The Brief, Clyde & Co

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• About usWhat we do and where we do it
• TrainingTraining and professional development opportunities
• People & CultureWhat makes the Clyde & Co working environment so unique?
• RewardsThe low-down: our salary and benefits package
• ApplyThe application process in detail
• Meet usWant to find out more? We’d love to meet you in person

• Application timeline
• What we look for
• Placements: UK
• Placements: Hong Kong
• Assessment and interview
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“You need to be commercially aware so that you can understand your client’s business area and respond to their needs.”

Patrick Murphy, Solicitor

What we look for

As a leading international firm, we look for a diverse range of qualities that combine to make our trainee solicitors into future leaders in their fields.

Academic ability, but that's not all....

We take strong intellectual and academic ability as a given - you'll need to have (or plan to achieve) a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

However, you'll need to be able to translate this, as all successful lawyers do, into real technical skills. An eye for detail allied with sharp analytical skills, discerning judgement and commercial acumen when interpreting complex facts and regulations lie at the heart of a successful lawyer's work.

Motivation

It's a demanding profession, so you'll need to have a solid commitment to achieving your goals. In particular, we'll want to know more about why you've decided upon a career in law and what attracts you specifically to Clyde & Co.

Have you kept up to date with recent legal issues? How much do you know about Clyde & Co and our competitors? What have you done to get some legal or other relevant commercial experience? What is it about this profession that appeals as opposed to other business-related careers?

Commercial awareness

We work in a highly competitive global market for legal services, so our lawyers need to understand not only how our clients' businesses work but also how to create commercial opportunities and add value to our firm.

We'll be looking for evidence of your commercial awareness - do you have a good grasp of finance and an understanding of how modern businesses work? Can you spot an opportunity to develop new business and nurture valuable relationships for the future?

Communication

What differentiates the great lawyer from the merely competent is his or her ability to communicate effectively.

We want to be convinced of your ability to communicate at different levels and according to the situation. Can you make the complex seem logical and straightforward? Can you present an argument thoughtfully and persuasively? Such qualities will be invaluable throughout your career.