2026 London Summer Program

Who we are

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive – where diverse perspectives are recognized and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. 

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

The role

This 1L summer law clerk position is to work in the Capital Markets group in our London office during the 2026 summer. The London Capital Markets practice primarily focuses on high yield notes issuances and acquisition finance transactions, investment grade debt offerings and IPOs, amongst other matters. The position provides a great opportunity to connect with our US and European offices throughout the network. You will also meet our 2L US summer law clerks when they visit our head office for a week of in-person structured programing and events in London.

Following your summer, you'll stay connected and engaged. The position is a strong pipeline to join one of our US offices as a 2L. Please note if you are interested in our Houston, New York or Washington, D.C. office, as your interview schedule will include an attorney from that office.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Experience

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a J.D. program at an ABA-accredited law school, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2028. Complete applications must include a resume, law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable) and personal statement outlining why you are interested in joining our London team this summer (max 500 words). Only complete applications will be considered.

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we forge an inclusive culture, where all perspectives are recognised and valued. It’s a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive and succeed, irrespective of background. We are guided by our values-based Code, which sets high standards of conduct and has a principle focused on being inclusive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide consideration to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We comply with the law and regulations in every location where we operate and across all aspects of employment, from recruitment and selection to development, progression, and day-to-day working life.  

Find out more about our inclusive culture here