and responsive, and providing regular updates to team members when needed.
- An ability to demonstrate a real desire to learn from those around you and with an ambition to progress and gain exposure within the firm and with clients.
- The ability and desire to take pride in your approach to work and your work output, including proactively seeking feedback and taking responsibility for your own career. You will take ownership of your work, being proactive, solution‑oriented, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of and a genuine interest in the role, firm and our clients with an understanding of how this aligns with your skillset and career ambitions.
The Early Talent Acquisition Team and your mentor will support you throughout the programme.
At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.
We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.
We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.
Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.
Find out more about our inclusive culture here.
London, Canary Wharf (in 2027 the Company will be relocating to 2 Aldermanbury Square, EC2). The programme will have in‑person and virtual elements.
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Legal Services
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