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Adrian Sędziak

Adrian Sędziak

Commercial Assistant, Warsaw

"Joining an international law firm gave me the chance to combine my finance background with my language skills, and to play a role in connecting people and processes across borders."

I’m currently working as a Commercial Assistant in Clifford Chance’s Global Operational Hub in Warsaw, where I’m part of the finance team. My role is about making sure our financial processes run smoothly across our French-speaking offices. Day to day, I support the opening of new client matters, ensure billing information is accurate and compliant, and follow up on collections so that our lawyers can focus on the legal work. Since joining, my role has grown from routine administrative tasks to coordinating across offices, handling more complex billing, problem-solving, and helping improve how we work together globally. What makes me happiest is the growing trust from our French-speaking offices, because it’s rewarding to feel that confidence and know I’m contributing to stronger cross-jurisdiction collaboration.


What was the driving factor that attracted you to join an international law firm?


The opportunity to be part of a truly international environment. I wanted to work somewhere that not only values technical skills, but also thrives on collaboration across cultures and languages. The idea of supporting colleagues in different countries and contributing to a global service really motivated me. I was also drawn to the firm’s reputation for excellence and its inclusive, team-based culture: it felt like a place where I could grow professionally while being part of something bigger than myself. Joining an international law firm gave me the chance to combine my finance background with my language skills and to play a role in connecting people and processes across borders.


What are the moments or projects that stand out as your defining experiences?


Looking back on my career so far, one of the defining experiences has been joining Clifford Chance at a time when the Global Operational Hub in Warsaw was still developing its structures. Being part of those early stages, when the transition of processes was not yet fully established, was both a challenge and a unique opportunity. I had to adapt quickly, contribute to shaping workflows, and find solutions in situations where there wasn’t always a clear path forward. Over time, seeing those structures become more defined and efficient has been very rewarding.


How would you describe the culture at the firm?


I would describe the culture at Clifford Chance as inclusive, supportive, and genuinely people-focused. The firm listens to its employees and makes sure we feel valued. There’s a real emphasis on creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and that makes a big difference in how we work together.


Colleagues are always willing to help, share knowledge, and collaborate. That supportive atmosphere, combined with the firm’s commitment to professional growth and wellbeing, makes it a place where it’s not only rewarding to work but also enjoyable.


What sets Clifford Chance apart in terms of culture, values, and collaboration?


What sets Clifford Chance apart for me is the way the firm truly lives its values in everyday work. The culture here is not just about delivering excellence to clients, but also about creating an environment where employees feel listened to, supported, and respected. I’ve experienced firsthand how colleagues are always willing to help, share knowledge, and collaborate. There’s a genuine team spirit that makes even complex challenges easier to tackle. Clifford Chance stands out because of its strong emphasis on inclusion and trust. You feel that your contribution matters, and that the firm invests in your growth while encouraging you to bring your authentic self to work.


What does work-life balance look like for you?


For me, work-life balance at Clifford Chance means being able to give my best at work while still having the time and energy to enjoy life outside the office. The firm supports this balance in very practical ways. There’s a real respect for personal time, and colleagues are understanding when flexibility is needed. I appreciate that the culture here encourages us to work hard, but also to take care of ourselves. What makes the biggest difference is the supportive environment: my team is always willing to step in and help, which takes the pressure off during busy periods. That sense of trust and collaboration allows me to stay focused and motivated at work, while also feeling confident that I can maintain a healthy rhythm in my personal life. It’s one of the reasons I find working here so positive and sustainable.


What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?


It is the sense of contribution and problem-solving. I enjoy ensuring that financial data is accurate. It’s satisfying to know that my attention to detail helps the wider team avoid issues and deliver a smoother client experience. I also value the opportunity to support practice coordinators and advisors; being able to help colleagues and make their work easier gives me a strong sense of purpose.


Preparing reports is another aspect I find rewarding, because it allows me to bring clarity to complex information and provide insights that colleagues can rely on. On challenging days, what keeps me motivated is knowing that my work directly supports others and builds trust across offices. On rewarding days, it’s the collaboration and appreciation from colleagues that energise me and remind me why I enjoy being part of Clifford Chance.


What are some key skills or competencies you have developed?


During my time at Clifford Chance, I’ve strengthened my communication, reliability, and Excel skills, which help me manage data, build trust, and work smoothly across offices. I’ve also learned to listen closely to colleagues’ needs, allowing me to support them better and contribute to a positive, collaborative environment.


How does the firm support your continuous learning and growth?


I actively seek opportunities to learn and improve in my daily work. What supports this growth is the firm’s culture of openness and encouragement. Clifford Chance provides access to training resources, but just as important is the supportive environment where colleagues are willing to share knowledge and give constructive feedback. That combination of formal learning and everyday collaboration has allowed me to grow steadily, take on more responsibility, and feel confident in contributing to the success of the team.

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