PRIME Scheme Review

The PRIME scheme provided four days of varied activities to introduce us not only to Clifford Chance as a firm but also to a career in law. The first day involved a welcome to Clifford Chance talk, a session on personal impact, a networking lunch and an introduction to the business challenge activity. The business challenge was something we had time to work on over the next couple of days and culminated in a business pitch given to senior members of staff on the third day. We also had a talk given by a barrister, a mock interview with trainees and completed a litigation case study amongst other things.

The PRIME scheme was invaluable for introducing me to what a career in law would look like and also commercial law in general. The business challenge allowed me to develop my teamwork skills as everyone had a specific role to perform in the presentation and also developed my confidence in giving presentations. The mock interview gave me a unique opportunity to practice and perfect my interview technique and helped me to develop my communication skills. The week was also full of opportunities to network and develop my interpersonal skills

I really enjoyed my work experience on the PRIME scheme and feel like it went way beyond my expectations. Everyone I encountered at the firm was genuinely interested to talk about their experiences and answer any questions I had. We managed to do so much across the four days and it gave me a great insight into the culture at the firm.

The work experience was very well organised and run very efficiently. Before starting, we were emailed details of the office, the dress code and information on what time to arrive at the office. When we arrived, we were given a booklet with a detailed timetable in the induction which set out exactly what we were going to be doing on each day and the timings. The booklet also included information on who to call if we were absent or unwell. I felt very well supported throughout the whole experience and always knew what I was meant to be doing when.

I feel that I learnt a lot about the company culture and what working for the firm would look like on a day to day basis during the PRIME scheme. Everyone I encountered was willing to stop and talk about their experiences and answer any questions I had and it felt like they were genuinely interested. We were given a tour of the office which provided us with a really unique opportunity to see the atmosphere of the office. I learnt a lot about the values of the firm and saw how this was actually implemented and put into practice. The opportunity to network with trainees was also a fantastic opportunity to find out how they were being supported and what their experiences of the firm had been so far. I could really see myself fitting in and it solidified for me that this was the firm that I wanted to work for.

The PRIME scheme definitely helped me to decide that I wanted a career in law. Before taking part, I didn't really have much idea of what a career in law would actually look like and didn't know much about the firm. PRIME provided an opportunity to learn and develop my understanding of both of these things during a really hands-on scheme and it allowed me to experience the culture of the firm first-hand. I felt very well supported not only during the scheme but also afterwards as [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has always kept in touch and the firm are genuinely interested in what you are now doing. It really helped me to decide not only that a career in law was what I wanted but a career in law at Clifford Chance.

The firm were able to reimburse travel expenses whilst on the scheme and this was done by keeping hold of all receipts and handing them in with an expense form at the end. Breakfast and lunch was provided on most days so we did not need to be reimbursed for this. The only costs I had to cover myself was for the accommodation to stay in London.

There were lots of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. On the first day we had a networking lunch, which allowed us to meet different employees and have an informal conversation with them and ask any questions. We also presented the business pitch to senior employees and partners so had the opportunity to network then. There was also various talks with employees from different areas of the firm and clients which was a great opportunity to learn about the different opportunities

Yes

I would recommend Clifford Chance to a friend because I feel like no other firm has invested so much and genuinely care about young people considering a career in law. The PRIME scheme was an invaluable opportunity for me to learn about the firm and experience firsthand their values and culture. They look after their employees and provide amazing opportunities for everyone to grow and develop at the firm. The fact they have kept in touch with me, even though it has been nearly 5 years since I took part in PRIME, shows their commitment to wanting to see you do well and a genuine interest in you as an individual.

Don't be put off applying because you think you don't know enough about the firm or commercial law in general, PRIME is an opportunity to learn all about this and meet other people in the same position as yourself. It really is the most fantastic opportunity and I wish I could do it all over again!