Our People
Kamila Dębek-Jadczak
Commercial Assistant, Warsaw
"The most fulfilling part of my role is knowing that my work directly supports the smooth operation of the firm. Accurate and timely billing is essential for client trust and financial health, so I feel proud to contribute to that behind the scenes. "
As a Commercial Assistant within the Warsaw Hub, I provide comprehensive support to the German office, ensuring the smooth execution of commercial and billing processes. My role has grown from handling billing tasks to managing more detailed and independent responsibilities. Along the way, I’ve built a strong cross-office collaboration.
What was the driving factor that attracted you to join an international law firm?
What really attracted me was the chance to work in an international environment. For me, it was about using my organisational, precision, and language skills to run things smoothly behind the scenes. Because in a law firm, the business side working seamlessly is crucial. It felt like a role where I could make a meaningful contribution in a reputable setting.
What are the moments or projects that stand out as your defining experiences?
One defining experience for me was being part of the very beginnings of the Warsaw Hub. It was exciting but also challenging. We were building something from scratch, setting up cooperation across offices and figuring out how to make everything work smoothly. I remember visiting colleagues locally in Germany to get to know each other personally and understand their needs, which was crucial for creating trust and strong working relationships. Those early days taught me a lot about adaptability, problem-solving, and the importance of collaboration. Looking back, it feels rewarding to see how far we’ve come and to know I played a part in laying the foundation.
Another valuable experience was supporting the Italian office, even without knowing the language, which really showed me how adaptable our Warsaw Hub is and how we can step in wherever we’re needed. It strengthened my cross-cultural skills and made me feel proud to contribute to something bigger than just our local team.
How would you describe the culture at the firm?
I’d describe the culture at Clifford Chance as collaborative, inclusive, and driven by high standards. There’s a real emphasis on working as one global team, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other to deliver excellence for clients. What resonates most with me every day is the sense of integrity and inclusion. It’s not just words; it’s embedded in how we work in the Warsaw Hub. For me, being part of an environment where people genuinely care about doing the right thing and helping each other succeed makes a big difference.
What sets Clifford Chance apart in terms of culture, values, and collaboration?
For me, what really sets Clifford Chance apart is the sense of being part of something truly global while still feeling connected locally. The culture is built on collaboration and respect. People are approachable and willing to share knowledge, which makes working together easy and rewarding.
What does work-life balance look like for you?
For me, work-life balance at Clifford Chance means having the support to manage both professional responsibilities and personal time without feeling overwhelmed. The firm helps with this through clear workload planning, open communication, and a culture that respects time off. There’s an understanding that balance is important, so managers encourage realistic deadlines and teamwork to share the load. Personally, I appreciate that when things get busy, there’s always someone willing to step in and help, and when it’s time to disconnect, that’s respected. It makes a big difference in feeling valued and able to perform at your best.
What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?
The most fulfilling part of my role is knowing that my work directly supports the smooth operation of the firm. Accurate and timely billing is essential for client trust and financial health, so I feel proud to contribute to that behind the scenes. I enjoy the attention to detail and problem-solving involved. What keeps me motivated on challenging days is the sense of teamwork and the bigger picture: even when tasks are demanding, I know they matter for the client relationship and the success of the firm. On rewarding days, it’s seeing everything come together and knowing I’ve played a part in making things run efficiently.
What are some key skills or competencies you have developed?
I came into this role with precision and organisational skills, and working in the firm has significantly sharpened them. Billing in an international law firm requires absolute accuracy and attention to detail, and I’ve learned how to apply those skills under tight deadlines and complex requirements. Beyond that, I’ve developed stronger communication and collaboration skills, especially working closely with the German office and adapting to different processes. These competencies have helped me deliver reliable, high-quality work and build trust with colleagues across borders.
How does the firm support your continuous learning and growth?
I continue to develop professionally by taking on new challenges, gaining new knowledge, and learning from different experiences, which is strongly supported at Clifford Chance. For example, the firm encouraged me to temporarily support the Italian office, which was a great opportunity to adapt to a different market and collaborate with new colleagues. On top of that, Clifford Chance provides resources like training sessions, knowledge-sharing platforms, and a culture that supports continuous improvement.