PRIME Scheme Review

4 day work experience aimed to promote social mobility in the legal sector among sixth form students. Consisted of various workshops on different areas of commercial law which the firm practises with a particular focus on developing understanding of M&A transactions. We had to work in teams on a project to create a client pitch on a mock M&A deal, which we then presented back to lawyers and professionals who work at the firm who gave feedback. The week also included a self-branding workshop and a mock interview which allowed the participant the ability to gain a mentor at the firm following the scheme. The scheme also included various events in the years following the scheme, such as alumni reunion sessions at the firm's office and workshop days such as a commercial awareness workshop led by Rare Recruitment and a workshop by the charity Tender.

Particular skills developed included knowledge of the firm and its practise areas, as well as commercial law in general, particularly M&A law and what being a trainee solicitor at a commercial law firm may consist of. The scheme also helped us to develop presentation skills, having to lead a pitch as the Relationship Partner of a mock M&A deal, self-confidence, taking part in a self-branding workshop, and interview skills, taking part in a mock interview by a trainee solicitor. There was ample networking opportunities also.

I really enjoyed the work experience and it was a great introduction to the world of commercial law from someone who had no previous experience or knowledge. I felt fully welcomed into the firm and at ease considering I was only a teenager. All of the Clifford Chance lawyers were extremely friendly and willing to provide advice, and my mentor was lovely following the scheme and really helped in my applications to university!

The PRIME scheme was extremely well organised, and all participants were given a printed schedule at the beginning of the week which was religiously followed. Communication via email prior to the work experience was very fluid which also put me at ease. The firm provided quick and efficient travel expenses support.

I learnt a lot about company culture, and having so many opportunities to network informally with lawyers at the firm really aided this. Having a mentor at the firm gave a further opportunity to hear about company culture first hand. I was blown away by the culture so much that I continued to visit the firm for further work experience and open days and accepted a training contract there.

The PRIME work experience was invaluable to decided on my future career path. I did not know very much at all about commercial law prior to this week, but I learnt so much on the scheme that following it, I was almost certain that this was the career path I wished to follow. Years later, I accepted a training contract at the firm.

I was reimbursed travel expenses/ expenses for a hotel to stay in London for the week up to a certain amount. The scheme was unpaid, but later schemes for university level students at the firm are paid £450 per week, such as the SPARK scheme, vacation schemes and LIFT Internships.

Yes there were ample networking opportunities to meet other students on the scheme (there were around 50 of us from what I remember) as well as lawyers and other professionals at the firm in an informal setting over lunch, as well as more formal table rotation settings. Having a mentor at the firm following the scheme also aided networking, as did the alumni reunion events.

Yes

It is an extremely friendly firm, and the PRIME scheme is an amazing introduction to not just commercial law but a career in any professional role in a commercial environment. I felt very welcomed throughout my time at the firm and was treated as an equal by all employees (without exception) even though I was a clueless teenager!

I would say that participating in the PRIME scheme at Clifford Chance definitely assisted my applications for further city commercial law schemes both at Clifford Chance and other firms. When applying ensure to make your application tailored to the firm and be very genuine in your reasoning why you wish to work with the firm. Be enthusiastic and show that you are eager to learn and be proactive!