Clifford Chance offers essay writers trip to Casablanca

‘Intelligent Aid’ is a chance for students to support a charitable cause while demonstrating their creativity and understanding of the topic centered on the trade versus aid debate for Africa.

Partner Nick Swinburne, who sits on the trainee committee, said: “The idea behind the competition is to do something a little bit different in terms of recruitment and also to make sure we have the widest possible access for potential trainees.

“The winner last year actually secured a training contract with the firm. To see the project go through for the first time with that result was very positive and this year we’d like to build on that.”

The competition consists of a written submission with a 500-word essay answering the questions: Trade or aid - what offers a brighter solution for Africa? And as Africa’s economies develop, what role can lawyers perform in helping more people in Africa benefit from economic transformation?

Swinburne explained that the topic was developed following the launch of Clifford Chance’s first office in Africa this year (25 July 2011).

The firm is not looking for a legal answer or a thesis in the essay question, but the ability to communicate fresh ideas and an interesting debate.

The 10 finalists will then take part in a ‘Dragons Den’-style presentation at the firm’s London office.

The best entrant will be able to champion a charity to receive a donation of £1,000 from the Clifford Chance Foundation, which includes more than 100 charitable organisations.

They will also win the ultimate prize of a place on Clifford Chance London’s vacation scheme, a trip to Casablanca and an iPad 2.