Our People

Give a brief overview of your role at the firm now, when you joined and your background before joining. 

I am a fourth year associate in the Clifford Chance Brussels office. I joined the firm in October 2019 immediately after obtaining my law degree from Ghent University and finishing an LL.M. at the University of Cambridge. 

Why did you become a lawyer (please relate this to your practice area) – what prompted and sustained your pursuit? 

In the summer between my studies at Ghent University and the University of Cambridge, I did an internship at Clifford Chance in Brussels, which convinced me of joining as an associate. At the time I did not know which practice area to choose, so the non-departmental set-up of the Brussels office and its warm people very much attracted me.

How did your international experience (UK/US/Globally) impact your growth personally and professionally and what was your biggest learning? 

Going abroad without knowing anyone on beforehand learned me how to connect and become close friends with people from four continents. Exchanging about each other's cultures proved invaluable for my personal growth. 

Being pushed into a completely different teaching and learning method coupled with an entirely new legal system has taught me that I am capable of more than I would ever have imagined. It has given me a certain self-confidence that I continue to build on during my professional life. 

What motivates you in your role? 

Getting the deal done – the work of our finance team allows clients "let the funds flow" and pursue their sustainable business goals. 5. What was your biggest assumption before becoming a lawyer? Before becoming a lawyer: "It is a hard hard world." While being a lawyer: "While it is certainly hard at times, if you dare to show where your own limits are (which shows not weakness, but strength), the workload and pressure is manageable." 

How would you describe the culture and atmosphere at Clifford Chance? 

Understanding and down-to-earth. 

What are the key skills you have developed here which have been invaluable to your career? 

Speak up. 

What do you like most about your job?

The dynamic atmosphere. 

What do you value most about the people and the firm? 

Their "down-to-earth" but "can-do" mindset.

What is your key advice for anyone considering a career at Clifford Chance ? 

If you do not try it, you will never know. 

What's the best piece of advice you've received since joining/ OR your best lesson in the industry so far?

Dare to disconnect. 

What is the most exciting deal/matter/project you have worked on recently? 

Most exciting in terms of deal value was definitely the USD 1,570,000,000 Multicurrency Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility for the Traxys group.