Clifford Chance

Madison Ballard

Law Graduate

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) at University of Wollongong (UOW)

Overall highlights of your clerkship program at CC

One of the standout highlights of my clerkship at Clifford Chance was the opportunity to train at the Singapore office. This experience was incredibly enriching, as it allowed me to gain a global perspective on legal practices and understand the nuances of working in a different jurisdiction. In general, at Clifford Chance, the exposure to international clients and complex cross-border transactions was invaluable. Additionally, the chance to network with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures broadened my professional horizons and enhanced my adaptability in a global legal environment.

What surprised you about the culture of CC

I was pleasantly surprised by the open-plan layout of the office, which fostered its inclusive and supportive culture at Clifford Chance. Despite being a global firm, there is a strong sense of community and collaboration. The firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its various initiatives and the open, welcoming environment. Everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives, which fosters a dynamic and innovative workplace.

What are some examples of the work/ matters you have been involved in during your clerkship (keeping in mind confidentiality)

During my clerkship, I have been involved in a variety of tasks, including conducting legal research, drafting documents, and assisting in the preparation of case materials. I have conducted market overlap analysis and contributed to drafting publications on new regulatory updates. Most of the matters I have worked on involve large mergers and acquisitions, as well as private equity transactions.

What did you enjoy about the recruitment process at CC?

The recruitment process at Clifford Chance was thorough yet engaging. I appreciated the clear communication and the opportunity to interact with various team members throughout the process, including attending a clerk networking event. The interviews were challenging and a great learning experience, offering valuable advice and face time with partners and senior associates who provided tips I will carry into my legal career. I felt that the firm genuinely wanted to understand my skills and aspirations. The recruitment team was supportive and provided timely feedback, making the experience positive and encouraging.

Support network – buddy/ supervisor across each rotation  

Clifford Chance has an excellent support network in place. Each clerk is assigned a buddy and a supervisor for every rotation, ensuring we have guidance and support throughout our journey. My buddy has been a great source of advice, helping me navigate the firm's culture, while my supervisor has provided valuable feedback and mentorship, aiding my professional and personal growth. Also, throughout the clerkship, you inadvertently gain more mentors and meet graduates and associates who are happy to offer additional support.

Life outside of work – involvement in any affiliation groups, e.g. Enable/ Arcus/ Accelerate.

Life outside of work at Clifford Chance is vibrant and fulfilling. I have been involved in several affiliation groups, including Enable, Arcus, and Accelerate. These groups provide a platform to connect with colleagues who share similar interests and passions. Participating in these groups has allowed me to contribute to important causes, build strong relationships, and enjoy a well-rounded experience at the firm.

As part of business development initiatives, I had the opportunity to participate in a private equity tennis event, which was a fantastic way to network and build connections. Additionally, we attended workshops led by a Paralympic Olympian through the Enable group, which were incredibly inspiring and motivational. The Accelerate group hosted career chats with two inspiring female partners, offering invaluable insights and advice for our careers. These experiences have enriched my time at Clifford Chance and provided a well-rounded perspective on both professional and personal development.

Top tips/ one piece of advice to potential clerks

My top tip for potential clerks is to be proactive and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Engage with your colleagues, ask questions, and seek feedback. Building relationships and demonstrating a genuine interest in the work will go a long way. Additionally, make sure to build networks and prepare thoroughly for the interview process. Also, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – it's the best way to learn and grow.

Clifford Chance Graduate Story – Benjamin Batten

Overall highlight of working at the firm so far

I am currently a first-seat Law Graduate in the Global Financial Markets (GFM) team.

As the work in this team is inherently cross-border in nature and engages multiple jurisdictions, a highlight so far has been working collaboratively with Clifford Chance colleagues based all over the world. I have worked closely with colleagues in Perth, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, gaining exposure to major international project financings, cross-border finance transactions, and regulatory matters involving global financial institutions operating in Australia. 

