Our People

I trained at Clifford Chance and qualified into the Real Estate team in September 2017. After two and a half years as an Associate, I decided to explore opportunities outside the firm. Having handed in my notice just before COVID-19, options in the legal world were limited, so I co-founded a premium meal kit business with a university friend. We scaled the business, raised investment, and built a customer base across the UK. While successful during the lockdown, it faced challenges as the world returned to normal. However, it offered valuable experience in business strategy and team management.

I then joined an in-house legal team in the data centre sector, which eventually led me back to Clifford Chance as the Real Estate team was expanding its group of lawyers with data centre experience. In April 2024, I rejoined Clifford Chance as a Senior Associate, focusing on high-profile data centre transactions. It's been a rewarding return, reconnecting with familiar faces and starting a new chapter.

What led you to specialise in your practice area and what keeps you passionate?

I was drawn to the variety of work in the Real Estate team, which keeps me interested and challenged. We run many transactions and collaborate with other practices, often Finance and Corporate, both in London and globally. The opportunity to work with diverse individuals and build a global network is appealing. In addition, I enjoyed my six months as a Trainee with the department.

How did your initial assumptions about being a lawyer change as your career progressed?

It was in my teens that I thought about what a career in law might be like! I underestimated two things:

To provide top-quality tailored legal advice, you need to understand the client's strategy and their motivation for the transaction – my time as a start-up founder really helped me with this; and

I have realised the extent to which you rely on the team around you, not just those in the same department but also in other teams across the globe. We regularly work with a variety of teams, and strong collaboration with them is absolutely crucial.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?

What stands out to me is the strong culture of teamwork. It is a core foundation that permeates all areas of the businesses here, from internal initiatives like professional development to external client-facing interactions. Having a group of experts in their fields, both in legal and non-legal roles, collaborating to support one another and offer utmost assistance makes it easier to deliver high-quality work on internal projects and client matters.

What key skills have you developed so far?

At Clifford Chance, the skills you develop evolve with your role. As a Trainee, you gain insights into different teams and work across four practice areas, often in multiple offices. I did a seat in our Hong Kong office during my Training Contract, which helped me understand work styles and improve organisational and time management skills. As an Associate and Senior Associate, you specialise in your practice area while increasingly managing transactions, building client relationships and contributing to strategy. Over time, you may not realise the value of these skills, but for me, moving into an entrepreneurial environment highlighted how useful and transferable they are.

What aspect of the work brings you the greatest satisfaction?

I enjoy the pace at which you develop and learn at Clifford Chance, as you are surrounded by competent colleagues who are actively involved in your development. In my conversation with a Clifford Chance alumnus, they highlighted the remarkable knowledge and experience one gains within a relatively short period at the firm, which I really do agree with. It highlights the firm's strength of collaborative teams spread globally, development opportunities, and the accelerated pace of learning.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Clifford Chance?

The key is to research and understand what a career in law and at Clifford Chance will be like before committing. There are plenty of resources online offering insights into the firm, its culture and the lifestyle of lawyers here. Using these resources and exploring the firm's graduate development initiatives can give you insights into the rewarding as well as challenging aspects of the legal industry.

What has been your most exciting project so far?

My highlight has been my involvement with the global team of lawyers at Clifford Chance who are specialists in the data centre space. It's a sector of major interest to the firm, and we have worked on some of the largest deals globally. I have attended and contributed to several presentations and pitches to clients, thought leadership internally and business development. Getting such exposure at a relatively early stage in my career has been exciting and shows the firm's commitment to offering opportunities at all levels.

What is the best career advice you have received?

Always be curious and try to encompass a growth mindset to develop at a faster pace and build competency. For instance, if I discuss a potential issue, I will always think about the potential solution to present. Regardless of whether your answer is correct, it always creates a positive impression.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

Identify your out-of-work priorities and make time for them alongside job demands. For me, it's spending time with family and friends, cooking (which I find therapeutic), and exercising. I try to protect time for these activities and adjust work around them when possible.