Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance appoints Phillip Souta as Head of UK Public Policy

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has appointed Phillip Souta as Head of UK Public Policy and a Senior Associate in the Firm's EU Public Policy Group. In this role, Phillip will provide strategic advice to clients in anticipating, understanding and influencing legislative and regulatory developments as well as other governmental activities in the UK and across the EU.

Phillip joins Clifford Chance from Business for New Europe where he was Director since 2010 and was responsible for running Britain's leading coalition of business leaders pushing for reform of the EU. Under his direction, BNE brought to bear influence on policy makers in Britain and across Europe, the public and the business community. Prior to that he practiced as a barrister in criminal law and worked at the Food Standards Agency on UK government policy in the area of global health standards. He is recognised as an expert on European advocacy, public affairs and policy.

Oliver Bretz, EU Head of Public Policy at Clifford Chance said, "The political, regulatory and legal environment is becoming increasingly complex. How clients engage in the political and law-making process can be critical to their success. Phillip brings a strong combination of legal and policy expertise which is a key asset in enabling us to continue providing clients with clear, strategic advice to achieve their goals."

Phillip said, "When it comes to EU legal issues, Clifford Chance helps clients see round corners and not just react to regulatory developments once they have happened. Regulated industries such as financial services, technology and energy are part of the lifeblood of the European economy and Clifford Chance is a firm that helps serve as a crucial interface between regulators and the businesses they regulate. I am delighted to be joining a firm where public policy and law are two sides of the same coin and I look forward to working with Oliver and his team."