ACCESS Development Programme 2026 in London

About the Firm

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 of an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Job Description

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.

Where applicable, we do provide support with accommodation and travel expenses.

How to Apply

• 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.

Who you will work with

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.

What you will do

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.

Qualifications

You are in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) and you meet two or more of the following criteria:

• 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.
• You are attending a school or college with a 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) was considered to be in the lower socioeconomic group.

Note: Young people who meet the local authority care criterion do not need to meet any other criterion.

We do not require any prior legal knowledge or experience, but we do look for specific attributes and skills such as business awareness, problem‐solving, client‐focussed service, collaboration, time management, communication, learning ambition, ownership, and genuine interest in the role and firm.

Additional Information

How we will support you

The Early Talent Acquisition Team and your mentor will support you throughout the programme.

Equal opportunities

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.

Location

London, Canary Wharf (in 2027 the Company will be relocating to 2 Aldermanbury Square, EC2). The programme will have in‐person and virtual elements.