We are delighted to announce the launch, from the academic year 2024-25, of the Goldsmiths Law-Clifford Chance awards for best academic performance in our Commercial Law and Corporate Law modules.

The two students achieving the highest academic performance in the two modules will be awarded the Goldsmiths Law-Clifford Chance award, and will be invited to Clifford Chance, where they will meet with experts in the relevant areas and taken on a tour of their offices.

Clifford Chance, a ‘Magic Circle’ law firm, is one of the world’s largest law firms, with significant depth and range of resources across five continents.

The announcement of the two awards is part of our Department’s exciting new partnership with the firm and draws on a mutual passion for social mobility and enhancing the richness intrinsic in a more diverse legal profession.

This ambition will be pursued through bringing to the attention of our wonderfully diverse LLB Law cohort at Goldsmiths a range of opportunities to engage with pioneering career building initiatives at Clifford Chance such as:

‘SPARK’, a 9-month programme that allows participants to better develop their legal knowledge, commercial awareness, and core business skills over a continued period.

‘Black in Law’, a one-day insight day for students and graduates of Black Heritage who are interested in a career in law and are keen to hear from Black role models at Clifford Chance.

‘ACCEPT’, an insight day where students receive practical tips to build their confidence, meet exceptional LGBTQ+ professionals, and hear from the Early Talent team on how to approach the application process.

‘ELEVATE’, an insight day where students get a chance to network with like-minded individuals and firm representatives, including members of the internal social mobility action group (RISE), the Early Talent team, and lawyers from across the firm who all share a passion for social mobility.

‘Global Virtual Internships’, which aim to provide students with easy access to exceptional learning resources and opportunities, designed by Clifford Chance experts, to support the development of the future generation of world-class lawyers.

All feeding into applying for a ‘training contract’, for students interested in a career in commercial law.

Early Talent Acquisition specialist at Clifford Chance, Chloe Hatchett Sparkes, commented on the partnership with Goldsmiths Law: “We’re excited to be collaborating with Goldsmiths University and expand our reach in the UK. The way the University teaches and provides opportunities for their students was a key reason for this new partnership and we look forward to seeing Goldsmiths students participate in our programmes and events!”.

The Head of the Department of Law at Goldsmiths, Prof Giannoulopoulos, added: “We live and breathe aspiration at Goldsmiths; we want our students to know there are no limits to what they can achieve, if they set their mind upon it and invest the hard work required—they know we’ll be there to support them along the way. I am thrilled about, and thankful for, this dynamic partnership with Clifford Chance, which will generate invaluable, and in some cases life-shaping, I have no doubt, career development opportunities for our students”.