Another highlight was the orientation week in Sydney where all Australian Law Graduates received a comprehensive introduction to the firm, its practice areas, and its people, which helped us to feel welcome and supported from day one.

International & domestic secondment opportunities

Clifford Chance offers the opportunity to embark on a six-month secondment to one of its international offices during your Graduate Program. As a new Law Graduate, I have keenly followed the journeys of the Perth Graduates who are currently on secondment in London (based in the Corporate and Capital Markets teams) and have been inspired by the junior lawyers who have completed rotations in a range of Clifford Chance offices including Hong Kong and Singapore. These lawyers bring back a range of unique experiences and perspectives, which takes what is already a very dynamic and globally minded work environment to another level!

Opportunity to work across multiple partners and areas of law

The graduate program is a two-year program, split into four rotations lasting six months each. At Clifford Chance Australia, you will rotate through the three main practice areas of Corporate, GFM and Litigation & Dispute Resolution — each with specialised sub-teams.

Through completing a GFM rotation, I have gained strong exposure to the fast-paced world of top-of-the-market finance deals, supported and encouraged by senior lawyers who are generous with their time and advice.

Within the broader GFM team, I have been fortunate to work across multiple partners, on matters spanning restructuring and insolvency, project finance, derivatives transactions and financial regulation.

Learning and development during the Graduate Program and beyond

Even though I am only a few months into the Graduate Program, my legal and technical skills have developed immensely, with a combination of mentoring and coaching from supervisors, training sessions that are constantly evolving as both the law and technology develop, and on-the-job learning. 

At the start of each rotation, graduates receive tailored training sessions specific to that practice area, while the Clifford Chance Academy provides a regular series of in-person and online trainings covering legal and broader professional development skills. With the guidance of senior lawyers and an allocated 'buddy' in each rotation, graduates at Clifford Chance are highly immersed into their team's matters, being given responsibility and accountability for tasks, which allows us to put our new skills into practice on a daily basis.

Advice for prospective applicants

Thorough preparation and research to learn about the firm's practice areas and sector expertise in Australia will ensure you are putting your best foot forward with a focused and meaningful application. 

I have observed that my fellow graduates have strong commercial awareness, an enthusiasm for learning, enjoy working collaboratively with others, and are open-minded to new opportunities as their legal interests evolve. These are skills which I would encourage prospective applicants to showcase during the application process.

The team at Clifford Chance are passionate about working on multi-jurisdictional matters with talented colleagues from around the world in a truly global law firm. Feel free to ask questions and learn more about us.

Graduate Story

Lauren Erni

Law Graduate at Clifford Chance

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Infectious Disease and Biosecurity) at Macquarie University

Overall highlight of working at the firm so far

I am currently a first-seat law graduate in the Corporate team.

One of the highlights of working at Clifford Chance so far has been the combination of early responsibility and strong support. From the outset, I have worked on a range of corporate transactions, including cross-border matters, which has given me early exposure to the commercial drivers behind transactions and how they play out in practice.

I have also valued the strong sense of community within the firm, from the affinity networks and social committees to the relationships built across teams. Working alongside supportive and talented colleagues creates a positive environment, and ultimately leads to stronger outcomes for both clients and the firm.

Opportunity to work across multiple practice areas

The graduate program is structured as four six-month rotations across the firm’s key practice areas, namely Corporate, Global Financial Markets and Litigation & Dispute Resolution. 

In my current Corporate rotation, I have had the opportunity to work with highly skilled lawyers at all levels on a range of matters across different areas of corporate practice. This has given me early exposure to a variety of workstreams and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to different aspects of transactions.

Learning and development offering during the grad program and beyond

The learning and development offering at Clifford Chance is comprehensive and ongoing throughout the graduate program.

At the start of each rotation, there are tailored training sessions which give a practical overview of the relevant practice area and the type of work you will encounter. In addition, the firm offers a wide range of online and in-person training covering both technical legal skills and broader professional development topics.

