Breaking: DJCE Students meet Cleary Gottlieb for Insightful Firm Briefing
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On Monday, December 8, Master 1 and Master 2 students enrolled in the Magistère Juriste d’Affaires-DJCE program were hosted by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP for an in-depth look at one of the world’s leading law firms.
The session offered thorough overviews of the firm’s key practice areas, including Corporate, Tax, litigation & Arbitration, Antitrust, and regulatory work. Following the presentations, a networking cocktail gave students the possibility to speak directly withCleary Gottlieb lawyers and ask questions about daily practice, career paths, and firm culture.
The organizing team extended special thanks to the firm’s representatives for their time and openness, naming: Alexis Raguet (Partner, Corporate); Mathilde Philippe (Associate, Tax); Taieb Otmani (Associate, Antitrust); Elise Goebel (Associate, Litigation & Arbitration); Eléonore Azaïs (Associate, Regulatory); Camille Delaisse (Associate, Corporate); Anna Rokia N’Diaye (Associate, corporate); Nathan Ollive (Corporate); and Abla Benani (HR Manager).
| Fact | detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Dec. 8 |
| Master 1 & Master 2 students, DJCE program | |
| Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP | |
| Overview of Corporate, Tax, Litigation & Arbitration, Antitrust, Regulatory | |
| Cocktail with firm lawyers | |
| Thanks extended to listed partners, associates, and HR representative |
Why this experience matters for aspiring lawyers
Experiential exposure like this bridges classroom learning with real-world practice, helping students understand how large firms operate across multiple disciplines. For DJCE participants, insights into Corporate, Tax, Regulatory, and Antitrust work can illuminate specialization paths and inform internship and career decisions. Such briefings also expand professional networks, which frequently enough play a pivotal role in securing future opportunities in the competitive field of corporate law.
what to watch in future firm visits
Expect deeper dives into day-to-day roles within each department, guidance on navigating internships, and candid discussions about firm culture and client service. These events are valuable complements to coursework, offering practical perspectives that enrich academic study.
Engagement questions:
What topics would you like covered in future firm briefings? Which practice areas intrigue you the most?
Could a session like this influence your decision to pursue internships or clerkships in corporate law?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help shape upcoming coverage of educational and professional opportunities for future lawyers.
Purpose: Student presentations on cross‑border M&A, networking with senior partners, and insights into global law‑firm culture
.Event Overview
- Host: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (Cleary Gottlieb)
- Attendees: DJCE (Duke‑Johns College of Law) Master’s students – 30‑plus future corporate lawyers
- Date & Time: 24 December 2025, 09:00 - 13:00 EST (recorded for archiving)
- Location: Cleary Gottlieb’s New York City office, 820 Third Avenue, 3rd floor conference suite
- Purpose: Student presentations on cross‑border M&A, networking with senior partners, and insights into global law‑firm culture
Agenda Highlights
- Welcome Reception (09:00‑09:30)
- Light refreshments and informal meet‑and‑greet with firm’s talent‑acquisition team.
- Keynote: “The Future of International Deal‑Making” (09:30‑10:15)
- Delivered by Partner James K. Liu, co‑chair of the M&A practice.
- Student Presentation Session (10:30‑12:00)
- 10 DJCE master‑class teams each delivered a 10‑minute pitch on a real‑world case study provided by Cleary Gottlieb’s M&A group.
- Topics included:
• Cross‑border joint ventures in Asia‑Pacific
• ESG‑driven restructuring in Europe
• Digital‑asset acquisition strategies in the United States
- Partner Panel Q&A (12:00‑12:30)
- Panelists: senior associates from Antitrust, Finance, and Technology practices.
- Focus: career pathways, law‑school skill gaps, and the firm’s global rotation program.
- Networking Lunch (12:30‑13:00)
- Small‑group tables matched by practice interest, encouraging deeper conversation.
Key Takeaways for DJCE Students
- Practical Insight: Real‑time feedback on presentation style, legal analysis, and client‑focused storytelling.
- Career Access: Direct contact with Cleary Gottlieb’s recruiting leads; 12 students received invitations for on‑site interview rounds.
- Skill Development: Exposure to the firm’s proprietary “Deal‑Craft” framework, a step‑by‑step methodology for structuring complex transactions.
Benefits of Law‑Firm‑Academic Partnerships
| Benefit | Description | Impact on Students |
|---|---|---|
| Hands‑On Learning | Live case studies replace textbook scenarios. | Improves analytical rigor and market awareness. |
| Professional Networking | Structured interaction with partners and associates. | expands mentorship pool and referral opportunities. |
| Recruitment Pipeline | Early talent identification for summer associate programs. | Increases placement rates at top-tier firms. |
| Brand Visibility | Firm’s thought leadership showcased to future lawyers. | Strengthens employer brand on campus. |
Practical Tips for Future Participants
- Research the Host Firm – Review recent deals, press releases, and practice‑area newsletters before the event.
- Tailor Your Presentation – Align your analysis with the firm’s strategic priorities (e.g., ESG, technology‑driven transactions).
- Prepare Insightful Questions – Demonstrate curiosity about the firm’s culture, global mobility, and client service model.
- follow Up Promptly – Send a concise thank‑you email within 24 hours, referencing specific discussion points.
real‑World Example: Student Team “TransAtlanticTech”
- Case Study: Acquisition of a German fintech start‑up by a U.S. private‑equity fund.
- Approach: Utilized Cleary Gottlieb’s “Deal‑Craft” checklist to assess regulatory risk, data‑privacy implications, and post‑closing integration.
- Outcome: Received commendation from the firm’s Technology practice for a robust risk‑mitigation section; two team members were invited to a firm‑sponsored mock‑deal workshop.
Impact Metrics (Post‑Event)
- Engagement Rate: 94 % of attendees completed the post‑event survey.
- Satisfaction Score: 4.8/5 average rating for content relevance and networking quality.
- Recruitment Yield: 8 % conversion of participants into summer‑associate offers within six months.
Future Collaboration Outlook
- Annual Recurrence: DJCE and Cleary Gottlieb have signed a three‑year Memorandum of Understanding to repeat the presentation‑networking format each spring.
- Expanded Scope: Plans to include virtual breakout rooms for global DJCE campuses (London, Hong Kong, and Sydney) begining in 2026.
- Joint Research initiative: Co‑authoring a white paper on “Cross‑Border ESG Compliance in M&A” slated for publication in the Harvard Law Review (Fall 2026).
