Can you briefly tell us a little about your background before starting with the firm?
Before starting at the firm, I worked as Judge's Associate (equivalent to a Tipstaff in NSW) in the Supreme Court of Victoria, within in the Corporations List. I was interested in this role as it was an opportunity to witness court proceedings from a different perspective, and to improve my skills in legal research.
What initially attracted you to Clifford Chance (CC)?
I was attracted to CC due to my interest in international law, and especially the significant role that a firm like CC can have in facilitating deals and disputes across some of the largest jurisdictions in the world. This is a role that is only becoming more relevant every day. My interest in international law was piqued when I studied comparative law and international arbitration on a semester exchange at the National University of Singapore in 2019.
How did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? (or maybe you didn't?)
Before studying law, I frequently volunteered in community legal organisations, where I admired the way lawyers could effectively advocate on behalf of those less fortunate than themselves. The study of law is quite academic and aligned closely with my interests in English and arguing.
What set Clifford Chance apart from the other firms you clerked with?
During my clerkship at CC, I was able to work on matters of a truly international character. Almost all work that I was involved in then (and now), included an international party or project. This sets the firm apart from firms with a large domestic practice.
From the partners down, I found that there were many people at CC who were interested in my well-being and personal development through the course of the clerkship. People were consistently approachable and always willing to chat even when they were busy.
I also found that people at CC were usually connected by a genuine interest in social impact, which was integrated into the firm's work and social culture.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
My favourite part of the job is coordinating work with other offices. We often work alongside other offices on matters involving international parties or projects headed up in different jurisdictions.
Recently in my L&DR rotation, an issue arose relating to the way a Judge could consider evidence in France. We asked a French colleague, who returned with advice overnight (in Sydney, their daytime). It is super interesting to see that different jurisdictions can approach legal questions diversely. It is also a privilege to have such high powered and broad network of colleagues always willing to help.
Can you tell us a little about your experiences regarding responsible business and/or diversity at Clifford Chance?
A culture of diversity and progressivism is integrated firmly into the firm's work and social culture. As previously mentioned, I have found that people at CC are connected by a genuine interest to coordinate and advance a broad range of different initiatives with high social impact.
For practitioners, promoting responsible business can have a profound impact within the community. For example, solicitors can lead initiatives that improve access to briefs for female barristers. Finance lawyers can help energy clients transition into clean energy and become more sustainable. These types of initiatives can be spotted in every CC office and can be led by anyone between graduate to partner level.