2027 1L Frankfurt Summer Program / 2028 2L US Summer Program

Who we are

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow.

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

The role

This unique two-summer program includes a 1L Summer Law Clerk position with the Capital Markets group in our Frankfurt office in summer 2027, followed by a 2L Summer Law Clerk position in one of our U.S. offices (Houston, New York, or Washington, D.C.) in summer 2028. Candidates selected for the program commit to participating in both summer experiences as part of a single recruiting and hiring pathway.

The Frankfurt Capital Markets practice advises on a broad range of transactions, including high yield note issuances, acquisition financings, investment grade debt offerings, IPOs, and other complex capital markets matters. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with lawyers across our US and European offices and gain exposure to the firm's global platform.

During your time in Frankfurt, you will also have the opportunity to meet our US based 2L Summer Law Clerks when you visit our headquarters in London for a week of structured programming, training, and networking events.

Following your 1L summer, you will remain engaged with the firm through programming and touchpoints designed to prepare you for your 2L summer in the US. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will return to Clifford Chance as a 2L Summer Law Clerk in summer 2028 in Houston, New York, or Washington, D.C.

Please note that acceptance of this position includes a commitment to both the 2027 Frankfurt Summer Law Clerk program and the 2028 US Summer Law Clerk program and the interview process will include attorneys from our Frankfurt and US offices.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] .

Your experience

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an ABA-accredited law school, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2029 . German language skills are highly valued. Complete applications must include a resume, law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable) and personal statement outlining why you are interested in joining our Frankfurt team this summer (max 500 words). Only complete applications will be considered.

Equal opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we forge an inclusive culture, where all perspectives are recognised and valued. It’s a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive and succeed, irrespective of background. We are guided by our values-based Code, which sets high standards of conduct and has a principle focused on being inclusive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide consideration to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We comply with the law and regulations in every location where we operate and across all aspects of employment, from recruitment and selection to development, progression, and day-to-day working life.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here