Our People

I joined Clifford Chance in 2019 as a Contracts Lawyer within the General Counsel’s office. Since then, my role has evolved significantly, and I am now the Head of Client Terms and Contract Solutions, leading and setting the strategic direction for a team of contract specialists based in Newcastle.

My key responsibilities include overseeing the provision of high-quality, solutions-focused advice to the firm’s lawyers and business professionals on a wide range of contractual negotiations with clients, suppliers, and other counterparties. I am also responsible for ensuring that all contracts are aligned with the firm’s internal policies, strategic objectives, and professional standards. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, I focus on developing the team’s capabilities and driving efficiency in our processes to support the firm’s evolving needs.

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

Having already transitioned to an in-house role, I was drawn to the opportunity to return to a law firm environment with global scope and the opportunity to collaborate with some of the sharpest minds in the legal industry. I also saw this as an opportunity to draw on my private practice and in-house experience to protect the firm's interests whilst also facilitating strong client relationships. From the outset, it was clear to me that this position would enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the firm’s success and ongoing growth.

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

The nature of my role means I am regularly involved in supporting the firm with significant pitch and panel opportunities, as well as contributing to high-profile strategic projects. Some of the most defining moments in my career have been seeing complex, long-running negotiations through to a successful conclusion and witnessing the tangible benefits these outcomes bring to both our lawyers and our clients. It is particularly rewarding to know that my problem-solving skills and ability to unlock negotiations with both clients and suppliers have played a key role in securing important mandates and enabling the firm to deliver exceptional service on major client initiatives.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?

It is a truly collaborative and supportive culture. On any given day, I work alongside lawyers and business professionals from different offices and practice areas, and I am encouraged to share my perspective, knowing that my voice will be heard and valued.

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

What sets Clifford Chance apart is its truly seamless global collaboration. Expertise and perspectives are readily shared across offices and jurisdictions to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the firm and our clients. I particularly value the genuine “open-door” policy embraced by partners and senior stakeholders, which fosters an inclusive and supportive environment. The firm’s strong commitment to excellence and integrity encourages everyone to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and contribute ideas, creating a culture where continuous improvement and high standards are embedded in daily practice.

What does work-life balance look like for you?

As a relatively small team supporting contract review and negotiation for the firm globally, we do encounter busy periods and often need to manage multiple urgent priorities. However, there is a genuine respect for family commitments and the importance of personal time. The firm actively supports work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and a culture that encourages open communication about workload and well-being.

What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?

What keeps me motivated, both on challenging and rewarding days, is the support and sense of humour from colleagues. I love the continuous learning that my role demands - gaining a deeper understanding of how the firm operates and adapting to new developments keeps the work engaging. I am particularly driven by the problem-solving aspect of my role, which involves finding pragmatic solutions that deliver the best outcomes for the firm and our clients. Additionally, earning the trust of colleagues and being relied upon to handle sensitive or confidential matters that are critical to the firm’s success is a real source of professional pride and motivation.

What are some key skills or competencies you have developed?

Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and quality of contract reviews, commercial pragmatism to provide solutions that balance risk with the firm's strategic objectives. Fostering long-lasting relationships with stakeholders across the firm has been crucial to ensuring effective collaboration and positive outcomes. I also have embraced new technologies and a culture of continuous improvement, which has allowed me to create efficiencies in the team's processes and support the firm’s drive for innovation.

How does the firm support your continuous learning and growth?

I am proactive in seeking out new learning opportunities within the General Counsel’s office and wider firm, which has included joining project teams, internal committees or supporting on ad-hoc tasks that require me to broaden my technical knowledge or perspective. I also schedule regular catch-ups with my manager and other senior stakeholders to reflect on my performance and identify areas for development.

Clifford Chance offers extensive resources to support ongoing growth, including access to leading legal databases and the Clifford Chance Academy, which provides a wide range of online and in-person training to enhance both technical expertise and soft skills. Recently, I attended an external conference focused on legal technology and the application of AI, which broadened my perspective on how we might further improve the Client Terms Team’s processes to create efficiencies.