As the firm looks to grow its revenues in Asia-Pacific, Clifford Chance (CC) has expanded its Academy training programme with the launch of a new base in Singapore to service the region.
In an attempt to boost technical and business skills in the fast-growing region, the academy will provide courses and training sessions to both CC lawyers and business support staff. The 570 lawyers based in the region will benefit from technical classes covering sectors and specific products, business skills and, for some, leadership abilities. Business staff will be trained in coaching and project management.
The launch is also being used to strengthen ties with allied firms such as Cavenagh Law in Singapore and associated firm Linda Widyati & Partners in Jakarta, with lawyers at those outfits also able to attend sessions.
Clifford Chance’s managing partner in Singapore, Geraint Hughes, said: ‘Our investment in our team to help them to reach their full potential is a key part of our global strategy aimed at developing talent and driving continuous innovation for our clients. Singapore is the ideal location for the Clifford Chance Academy to serve the Asia Pacific region because of its important role in the development of the legal industry in the region.’
Earlier this year, managing partner Matthew Layton laid out aspirations to grow Asia revenues as a share of firm-wide turnover to 25% over the next five years. Layton said he was aiming at being the ‘global law firm of choice for the world’s leading businesses’.
The Magic Circle firm set up the Academy in 1999 and now operates in three sites: Africa, Amsterdam and London.
michael.west@legalease.co.uk
For more on Clifford Chance’s strategy see: Global 100: Clifford Chance – The shoulders of giants
