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Ellie Purdy

Ellie Purdy

OPERATIONS MANAGER;


"I joined the firm in January 2019 as a paralegal, having just finished a six-month internship with the Capital Unit at the Federal Defenders Office in Philadelphia."

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Prior to my internship I graduated from Northumbria University with a Masters in Law. Since joining Clifford Chance I have held a number of roles including senior and managing paralegal before starting as an Operations Manager in February 2021. 


What attracted me to the legal sector?

I was attracted to a career in the legal sector due to the complex and demanding nature of the work, I enjoy being challenged and it's always incredibly satisfying to see the resolution or completion of a tricky task or matter. 


What keeps me at Clifford Chance is that I am surrounded by a supportive team, who encourage me every day to be my best. Aside from the team, what makes Clifford Chance such a great place to work is that we are given all the tools we possibly need for success, whether it is the latest piece of legal tech, or the support from a colleague on the other side of the world, it is available to us. 


Tell us about the most rewarding experience you have had at Clifford Chance? 

The most rewarding experience I have had whilst working at Clifford Chance was assisting on a Pro Bono case in which we filed for Compassionate Relief in light of the pandemic for an elderly prisoner. It was an incredibly timely and rewarding matter to work on, and the tangible difference we were able to make to that individuals future was both humbling and inspiring. 


What advice would you give to someone considering Clifford Chance / OR a career within the legal sector? 

To someone considering Clifford Chance, go for it! You only regret the chances you don’t take and you'll receive first class training and support in an environment which enables you to develop and progress in whatever role you choose. 


What's the best piece of advice you've received since joining/ OR the your best lesson/takeaway? 

In a recent workshop session, one of the speakers said that no one cares more about your career development than you. I found this to resonate, Clifford Chance gives you all of the tools needed to succeed but ultimately your progression will be driven by the effort you put in. 


Tell us about what you like best about your job 

The best part of working at Clifford Chance is definitely the people. I've been lucky enough to work with a wide range of lawyers and business professionals across the wider Clifford Chance network, and have found everyone to be passionate, friendly and committed to working together to make our service to our clients the best that it can be. 


What was it that first struck you about the people you met at Clifford Chance? 

What first struck me about the people at Clifford Chance was how open and approachable everyone is. Regardless of their role people always make time to help you. There always seems to be someone who is an expert for any query you may have, whether it's on a specific matter, assisting with pricing or designing a PowerPoint, there is always someone to help! 


Tell us about the most exciting matter/project you have worked on recently? 

The most exciting matter I have worked on, was a large money laundering case for a large banking client. The team was based out of the client's office, where we were able to immerse ourselves in the challenging work. I was able to meet and work with colleagues from across the globe and became an important part of the matter team. 


What motivates you/ OR what makes your worth it for you? 

It is always incredibly motivating to see the resolution or impact of a matter you have worked on, usually right as you jump into the next, however more recently being able to see the development of my team as they grow in confidence, handling more complex work as they progress in their own careers is something which has been incredibly rewarding.  

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