Our People

I am a Sustainable Procurement Manager, responsible for ensuring that Clifford Chance’s purchasing decisions align with our environmental, social, and ethical standards. My role involves evaluating suppliers, tracking sustainability metrics and progress against our targets, educating and influencing internal stakeholders to make sustainable choices, and identifying and mitigating sustainability risks across our supply chain. As a member of the Net Zero Delivery Group, my role has evolved to include participation in wider sustainability initiatives beyond procurement. This experience has broadened my understanding of the firm’s overall sustainability strategy and strengthened my ability to contribute to our net-zero ambitions.

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

The firm's clear commitment to sustainability. I had already been impressed by the transparency and ambition of the firm's reporting and net zero targets, and I wanted to be part of an organisation that was driving meaningful change at this pace. On a personal level, joining an international law firm felt quite daunting at first, as it wasn't an environment I had imagined myself in. This challenge was a big motivation, as I saw it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to an area I am passionate about within such a big organisation.

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

I have had the opportunity to work closely with suppliers on improving their sustainability practices, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Supporting suppliers to make meaningful improvements, whether that be more responsible sourcing, setting targets of their own or encouraging them to improve on scores from sustainability assessments. Supporting suppliers through their own journey has shown me how influential procurement can be in creating meaningful changes beyond your own organisation. I had the opportunity to support the delivery of the Firm's Net Zero delivery webinars for our suppliers.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?

I would describe the culture at Clifford Chance as collaborative and inclusive. There is openness to new ideas and a willingness to work together across teams and functions to contribute to the firm's ambitions. I've learned so much about different cultures and communities through the firm's town halls and events. Hearing colleagues share their own lived experiences is always interesting to me.

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

I feel Clifford Chance has a strong sense of purpose and that there is a real emphasis on working together across teams and offices to achieve shared objectives. I have found people have always been open, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping one another succeed, which creates an environment where people feel confident to speak up and contribute.

What does work-life balance look like for you?

I think work-life balance is extremely important, and I have never felt pressured or encouraged to work outside of my usual hours or over weekends. Having a good work-life balance means I can exercise regularly and spend time with friends and family outside of work, and continue to consider adding a puppy to my household! Having a good work-life balance means I can give my full self and be fully present, whilst at work and at home. Knowing I have such a good work-life balance means that if I ever need to work a bit earlier or later for a specific deadline, I am happy to do so.

What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?

The most fulfilling aspect of my role is knowing that the work I do is directly contributing to Clifford Chance's Net Zero goals and sustainability ambitions. I find it especially rewarding when I can see tangible progress, whether that’s a supplier improving their sustainability performance, a new initiative gaining traction or our data showing movement toward our net zero targets. On more challenging days, what keeps me motivated is the knowledge that sustainability work is often complex and long-term. Therefore, even small steps can drive real and lasting change. Knowing my work contributed to that bigger picture and being surrounded by supportive and passionate colleagues helps me stay focused and positive.

What are some key skills or competencies you have developed?

One of the most significant skills I have strengthened is my ability to work cross-functionally. Through being part of the Net Zero Delivery Group, I've learned how to collaborate with colleagues across different teams, regions, and areas of expertise. This has helped to strengthen my communication skills, but also my ability to understand and contribute to firmwide sustainability challenges and initiatives. When I started at Clifford Chance, I was filled with dread at the thought of making a presentation. Having discussed this with my manager, we decided to work on this skill, and as such, I was given plenty of opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and present to different audiences. I am now much more confident in presenting, and this will be a skill I can carry forward in my career.

How does the firm support your continuous learning and growth?

I continue to develop professionally by actively seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge of sustainability, procurement, and the broader strategic priorities of the firm. Being part of the Net Zero Delivery Group has played a significant role in this, as it has exposed me to different workstreams, new perspectives, and more complex challenges than I would encounter within procurement alone. Clifford Chance also provides a range of resources, including internal training sessions, town halls, and e-learning modules that strengthen both my technical and soft skills. Regular check-ins with my manager and opportunities for feedback have also helped me reflect on my development and identify areas to focus on.