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Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance
Rae Lindsay

Rae Lindsay

Partner

Partner
Rae Lindsay

Rae Lindsay specialises in international law, litigation, transnational regulation and risk management. She has a particular focus on business and human rights and other aspects of ESG law. Rae is co-head of the firm's Public International Law and Business and Human Rights practices, and is a member of the Firm's ESG Board.

Rae represents governments, international organisations and multinational corporations across a range of sectors. In the area of business and human rights she advises across the spectrum of issues that arise: from policies and their implementation, through risk assessment and management, due diligence, incorporation of human rights considerations into transactions and business relationships, investigations as well as dispute avoidance and resolution. She often advises clients in complex matters arising in high risk areas and conflict zones. Her work increasingly involves matters concerning the human rights impacts of climate change (and the intersections of environmental and social issues).

Rae is an Advisory Council member of the Institute for Human Rights and Business (and formerly co-Chair of Trustees). She acted as a trustee and director of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights until 2020. She is an Advisory Board member and former co-Chair of the International Bar Association Business and Human Rights Committee, and an Advisory Board member of the Business and Human Rights Journal. She also serves as an Advisory Board member for the New York City Bar Association Working Group on Business and Human Rights. She has also served as Treasurer of the British Branch of the International Law Association since 2007.

  • Advising clients engaged in litigation, non-judicial claims processes and investigations on matters alleging involvement in infringements of human rights, including in the context of environmental damage climate change impacts
  • Representing a multinational corporation in an investigation into a security incident that raise human rights, environmental, land use and community relations considerations, as well as the application of the corporation's sustainability policies and relationships under the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
  • Advising multiple clients on responsible sourcing policies and human rights due diligence frameworks across supply chains, including the development of supplier codes and contractual provisions informed by legal requirements (such as modern slavery legislation and new due diligence laws) as well as soft law standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

News and client work

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Contact details

Career and qualifications

  • University of Leicester (LLB) 1981
  • University of Toronto (LLM and MA) 1982
  • Admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales 1990
  • Admitted as an Attorney-at-Law to the Bars of California 1986, New York 2004, Washington DC 2002 and Alberta, Canada (non-practising) 1984
  • Partner since 1997

Professional bodies

  • Treasurer, British Branch of the International Law Association
  • Served as member of the International Law Association's Committee on Reparations for Victims of War
  • Served as a member of the International Law Association's Committee on the Accountability of International Organisation
  • Served as a member of the United Nations Environment Programme's Working Group of Experts on Environmental Damage resulting from Military Hostilities
  • Served on government-sponsored working groups of experts on sanctions (the Interlaken, Bonn-Berlin and Stockholm processes)

Awards and citations

  • Rae Lindsay stands out for her expertise in the area of business and human rights. She is routinely sought out by sovereigns states and multinationals, and is highly regarded for her sanctions work.
    Chambers Global 2020 – Public International Law
  • Respected lawyer Rae Lindsay is recognised among peers and clients for a long track record advising on sophisticated matters, often featuring human rights issues relating to sport. One interviewee remarks: "She is extremely knowledgeable in her field and deals with very complex commercial, personal and regulatory issues. She added nuance of understanding beyond the legal aspects.
    Chambers Global 2020 – Business & Human Rights Law
  • The "terrific" Rae Lindsay has an impressive reputation in public international law, and is noted for her expertise in the business and human rights space. She also advises institutions on issues of state immunity and sanctions. "She's extremely knowledgeable in her field and understands the international landscape very well," says one market source.
    Chambers UK 2020 – Public International Law
  • Band 1 Ranked Individual
    Chambers Global-wide – Business & Human Rights Law 2020
  • Band 1 Ranked Individual
    Chambers UK – Public International Law 2020
  • Hall of Fame 
    Legal 500 UK – Public International Law 2020