Clifford Chance

Matthew Layton, Global Managing Partner, Clifford Chance received the prestigious award for Excellence in Leadership at the British Legal Awards 2020.

In his acceptance speech Matthew thanks the British Legal Awards and the judging panel, saying: "This is an award that I receive on behalf of the entire firm. I would like to thank our clients for their continued loyalty and the fantastic team of partners, lawyers and business professionals who have made my last six and a half years as Managing Partner such fun. And of course I owe so much to my family for their wonderful and constant support.

"Without doubt we are living in challenging times. I have been immensely proud of the way that our teams across the firm and indeed the whole of the legal profession have risen to the challenges of the pandemic. We all have an important part to play as we build back to get towards the new normal.

"I know the values we all hold so close of inclusion, equality, access to justice, and caring for the environment will be at the forefront of the way that we all work together as a team, and across the profession and with our clients, and with communities that we work with around the globe on the journey ahead."

The panel of judges recognised Matthew for overseeing "impressive efforts by Clifford Chance to improve its financial and diversity standing".  You can read more about the steps the firm is taking to improve diversity in our Responsible Business Report 2020.

The annual British Legal Awards celebrate the very best in the legal profession. Charlotte Madden, Senior Associate, Clifford Chance was recognised as a Rising Star in Private Equity, and Clifford Chance was also shortlisted with Akin Gump and Fieldfisher jointly for International Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team of the Year. This year the ceremony was held virtually on 19 November 2020.