Training Contract at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Application guide, insider tips, and SQE funding details for 2026.
The Firm
About Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Cleary Gottlieb operates all 16 offices as a single integrated partnership — not a network of affiliates — meaning work genuinely flows across borders rather than being siloed by office. With only 16 training contracts per year, trainees receive significant responsibility on high-calibre cross-border transactions and investigations from the outset. Cohorts attend an annual EMEA trainee retreat and benefit from a distinctive three-mentor model.
Intellectually rigorous and genuinely international. The single-partnership model creates a collaborative cross-office culture that is unusual at this level. The firm is known for being selective but not hierarchical — trainees engage directly with partners on active matters from early in their training.
Key Numbers
Training contract at a glance
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton funds SQE preparation — Full SQE1 and SQE2 fees plus a £20,000 maintenance grant. Use our SQE Cost Calculator to understand what you may still need to cover.
Selection Criteria
What Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton looks for
Academic requirements
2:1 or above. Any subject. Language skills are valued given the integrated cross-border model.
Core values they screen for
Experience & background
All 16 TCs are offered exclusively via vacation scheme (winter, spring, and summer intakes). No direct TC applications accepted.
The Process
Application timeline
Three scheme intakes per year; all TCs awarded via scheme.
Competitive process for approximately 70 scheme places across all intakes.
16 TCs total awarded from scheme participants.
How to Win
Application tips for Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
All 16 training contracts are offered exclusively via vacation scheme — the only route in.
Cleary's integrated model (not best-friend network) is central to its identity. Articulate why a truly integrated firm matters to you specifically.
Language skills are a genuine asset — the firm regularly seconds trainees to Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, and further afield.
SQE tip: Some firms view positively candidates already preparing for SQE1 — it signals commitment to qualification. SQE explained →
Assessment
Interview & assessment format
Process stages
- 1Online application
- 2Vacation scheme selection
- 3Partner interview
Interview tips
- —Be ready to discuss what "integrated global partnership" means in practice.
- —Research specific cross-border matters the London office has handled.
Insider Knowledge
Insider tips
Observations from those who know the firm well.
The three-mentor model (peer, associate, senior) is a real differentiator for support during training — worth mentioning in interviews.
Competition and antitrust is a particularly strong London practice alongside corporate — don't assume M&A is the only focus.
Qualification Costs
SQE funding at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Full SQE1 and SQE2 fees plus a £20,000 maintenance grant. PGDL also covered for non-law graduates.
The Full Picture
The full qualification journey
TC + SQE — here's the complete path from application to the roll.
SQE1 and SQE2 steps link to live pass rate data. Full SQE explained →
Got your TC? Now plan your SQE.
Your firm covers a lot — but you still need to pass SQE1 and SQE2. Here's where to start.
FAQ
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton — frequently asked questions
How many trainees does Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton take per year?
What is the Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton training contract salary?
Does Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton fund SQE preparation?
What is the Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton training contract application deadline?
What does Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton look for in training contract applications?
What is the Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton assessment centre format?
Ready to apply?
Applications go directly to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's official graduate recruitment portal.
Apply at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & HamiltonOpens in a new tab — you will leave The Qualified Path.
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