Lawyer – Life Sciences & Healthcare (JD Graduate) - Beijing/Shanghai Offices

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

The role

We are looking for a highly motivated 2026 JD graduate to join our fast‑growing Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, and Healthcare practice in Beijing and Shanghai.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on strategic collaborations, licensing, and other complex cross‑border transactions, advising leading clients at the intersection of law, science, and business in the China market.

(Please state which office you prefer in your cover letter.)

What You’ll Do

• Support partners and associates on strategic collaboration and licensing transactions
• Work on high‑profile matters involving pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare clients
• Gain hands‑on experience in cross‑border transactions and China‑related regulatory issues
• Collaborate with a dynamic, international team in a fast‑paced environment

Your experience

• JD (Class of 2026) from a top‑tier U.S. law school
• Bachelor's degree in biology, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering
• Strong legal drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with the China business environment and strong cross‑cultural awareness are a plus
• A proactive, detail‑oriented team player committed to delivering high‑quality work

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here

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