Our People

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

I started my journey by attending the University of Edinburgh for my honours degree, moving from my rural hometown in South Wales. Before that, I gained local work experience in criminal and divorce law and realised my passion for the commercial aspect of law involving financial elements. At university, I applied to Clifford Chance’s “Springboard scheme” (now SPARK), using my experience as a receptionist to craft a successful application.

During the scheme, I spent a week at their Canary Wharf office — my first visit to London, and what an experience it was! I connected with trainees and newly qualified lawyers, gaining insight into life as a lawyer. We also visited the Paris office and discussed how the training contract application is structured. At the time, the life of a big-city lawyer felt like a distant dream. However, during a presentation by a Partner from my hometown, I felt reassured. He talked about his career at Clifford Chance, and I instantly felt at ease knowing someone with a similar background has successfully followed the same path. Once the scheme was complete, I successfully applied for my Training Contract.

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

My training contract comprised seats in SABRE, Funds and Finance in London, and Litigation and Dispute Resolution while I was on secondment for a client in Toulouse, France. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as each seat offered unique challenges and learning opportunities. I appreciated the variety in my day-to-day responsibilities. From transaction administration and project management to complex drafting and detailed advisory work, I valued the level of responsibility given to trainees. My secondment was a highlight for me, solidifying my reasoning for choosing a truly global law firm.

How did your responsibilities evolve during your Training Contract?

The learning curve from university to the training contract was quite steep, which is a blessing in the long run. The responsibilities entrusted to me as a trainee grew in complexity over the two years - from updating transaction checklists to coordinating a closing and preparing first drafts of key transaction documents. I had numerous opportunities to become more involved in my matters, and the Associates I worked with were generous in guiding me. By the end of the contract, I was handling work at the newly qualified (NQ) level, which made the next transition much smoother.

Can you share an example of a challenging task you handled during your Training Contract?

Like the rest of the city, working during the lockdown presented unique challenges, particularly as a first-seat Trainee. Adapting to the new reality was tough, but looking back, it was hugely beneficial for my career. It taught me to think about my assignments more carefully and thoughtfully. Coordinating a signing and closing during lockdown involved addressing clients' questions and devising new solutions. These discussions were insightful as I experienced firsthand the level of consideration involved in client communication and the relationship between legal constraints and commercial expectations.

How did your Training Contract prepare you for the transition to becoming a newly qualified lawyer?

I was incredibly busy during parts of my training contract, which meant that my skills developed quickly, and I found myself to be increasingly helpful to others, putting me in a good position during my transition to a newly qualified lawyer. As I entered the NQ stage of my career, the skills I had harnessed as a trainee continued to serve me well and prove fruitful.

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

I am an Associate in the Private Funds Group in London, currently on secondment to our Sydney office. I specialise in the establishment and offering of private funds, primarily focusing on Sponsor-side fundraisings. This involves advising a variety of managers on the structuring, marketing and ongoing management of private funds, with a mix of transactional, advisory and contentious elements. I thrive on the diversity of my role, which evolves during the life cycle of each fund and allows collaboration globally.

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

Keep an open mind about qualifications and have honest discussions with your supervisors, team members, and fellow trainees about work elements you find interesting. Ask questions about the different practice areas in the firm – they may have experiences that help shape your next steps, and it’s important to have those options available to you.

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

Unquestionably, it’s the quality of work and the people I get to work with. I enjoy learning, and I have the best teachers in the business.