Can you briefly tell us a little about your background before starting with the firm?
I worked as an associate at the Supreme Court of Western Australia while completing my studies, and mainly worked on administrative law matters and large commercial disputes. I also completed a number of clerkships in my final two years of study, one of which was at Clifford Chance. My experience with the law prior to studying was very limited; I didn’t know any lawyers and had only a vague idea of what working as one would be. I started studying law after finishing a degree in sociology and knowing that I enjoyed reading and writing.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The day for me depends on where a transaction might be at in its lifecycle – if the deal is closing or close to this point, then I might focus on only that matter for most of the day and will need to be available via email or telephone for any queries from the client or the other side. Usually, though I am working across a range of deals throughout the day and preparing transaction documents, emailing the client or other parties' lawyers, and managing the transaction's progress. It's very collaborative work and so often I am speaking with other members of the deal team and checking in with them on the next steps or where things are at. The team is very flexible, so I might be working from home or be in the office and leave in the afternoon to have some time away before logging back on again – it really depends on the time zones for a transaction as to whether you will be starting earlier or busier in the afternoon and evening.
What initially attracted you to Clifford Chance (CC)?
CC offered a different kind of work from what a lot of the other law firms had. I had really enjoyed public international law at uni and was interested to see what it was like working in that area. When I applied for clerkships, I had a better idea of the kind of firm I wanted to work at and what I was looking for from the clerkship and graduate experience. Clifford Chance was one of the firms I applied to which had these characteristics and also looked as though it had clear and measurable diversity policies and practices.
What set Clifford Chance apart from the other firms you clerked with?
I really enjoyed my CC clerkship as I felt I got to really experience the firm and what it would be like to work there. Everyone was very honest and open about their experiences and happy to share their time to speak with me about any questions I had. This was also something they did after the clerkship had ended. The work I did was varied and interesting and unlike the work I had done on previous clerkships. I rotated through the regulatory and international arbitration teams during the clerkship, and enjoyed getting to experience the different teams and work rather than being in one team for the entire time. During my clerkship, there were a number of events involving the different diversity and inclusion groups at CC. This gave me insight into how these groups were part of the firm and also the importance placed upon them. Finally, I felt very welcome and included at CC from the start of my clerkship and found the culture one that I fit into and felt a part of.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
Having one rotation in an international office is a really great part of the graduate program, and unlike other firms, is not something that has to be applied for / is only given to a small number of graduates. The firm is truly international and you get to experience this from the start of your career with CC (especially now that borders have reopened!!)
What are the limitations of your job?
Working at an international firm means you're often working across different time zones which can mean the hours can be long or that the workday is separated into blocks depending on who's online. Often the afternoon is quieter and it is important to take a break when you have this time but it can be hard to be available and work later or longer as a result of the different jurisdictions.
What qualities do you see in your peers and colleagues?
The people at CC are extremely intelligent and hardworking, you really feel as though you are learning from lawyers who have so much knowledge. People are also really passionate about the work that they do and want to do their best. At the same time, people are really relaxed and friendly and the overall culture is relatively casual and welcoming. It isn't hard to ask for support or questions about the work because of this, and also makes it easy to develop relationships with people in the team.
What seats have you done during your Graduate Program? Can you tell us a little about each of them?
My first seat was in the international arbitration team, which mostly investor state disputes. The team often represents investors who have had their assets appropriated by a state but there are some matters where CC acts for the state. The work in this team was really interesting and different, with lots of research into international law principles and the domestic law of European and African states. I had some litigation experience from working as an associate but arbitration is run very differently from court proceedings and it was really interesting to compare the two.
My second seat has been in global financial markets (GFM) which encompasses a range of banking and finance, such as project finance, general banking and project finance. I have never done transactional work before and have found it an enjoyable experience so far. Part of what I have enjoyed in this rotation is the high level of client contact and deal exposure, as the juniors run the deal process and are across the progress of the transaction. It's also a much faster pace compared to arbitration, which often takes years, whilst deals can take a few days or weeks. I enjoy this pace and the opportunity to work on a variety of matters at a time, so you are exposed to different types of transactions.
Can you tell us a little about your experiences regarding responsible business and/or diversity at Clifford Chance?
There are a range of diversity groups at CC and the one I am most involved with is Accelerate>>>, the gender parity group. Accelerate>>> runs sessions internally about matters such as parental leave, and also holds events with external presenters on working in the legal industry. One of my favourite diversity events is the Arcus art show which happens globally every year and showcases a range of LGBTQ+ artists. When I clerked at CC, it was very clear to me that the diversity and inclusion programs at CC are important and a key part of the firm, which was something important to me.
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