A large part of the learning also comes from the work itself. Working in relatively lean teams means graduates are often given responsibility for discrete tasks, which is a great way to build confidence and accountability early on. This is underpinned by strong supervision and guidance from seniors, equipping you with a strong foundation in core legal skills and commercial thinking.

International and domestic secondment opportunities

Clifford Chance offers a unique opportunity for graduates to undertake a six-month international secondment during the graduate program. While I am still early in my graduate program, the prospect of working in another office and collaborating more closely with colleagues internationally is something I am particularly excited about. Given how frequently matters involve multiple jurisdictions, these secondments feel like a natural extension of the work we’re already exposed to, and a great way to build relationships across the firm’s global network.

Life outside of work – involvement in affinity groups

I am involved in the REACH (Race Equality and Celebrating Heritage) network, which focuses on promoting cultural diversity and inclusion within the firm. I'm also involved in the Arcus network, which supports LGBTQI+ inclusion and equality.

The firm places a strong emphasis on inclusion, and the affinity networks play an important role in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Being involved in these networks is a valuable and rewarding way to engage with the firm beyond day-to-day work, build connections across teams, and actively contribute to the firm's inclusive culture.

Advice for prospective applicants

Be genuine in your application and focus on clearly articulating why you think Clifford Chance is the right firm for you.

It is important to demonstrate curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in the type of work the firm does. 

Once you start, being open to new experiences and asking questions will open opportunities and make your time at Clifford Chance all the more enjoyable. The graduate program provides a strong foundation, and you will learn a significant amount simply by getting involved and taking initiative.

Grayson Richardson

Law Graduate

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and Government) at University of Sydney (USYD)

Overall highlights of your clerkship program at CC:

Socially, my highlight was the amazing time that we had in Singapore, where we spent a week soaking in the sights of the city and spending time in an overseas office. Professionally, I thoroughly enjoyed working on international tasks and getting the opportunity to see transactions and litigation across the global Clifford Chance network.

What surprised you about the culture of CC

I was surprised by not only how connected the office is to the global network but also internally amongst the teams. While we only sat in two seats throughout the clerkship, I felt I was able to gain great exposure to all aspects of corporate law. Moreover, experienced lawyers were also always willing to lend a hand or explain a complex area of commercial law, which was incredibly helpful.

What are some examples of the work/ matters you have been involved in during your clerkship (keeping in mind confidentiality)

In my corporate seat, I got to work on tasks related to mergers and acquisitions and was involved with several projects regarding foreign investment approval. I was also able, very fortunately, to sit in on some contract negotiations where I got to see some of my research and earlier work put into practice. In antitrust, I was able to do research regarding competition law across a variety of sectors, which was incredibly interesting as I had not gained any exposure to competition or consumer law prior to this opportunity.

What did you enjoy about the recruitment process at CC

I enjoyed the first round of interviews, where I was able to meet a variety of associates who gave me an honest look into the firm and allowed for an open discourse. The associates stemmed from a variety of practice areas and thus were able to give me a varied take on the work that Clifford Chance does.

Support network – buddy/ supervisor across each rotation  

I really enjoyed having a support network in the firm. My buddy was a junior lawyer who I was able to approach for any issues or concerns and always lent a hand. Alternatively, my supervisors in each team were both amazing and always had time to take me through an area of the law, teach me about Clifford Chance, or give me interesting and sustaining tasks.

Life outside of work

We were encouraged to get involved with the affiliate groups of Clifford Chance even though we were only in the office for a short amount of time. For example, we could give proposals regarding Lunar New Year celebrations (which turned out great with a very fun Lion Dance). We also all got the opportunity to participate in various business development events, such as the Christmas party, and even help out with certain client-facing opportunities.

Top tips/ one piece of advice to potential clerks

While the whole process can feel stressful going in, everyone involved is there to make sure you succeed and get the most out of the experience. It's important, as a result, to always seek feedback and take it on board so that you can most effectively learn and develop.