Sydney 2026/27 Summer Clerkship Program

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world, with over 33 offices across the globe. We believe every career at Clifford Chance 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.

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.

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 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.

A summer clerkship is the perfect way to learn about working at Clifford Chance and meet our people.  

We recruit students that we believe have the potential and ambition to join us once their degrees are completed.  

The clerkship program allows you to follow the life of a lawyer at Clifford Chance closely - you will sit in two different teams, working with our lawyers on real, live client projects. You will be treated as a part of our team and given opportunities to demonstrate your ability.

To ensure you get the most from your program we will assign you a mentor - an experienced lawyer who will help you settle in and answer any questions you have.

Across the ten-week program we will also host sessions from professionals across the firm to give you a real insight into how our firm works.  You will be given the opportunity to interact with team members from around the global network and get to see what life is really like for a Clifford Chance lawyer.

To be successful, you will need to demonstrate the following:

• Your potential to become a first-class lawyer and your willingness to take advantage of the many opportunities that you encounter. 
• Exhibit ambition, drive and commitment, the ability to articulate your ideas clearly, and the desire to build relationships and deliver outstanding service. 
• Business awareness, a keen commercial insight and a strong ability to lead and manage. 
• Possess a consistently strong academic record.

Our 2026/27 Summer Clerkship Program will run from November 2026 – February 2027 with a break over the Christmas/New Year holiday week. Depending on operational needs and travel guidelines at the time, there may be an opportunity to travel to one of Clifford Chance's APAC offices in early January – details to be confirmed during the selection process.

As a part of your application, please submit an up-to-date academic transcript, curriculum vitae and cover letter. 

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.

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 here.