Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance launches Intelligent Aid essay competition for students

International law firm Clifford Chance has launched its 2011/12 student essay competition centred around the trade vs aid debate, inspired by its market-leading Africa Group.

Aimed at non-final year students, the best entrant will be able to choose a charity to receive a £1,000 donation from Clifford Chance and will win:

• A trip to Casablanca
• A place on the firm's sought-after vacation scheme
• An iPad 2

The second and third prize winners will both get a chance to know Clifford Chance better with automatic places on the firm's vacation scheme, in addition to which the second prize winner will also receive an iPad 2.

To enter the competition, which is open to all non-final year students irrespective of their subject, simply write 500 words or less answering the question: 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?

Entries will be judged on creativity, initiative and business acumen, not legal expertise, and should be submitted via the competition website www.cliffordchance.com/intelligentaid by 16 December 2011.

In the second round, 10 finalists will be invited to present their ideas to a panel of judges and the most compelling presentation will win the top prize.

Clifford Chance has extensive experience of working in Africa, both commercially and in our pro bono work, which has seen the Clifford Chance Foundation donate more than £500,000 to Africa-based projects and charities in the past two years. The firm is to open an office in Casablanca by the end of 2011, responding to client demand, which will act as a hub for clients across the wider North African and Sub Saharan Francophone region.

The new office cements the firm's capabilities and will be just one part of Clifford Chance's broader Africa offering. For more information about the firm's graduate recruitment opportunities or the firm's work in Africa please visit our website.