1L Diversity Scholarship (Washington, DC)

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

The Role

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are proud to offer the Clifford Chance 1L Scholarship. As a 1L summer law clerk, you will have the opportunity to embrace team collaboration, receive formal and informal training, and build relationships with our global network, uncovering what it really means to be a Clifford Chance lawyer. Following your summer, you'll stay connected and engaged. We’ll invite you to join us at firmwide activities like office events, training programs and community activities. You’ll receive firm news and updates and continue to build relationships with the team.

The benefits

1L scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive a payment of up to $50,000. The 1L award will be paid in three installments:

1. $10,000 upon joining as a 1L summer law clerk
2. $20,000 upon joining as a 2L summer law clerk
3. $20,000 upon joining as a first-year associate

Your personal statement

Diversity remains a critical issue in the legal profession, and it’s important to us. Tell us what you see as the main challenge and what more can be done to improve diversity and inclusion in our field. (max 500 words)

The salary for this role is $225,000.

The requirements

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an ABA-accredited law school, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2027. Complete applications must include a resume, law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable) and personal statement. Only complete applications will be considered.

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.