The inside story on Clifford Chance’s SPARK scheme

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Nov 01, 2021

Written By Robert Greene

Are you a first-year law student dreaming of a training contract at an international law firm? Well, dream no more: the Clifford Chance SPARK scheme could be your golden ticket.

What is SPARK?

SPARK is a five-day paid internship programme at one of the world’s top international law firms, Clifford Chance. This award-winning, life-changing scheme gives students valuable insight into what it’s like to work at the firm, as well as?? the opportunity to apply for a training contract – in fact, it’s the only first-year scheme that allows participants to do this.

Who is eligible?

SPARK is open to:

- First year law students

- Second year law students doing a four-year degree

- Penultimate year non-law students

What does the scheme involve?

“It’s like a crash course in what life is like at the firm, as well as life as a commercial lawyer in general,” says Ollie James, who did the scheme in 2017. “There was so much information and so much given to you, but it was by no means inaccessible.”

Over the course of the five days, students are immersed in a range of activities, from networking events and seminars through to classroom-based learning and case study presentations. But as well as learning about the firm’s work, students are given a great opportunity to experience its culture.

“One big takeaway from the SPARK scheme was how approachable the people are at Clifford Chance,” remembers Adam Hunter, who was part of the 2016 programme, making the most of the programme’s international opportunities by heading to Paris.

'”I really like the people, the atmosphere, the culture,” agrees Tyra Ntege, who did the scheme in 2019. “I can see myself there. I couldn’t see myself at many other places.”

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What skills & experience do you need?

Students are not expected to have previous legal experience, the firm is more interested in students with a range of transferable skills, from business awareness and problem-solving to strong communication and management skills. They also want to know what motivates you. “They place such a value on you being an individual, which is really refreshing,” explains Ollie.

This was certainly the case for Tyra. An avid football player since she was just 8 years old, she was able to demonstrate her passion for both sport and the law, impressing the firm. “When I looked into sports law it introduced me to players’ contracts, it introduced me to areas of employment. So it began there,” she explains. “It’s the fact that you have something else to you that informs your passions and your interests.”

Adam, who set up his own startup, echoes Tyra’s experience. He has a passion for law and technology and is interested in the intersection between the two. “I don’t think I ever thought a career in law was for me until the SPARK scheme,” he remembers. It wasn’t until he did the SPARK scheme that he realised his true calling.

What does the application process involve?

After an online application, those making it through to the next stage will be invited to complete an online Watson Glaser critical reasoning assessment, which must be completed within five days of receiving the instructions by email.

The final step is an assessment day, which involves a written case study and an interview – remotely or in-person, depending on COVID-19 restrictions. This can be daunting, but it’s well worth the nerves.

“I remember doing the SPARK assessment day and I was just shaking in my boots,” says Tyra. “Having to speak like this in front of a partner or a senior associate and you’re there in your first year having barely done your degree.’

But having made it to the other side, she’s reaped the rewards: “I feel like I’ve gained confidence in that context now.”

What happens next?

After the five-day scheme, the top-performing students are invited to a SPARK training contract assessment day, with the opportunity to bag a coveted training contract. Successful students are then matched with a trainee buddy to support them throughout the rest of their time at university.

Future trainees will also be given the chance to take part in Clifford Chance’s LIFT internship programme during summer breaks, working in a range of organisations and developing important non-legal skills, from marketing and product management to business operations.

For former SPARK student Jas Sahota, the scheme has been life changing.“To be honest, I had doubts I would make it this far, but here I am, realising my dream,' she reflects.

“I knew I wanted to get into law from a young age, but the timing just wasn’t right. Still, I never lost sight of my ambition to work at a world-class organisation – I knew I had the drive and determination to make a difference in the world. Clifford Chance recognised my strengths and capabilities. They offered me a place on the SPARK programme, which can lead to a training contract.”

How much are you paid?

Students are paid £450 for the week.

What are the key dates?

There are two schemes next year:

Scheme one: 20 – 24 June 2022

Scheme two: 18 – 22 July 2022

The application window opened on 6 August 2021 and closes at midnight on 10 February 2022. Assessment days will be held during the weeks commencing 28 February 2022 and 7 March 2022.

How do you apply?

To apply to the scheme, submit your application here. To find out more about the scheme visit Clifford Chance’s website.

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