Clifford Chance ACCESS Development Programme 2026
Clifford Chance
Two-year Clifford Chance ACCESS programme for Year 12 students: mentoring, coaching, a July 2026 launch, a four-day development week in August and five-day employer placements in summer 2027 - plus support for travel and accommodation where applicable.
Clifford Chance ACCESS is a bespoke two-year development programme for Year 12 (S5 / Lower Sixth) students designed to widen access to the legal profession. The programme comprises ten components focused on personal and professional development and culminates in the opportunity to apply for the firm's SPARK programme, which may lead to a Training Contract.
Participants receive mentoring, executive coaching, sessions with university admissions teams and support through the UCAS process. The programme begins with a launch event at the London office on 22 July 2026 and includes a four-day combination of virtual and in-person activities in the week of 3 August 2026 where students gain insights into the firm and develop core business skills.
In summer 2027 participants spend five days with five different companies across sectors such as retail, media and sport to broaden career insights and practical experience. Selection involves an online application form, the Watson-Glaser critical reasoning test and, for successful applicants, an in-person assessment day at Clifford Chance's Canary Wharf office.
Where applicable, support with accommodation and travel expenses is provided. The firm emphasises an inclusive approach and multiple widening-participation eligibility routes.
23 Feb 2026
Launch event
Four-day programme week (week of 3 Aug 2026)
Summer 2027 five-day employer placements (summer 2027)
Location
- You are in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland).
- You must meet two or more widening-participation criteria (unless you meet the local authority care criterion alone):
- - Attended a state-funded, non fee-paying school/college from age 11.
- - Grew up in a household where no parent/guardian attended university; or currently/previously in receipt of free school meals, Pupil Premium, EMA and/or a 16-19 Bursary.
- - Attending a school/college with below average A-level/Higher point scores and/or a low rate of progression to higher education.
- - Have been, or are currently, in local authority care for a period of three months or longer (this criterion alone is sufficient).
- - Are, or have been, a full-time or part-time carer.
- - Came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker.
- - At age 14 the main household earner's occupation is considered lower socioeconomic (parental occupation criterion).
Where applicable, Clifford Chance provides support with accommodation and travel expenses.
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