CC sends duo abroad in emerging markets push
Clifford Chance has again pushed emerging markets work to the forefront of its strategy following the relocation of two of its most experienced London partners to Saudi Arabia and Russia, while re-emphasising its desire to see juniors spend time in different jurisdictions.
Nick Munday
London litigation chief Nick Munday and co-head of finance Tim Plews will relocate to Moscow and Riyadh respectively. Part of their remit is to encourage other fee-earners at all levels to think about relocating to further their careers.
The move is an echo of managing partner David Childs’ commitment to a more mobile partnership. In 2007 he said he would expect any associate with partnership ambitions “to have done a stint” overseas.
Plews, who will move to associate firm Al-Jadaan & Partners in the autumn, told The Lawyer that the move “reiterates that there’s increasing potential across the firm for people who want to relocate”.
Senior partner Stuart Popham, who himself spent three years in Singapore prior to making partner, said the move was part of an ongoing strategy.
“It’s a manifestation of a policy approach that we’re encouraging from the most senior partner to the newest trainee,” he said.
Popham confirmed that the magic circle firm would look to increase headcounts at all levels across their offices in the emerging markets.
He added: “You wouldn’t need to be a betting man to see that there’s more economic expansion in the emerging markets than in developed ones.”
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Readers' comments (15)
Once Bitten | 29-Apr-2010 5:11 am
Where to start - the whole Al Jadaan saga would fill three volumes.
Cutting Edge clearly doesn't know Mohammed Al Jadaan. No way will he let CC get any influence in the practice in Saudi Arabia. Like Anonymous, I'd give Tim Plews 6 months before he goes home in total frustration.
As for a corporate partner, everyone knows that the last 3 expat managers on the corporate side didn't manage two years between them. Who'd volunteer for that gig?
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Once Bitten | 29-Apr-2010 5:15 am
It really isn't rocket science how Al Jadaan wins awards. Joint projects with CC, a global giant and one of the largest ME practices.
Who need associates when you can just add a Saudi partner to a CC transaction team.
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Ben | 7-May-2010 5:32 am
As a Saudi associate who used to work previously.....What goes around, comes around.. ....like this beautiful comments....the Saudi associates are paid below market rate compare to other firms in riyadh (and jeddah, shame.....) .....is that how a No. 1 firm in saudi pays associates to stay "head and shoulders above the rest" says Envy....:)
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Anonymous | 11-May-2010 10:03 am
A little birdy told me...
that Clifford Chance's associate firm in Saudi, Al Jadaan, is suffering from something of a retention problem. CC are sending a senior partner out there ostensibly to ramp up their presence in the area. But insiders tell RoF that it won't do anything to stop the flood of fleeing associates?
Envy, Roll on Friday is rolling and we heard no tiny bit of rebuttal from you. It appears Al Jadaan is darn for sure.....or maybe RoF is interviewing you right now?!
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Anonymous | 11-May-2010 10:05 am
Some more facts. Expat turnover in past 12 months now at 90%. Saudi turnover below partner level in past 12 months 60%.
Someone should poll for current associate job satisfaction. On a scale of 1 for happy and 10 for miserable the result would be about a 12.
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