This past Saturday night, Clifford Chance hosted the partners and counsel dinner for our North American offices (New York, DC and Houston).?It was a beautiful event at the Hall des Lumières in downtown NYC.
There were a few things that struck me about this event that show how Clifford Chance is unique:
? Seating.?For the seated dinner, each partner/counsel was assigned to a table.?These tables were not limited to members of our practice group but rather included members of other offices and groups that we did not necessarily know.
I thought this was a great idea.?Most of us naturally gravitate to familiar faces at these functions, but that misses an opportunity to meet colleagues face-to-face that we have not yet encountered.?This is emblematic Clifford Chance's focus on collaboration across the firm.?The firm prioritizes collaboration and opportunities for colleagues to meet each other, so that if a new client need comes up each partner/counsel is familiar with the expertise of their colleagues and knows who to call to assist the client.?This is a great model because it is more helpful to our clients and also benefits the firm as a whole by bringing in more business.
? I also noticed how much the event was catered to spouses/significant others/plus ones.?It is no secret that #BigLaw is a tough industry with long hours and tight deadlines.?That's just how it works.?But I do think there is a divergence in firms' attitudes toward that heavy work burden.?On one hand, a firm can say, "Buck up, this is what you signed up for," and that's the end of it.?On the other hand, while still delivering excellent client service, a firm can acknowledge the very real personal sacrifice that attorneys and their loved ones make to provide that high level of client service.
Including "plus ones" in these firm events is a chance for our families and our colleagues to get to know each other.?When they know each other, there is a shared understanding that can smooth out some of the inevitable conflicts and pressures between work and home involved in a high stakes industry like Big Law.
? Lastly, on a personal note, I am grateful to the firm for scheduling this event on a Saturday night.?As a Sabbath observer, it is not uncommon for me to miss events of this nature because they take place on Friday night.?So when I am able to attend these events because they do not overlap with Sabbath observance, I really appreciate the opportunity.
Looking forward to many more gatherings with this great group of partners and counsel in the future!
