Culture at Clifford Chance

Plenty of social activities (lunches, dinners, events).

There is a flat structure and the hierarchy is limited - you can actually talk to partners and even sit next to them. I understand there are some firms where you can barely look a partner in the eye! There is a good level of cooperation and team work, as this is a global partnership rather than an 'Eat What You Kill' model of performance amongst partners. This encourages everyone from paralegals to partners to support one another and grow together (rather than compete against each other), facilitating a positive working environment. The firm's lawyers and employees have a range of cultural backgrounds and nationalities, stemming from its status as a global firm. This makes socialising way more interesting because you are not just interacting with people who look and act exactly like you, but get to meet people from around the world. Everyone is open to having a chat and are really friendly - both in terms of in the workplace, at the cafe, or at the bar. The affinity networks are incredible and integrated at a regional and global level. This means you can learn so much more about new initiatives internationally, that you can translate into a domestic context (and vice versa).

The culture varies between teams, in some teams, graduates will be mostly completing work for associates and senior associates, others it will be working more for senior associates and partners. A great aspect of the firm is that there is exposure to working for partners directly and they know you. Socialising seems to vary between teams, some teams have also had a lot of changes in recent years. The firm arranges a lot of social and cultural events, including social evenings, sports teams and events to celebrate or commemorate significant cultural events.

There are a lot of social opportunities as well as pro bono and cultural activities. New ideas are welcomed and encouraged at all levels.

Everyone across the firm that I work with, both in Australia and overseas offices, is very friendly, approachable and supportive. Thee culture is collaborative and inclusive. Every Friday, Clifford Chance hosts office drinks in addition to various social, fundraising and sporting events organised throughout.

I believe that Clifford Chance is a lot less hierarchical than other law firms, although some lateral hires still have this mindset which can be annoying. Everyone wants to do well for the client and we leverage our best teams for the work. Social activities are not as frequent as other bigger firms but we still do a few events.

The firm has a fantastic culture, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion (including cultural, gender and LGBT+ inclusion) and heavy partner-level support. There is a clear hierarchy and path for career progression, and strong emphasis on training for juniors and senior alike. There is a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Colleagues will socialise both within and outside of the workplace.

The culture here in the CC Sydney office is amazing! People here are very friendly and down to earth. Everyone is keen and willing to give advice and tips as well as teach you what you need to know to do the job well. The structure and hierarchy is very lean and people tend to work with a whole bunch of people in different levels of seniority. You also get to work with a whole range of people rather than the same ones on each deal. The culture after work is also very supportive. People like to get to know you better on a more personal level and you can feel at ease.

Strong teamwork and cooperation culture and support from junior and midlevel colleagues. Lots of socialising opportunities both informal and formal. Not hugely hierarchical and juniors feel included and can see where their work is used in a matter. The culture varies across teams and can be less positive in other teams

Socialising and firm activities are a frequent event at Clifford Chance, both juniors and partners are encouraged to get involved. Juniors work closely alongside their partners, having one-on-one facetime constantly throughout the day.

Close community, friends and colleagues, professional yet relaxed. Lack of strict hierarchy, open door policy.

Hard-working mentality. There is a culture of sacrificing and taking personal conduct/responsibility and delivering high level advice and assistance to clients. Not hierarchical; partners are approachable. Teamwork is fostered. Hours are long and not for the faint of heart or lazy. Be willing to make sacrifices to achieve high level outcomes.

Both in the office and after hours, our company is extremely friendly and social. We operate cooperatively and work as a team. Formal hierarchy exists, though is not enforced in a demeaning way. Rather, being a small team, everyone works together and shares the burden of tasks.

CC has an extremely down-to-earth, collaborative and diverse culture. Everyone is very friendly, supportive and always happy to answer any questions and provide guidance. I've enjoyed socialising amongst colleagues during work events and in lunch breaks.

Generally quite a flat structure. Lots of responsibility at a junior level (to the extent you prove that you can handle the work) and the ability to accelerate your career and work. The office is generally friendly although the hours can be unpredictable and long when busy. No face time culture which is really good.

Different teams have different cultures. Across the office, it is reasonably laid back, it doesn't feel too hierarchical (e.g. you wouldn't feel uncomfortable having a chat and joking around with a partner in the kitchen).

Everyone is really friendly but the team in Perth does not socialise outside of work often.. The hierarchy is relatively flat - there is a lot of contact between juniors and partners. In my practice group, the culture is hard-working but reasonable. I work very few weekends. There is a lot of travel involved, especially for more senior lawyers.

Like any workplace people work extremely hard when things are busy, but the collaborative and supportive nature of CC makes for a pleasant work environment.