Clifford Chance is offering a paid, four-week summer internship in its Tokyo office, where interns work on live client matters and are considered for a Training Contract. Applications close on 31 January at 23:59 JST; a salary is paid, but the amount is not stated.
Before you read further, check two hard rules. You must already have permission to work in Japan, and you need Japanese language ability. If either one is missing, this is not the right opportunity for you.
Who Can Apply
The firm asks for a consistently strong academic record, proved with an up-to-date academic transcript, a CV and a cover letter. You also need Japanese language ability and must state your proficiency level in the application.
Beyond grades, Clifford Chance looks for ambition, drive, commitment, strong interpersonal skills, and commercial awareness. It recruits students it believes have the potential to join the firm once their degrees are completed.
You are a strong fit if you:
- Have a consistently strong academic record, backed by a current transcript
- Already have permission to work in Japan
- Can use Japanese and can state your proficiency level clearly
- Are interested in international business law
- Can work well in a team and communicate clearly
What You Will Actually Do in Four Weeks
You will sit in two different practice areas, working with the firm’s lawyers on real, live client projects. You will also visit clients, attend meetings and take part in social and networking events with trainees and colleagues. Every intern is assigned a supervisor, a trainee buddy and a mentor, so you will have guidance from day one.
| Detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Clifford Chance, one of the largest international law firms |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Duration | Four weeks, 20 July – 13 August |
| Salary | Paid — amount not stated on the official page |
| Application deadline | 31 January, 23:59 JST |
| Documents needed | Academic transcript, CV, and cover letter |
To help you settle in, the firm assigns you a supervisor, an experienced lawyer who answers your questions and checks your work. You also get a trainee buddy for day-to-day help and a mentor for broader career advice. Together, they make sure you learn the work properly and build contacts inside the firm.
What the Salary Means in Practice
The official page confirms that a salary will be paid for the month-long internship, but it does not state the amount. Treat the pay as a bonus, not the reason to apply: the real value is the experience, the contacts and the chance of a Training Contract.
A Real Shot at a Training Contract
Joining this internship also means you will be considered for a Training Contract at the firm. A Training Contract is the structured training period law graduates complete before qualifying as lawyers. The firm recruits students it believes can join once their degrees are completed. In plain terms, the internship is also a long interview.
How to Check Your Own Fit Before Applying
Ask yourself three honest questions before you spend time on this application. First, do I already have permission to work in Japan? Second, can I work in Japanese at a level I can state clearly on an application form? Third, is my academic record consistently strong, and can my transcript prove it? If the answer to any of these is no, this is not the right opportunity for you.
If you pass all three, think about what else makes you stand out.
How to Apply
Applications are made through the official Clifford Chance jobs page. Prepare three documents first: a current academic transcript, your CV, and a cover letter. You will also state your Japanese proficiency level in the form.
- Prepare your academic transcript, CV, and cover letter
- Decide how to state your Japanese proficiency level honestly
- Go to the official application page through the button below
- Complete the form and upload your documents before 31 January, 23:59 JST
- Keep a copy of what you submitted
Making Your Application Strong
Your cover letter carries more weight than many applicants realise, because it is where your voice comes through. Focus on three things: why Clifford Chance, why the Tokyo office, and what you can offer. Write about specific interests instead of general praise.
Your CV should be clean, honest, and easy to scan. List your education first, then work or university activities that show teamwork or responsibility. Check every date and spelling carefully, because a law firm will notice mistakes.
What Happens After You Apply
The official page states that the firm will review applications and invite candidates after the application deadline. Do not expect to hear back before the deadline closes, even if you apply early. Use the wait to read about the firm’s recent work and prepare for interviews.
Other summer internships in Tokyo may also interest you. The Hengge Global Internship in Tokyo is another option based in the same city, and the Nintendo Summer Internship offers a different kind of summer experience in Japan. For a finance comparison, see the BlackRock Summer Internship Programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Clifford Chance Summer Internship in Tokyo paid?
A: Yes. A salary is paid for the month-long internship, but the amount is not stated.
Q: Do I need to speak Japanese to apply?
A: Yes. Japanese language ability is required, and you must state your proficiency level in your application.
Q: Do I need permission to work in Japan?
A: Yes, and the official page does not mention visa sponsorship.
Q: Can this internship lead to a Training Contract?
A: Yes. Interns are considered for a Training Contract, and the firm recruits students it believes have the potential to join once their degrees are completed.
Is the Clifford Chance Summer Internship in Tokyo paid?
Yes. A salary is paid for the month-long internship, but the amount is not stated.
Do I need to speak Japanese to apply?
Yes. Japanese language ability is required, and you must state your proficiency level in your application.
Do I need permission to work in Japan?
Yes, and the official page does not mention visa sponsorship.
Can this internship lead to a Training Contract?
Yes. Interns are considered for a Training Contract, and the firm recruits students it believes have the potential to join once their degrees are completed.
