Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance appoints new Executive Partner and General Counsel

Leading international law firm, Clifford Chance has appointed Robin Abraham as its next Executive Partner and General Counsel, succeeding Chris Perrin who has held the position since 2003. Robin will formally take up his new role on 1 May 2021, and is already working closely with Chris to ensure a smooth transition.

Matthew Layton, Clifford Chance Global Managing Partner commented, "Chris has made a tremendous contribution to the firm and to the industry, particularly over the past 17 years in this role.  During that time, he has established what is widely regarded as the leading General Counsel and risk and compliance function in the legal sector, setting the standard for the professionalisation of fundamental elements of modern law firm leadership and management.  Over the past two decades, the global legal and regulatory environment has become increasingly complex and demanding, as have the expectations of our stakeholders – including our clients and our people.  To this challenging context, Chris has brought immense energy, dedication and judgement. He is a hugely valued colleague and will be greatly missed by many of us across the firm."

Chris was the first General Counsel to be appointed in a UK law firm.  During his tenure, Chris established Clifford Chance's multinational clearance centre and associated processes and developed the firm's Risk and Compliance function, now led by Bahare Heywood, believed to be the sector's first Chief Risk and Compliance Officer. Chris also played a prominent role in advancing standards and more effective regulation of the industry, chairing the committee which reformed the profession's approach to conflicts (2000-2006) and leading the campaign for better regulation of City firms, which resulted in the Smedley Report (2008/2009). Chris was the first Chair of the City of London Law Society's Professional Rules and Regulation Committee (2007-2013), a group which worked closely with the SRA to shape its focus when it was first created.  Before taking on his role as General Counsel, Chris led Clifford Chance's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and was a member of the team that negotiated the firm's transformative 2000 mergers.

Chris will continue to provide senior level consultancy support to the firm on its insurance arrangements.

Robin has been a partner at Clifford Chance since 2005, spending over 16 years in the Middle East including some five years as the Middle East Regional Managing Partner. As well as playing a critical role in developing the firm's practice in the region, he has continued to advise on a wide range of top tier multinational client work.  Matthew added, "With his strong internal network across the global firm, his perspective from leading a complex region, and his deep understanding of our clients and their needs, Robin is extremely well placed to step into Chris' shoes.  I look forward to working with him."