Our People

Can you tell us about your journey to Clifford Chance and how you secured a Training Contract with the firm?

I grew up in Essex and attended a state school. During my A-Levels, I was made aware of a scheme called Prime (now ACCESS) with Clifford Chance. Before that, I had never even met a lawyer and didn't fully understand what they did beyond what I had seen on TV. During my week with the firm, I was introduced to interesting people, participated in talks and workshops, which gave me a real sense of what a career in law might entail. I went on to study law at the University of Oxford, where I participated in the Springboard scheme (now SPARK). These programmes helped me build a network of like-minded peers – many of whom are now my colleagues! I applied for a Training Contract and was successful. I joined the firm in 2020 after completing my degree and the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

What were the highlights of your Training Contract and which aspects did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed the variety the Training Contract offered. It is rare to have a job where you can rotate every six months, exploring different areas until you find your fit! During each rotation, I learnt about diverse areas of law, experienced working for different clients and collaborated with a variety of Partners and Associates. I realised that I liked the dynamic pace and varied work that comes with being a lawyer.

How did your responsibilities evolve during your Training Contract?

As I advanced through my Training Contract, I took on more responsibility. I grew more confident in my abilities, became better at anticipating events, and learned to see beyond immediate tasks. Instead of completing a piece of work in isolation, I thought about the next best steps. This prepared me for the transition to becoming a newly qualified solicitor, where you become responsible for workstreams on your own. Of course, I always felt supported and knew that I could rely on my colleagues if I had questions or concerns.

What is your current role at Clifford Chance and what type of work do you focus on?

I am an Associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. Our team does a variety of commercial litigation and arbitration, but my focus tends to be on antitrust or competition litigation. Over the past year, I have also worked on a number of sport-related arbitrations, both with and without competition elements. I have also been very fortunate to have been involved in several trials and hearings in court.

What advice would you give to junior lawyers about specialisation and gaining experience in different areas?

Even when you think you have found your niche, don't be afraid to try new things. I always say yes to an opportunity to work with a different Partner, for a different client, or on a different type of matter. You learn from variety and having to adapt your practices to suit the matter at hand. It stops you from getting too comfortable and helps push past your perceived limits.

What is one of the most fulfilling aspects of your work at Clifford Chance?

For me, it is working on matters and with people who teach me new things every day. The matters we work on can be groundbreaking, with the potential to set precedents and change the law. Our people are the best at what they do and it is a privilege to work so closely with some of the brightest minds. It may sound like a cliché, but no two days are the same.