Clifford Chance Reviews

This is more difficult due to the small size of Clifford Chance in Sydney - could be improved.

Our firm is involved in many pro bono initiatives. For example, we offer pro bono services to individuals and assist charities such as the Fitted For Work program.

Like any workplace, people work extremely hard when things are busy, but the collaborative and supportive nature of CC makes for a pleasant work environment.

The office is definitely diverse. We have a special LGBTI group within the firm. There are people that work part-time. Maternity leave is 18 weeks paid. There is a lot of mobility within the Clifford Chance network and lots of people that have moved to international offices.

As with any junior role, you don't get a whole lot of responsibility, although I can tell the senior people give me pieces of work they think I can do, more importantly are able to give me a holistic overview of the background and context of the deal.

I have a fantastic manager who is incredibly intelligent and supportive.

Our office is modern, spacious and well equipped. We dress formally.

First, the resume/cover letter/transcript application process gains you an invitation to the open day. Based on that, you're also invited to interview for either or both of the paralegal program and/or the graduate program. The paralegal interview process consisted of one interview, and then one day work a week (plus more as mutually agreed) for six months. The graduate interview process consisted of 2 interviews, and the paralegals were 'automatically' put through to the second round. There were no pre-planned 'behavioural/situational' questions. Questions were based on your resume, experience at the firm, etc. Research the firm, have some questions you're genuinely interested in asking.

Pay is market but not at the top of the market. Bonuses can be good but relatively opaque on how they are determined. Overseas Travel - Guaranteed graduate secondment overseas and Overseas Retreats (I have been to retreats in Bangkok, Shanghai and Singapore) and overseas training (in Hong Kong, Singapore and London). The free snacks in the kitchen are pretty good and $30 dinner allowance and taxis home after 8.00 pm help make working late a bit better.

Fantastic and regular online learning modules and regional training programmes.

Hours can range from 8.30 am - 6.00 pm on a good day to finishing after 1.00 am or 2.00 am. People generally try to avoid weekend work but sometimes it is required for certain transactions.

Participates in Earth Hour and try to minimise printing.