Clifford Chance

For students in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) who meet at least two of the socioeconomic criteria: attended a state-funded school from age 11, first in the family to attend university, received free school meals, Pupil Premium, EMA or a 16 to 19 Bursary, attended a school with below-average A-level results or low progression to university, time in local authority care (which qualifies on its own), a caring role, refugee or asylum-seeker status, a main household earner in a lower socioeconomic occupation, or long-term unemployment. A two-year development programme of paid and unpaid elements with financial support, one-to-one tutoring and help with the SPARK application.

Applications for the 2027 programme open 7 September 2026 and close 22 February 2027, with the assessment centre starting 30 March 2027.

A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors that Clifford Chance supports, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.

No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.

Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.

The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.