What we look for
You don’t have to be the finished article to apply for an early careers role here. That said, we do look out for a few essential traits. We look for self-starters, people hungry to succeed – people who are ambitious to develop their career.
The expectations and standards are high and you’ll be working at pace. Develop your experience and career with a stimulating variety of work and the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented lawyers in their field.
Meeting the Early Careers Team
First things first, our early careers team is the central point of contact if you require support through the process. They are experienced and incredibly friendly, but not there to do your application for you. We want to see the best version of your own capabilities.
The Application Process
We know the application process can be a bit nerve wracking. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate it helps to settle any apprehension. Here’s how it works*.
*This is the most common application process, but it can vary by country. Please visit the early careers page for the country you’re interested in working in for full details.
Step one
Explore the programme specific information throughout this website to understand which opportunity is the right one for you. Attend an Insight Event to find out more about it.
Step two
For all programmes, you’ll need to make your application online via our online system. At this stage you’ll just need to complete your basic personal information. There are no lengthy written tasks for you to complete here.
Step three
Following your online application, you’ll be invited to complete our digital simulation assessment. There is more information on this further down this page.
Step four
If your results of your digital simulation assessment suggest you have what we look for to be successful here, then you’ll be invited to the final stage of our process – the Assessment Day (virtual or in-person, dependant on the programme).
Digital simulation test
This stage isn't designed to put you off. It is a great way of helping us get to know you better. It should take around 45 minutes to complete.
You will find a variety of question types, including some video and written responses. It’s important you answer these honestly, so we get to see the authentic you. Some questions will present you with different situations and challenges that you might face as a trainee here. Others are there to find out your motivations for applying here.
Find a quiet space with a neutral background or utilise a blurring function if this isn’t possible. Test the camera and mic on your device and check your internet connection prior to your interview. If you find yourself having technical issues, please contact the early careers team as soon as possible at earlycareers@clydeco.com.
The assessment is not timed, so please take it at your own pace. However, there are some video interview questions where you will be given set time to prepare and then record your response.
Try to use this stage of the process as an opportunity to understand more about your future role here and if our values align with your own.
Regardless of the outcome following this assessment, you will receive a personalised feedback report via email.
Understanding your strengths
We appreciate everyone is on a different path. And that some people will not have any law firm experience. That’s okay. When completing your application, make sure you include all the skills, experience and knowledge you’ve picked up from any law and non-law activities. We’re interested in your transferable skills and what makes you suitable for a career here.
Assessment centre
The assessment centre is designed to see how you can navigate certain situations often found at a law firm. There is nothing you really need to prepare for on the day, just come as you are and be your authentic self. You will be given a workshop to attend that’ll help you understand what to expect on the day. We strongly recommend you make use of that time so that nothing is a surprise later on.
Emma Winyard-Church
First Seat Trainee, London
“I have been impressed by the wealth of speaker and panel events hosted by our practice groups and inclusion networks. Listening to a survivor of the 7/7 bombings who went on to become a Paralympian and attending a talk with the first black British captain of the England rugby team have been inspirational. As a first seat trainee, I have also attended a real estate networking event at a leading financial institution on my own. At Clyde's you really are encouraged and trusted to get involved with networking from day one to learn from experienced professionals across disciplines and sectors.”
Development support
Your development is driven by your desire to take the many opportunities we have here. We work on a 70:20:10 principle, in that most of your learning happens when you’re hands-on with tasks. But we won’t leave you to figure it out alone. The other two parts of that equation are achieved through a collaborative environment and access to excellent training courses. Once you begin life in your early career here, you’ll have access to a learning curve like no other. You will have made a commitment to working in law, and we’ll be committed to giving you the best chance to be successful.
Skills development
As a lawyer, you’ll need to develop a range of skills. Having spent several years studying, the realities of a law firm can be quite different after education. Here are some of the selected skills we’ll help you to develop.
Resilience
Building resilience and mental agility doesn’t happen overnight. To help, there are free training courses you can take on platforms such as LinkedIn that can prepare you for dealing with change, uncertainty and disappointment.
Developing Resilience
Time management
There are many ways to manage your time, the important thing is to find what works for you. One of our favourites is the pomodoro technique. This approach helps you chunk your time and regularly rewards you.
Pomodoro Technique
Attention to detail
Some of us are big thinkers. Others prefer the detail. Whichever you are, there will always be times where you need to spot the tiniest of discrepancies. That requires focus, awareness and the ability to communicate. There are plenty of resources to get to grips with spotting the all important small stuff.
Attention to detail
Communicate with confidence
Communicating with confidence is not always comfortable for many of us. There are lots of ways to cope with the anxiety that sometimes creeps up when it comes to public speaking, or talking with a more senior teammate or manager. Open this graphic to help you understand what goes into confident communication.
Learn how to communicate with confidence
Networking
Honing the craft of networking can open a lot of doors for you. Our top tip here is to be aware of the events and opportunities to network. And don’t be afraid to say “Hi”. People love to help people. Especially here. So, make the most of it.
View some networking tipsMorning routine of a trainee solicitor
We love giving our trainees the opportunity to create their own content and share their experience and our Instagram account is a great place to find the latest content including hearing from trainees, apprentices, paralegals, solicitors and even partners.
Have a look at this video of George Grammer-Taylor, one of our trainee solicitors currently sitting in their pro-bono seat, showing his Clyde & Co morning routine.
