The ‘utterly brilliant and indispensable’ public international law team at Clifford Chance LLP has notable strength advising on treaty negotiation, climate change, and sovereign immunity matters. The ’extremely knowledgeable’ Jessica Gladstone heads up the practice and stands out for her extensive experience advising on both contentious and non-contentious public international law matters, including human rights, international trade, and investor treaty issues. Rae Lindsay’s practice focuses on business and human rights issues, including international humanitarian and criminal law work. Other key individuals include Anna Kirkpatrick and Carla Lewis, who assist on human rights and governance matters and international arbitration, respectively. Audley Sheppard KC left the firm in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They have been, in short, utterly brilliant and indispensable.’
‘Jessica Gladstone has gone to great lengths to provide us with an incredible range of support. I have found Jessica’s work on international law to be so helpful.’
‘First-class team which is well connected to all the major stakeholders in the market including counsel, academics, and institutions.’
‘Jessica Gladstone is the standout name in Public International Law. Jessica is extremely knowledgeable in her field, a true expert. No situation or challenge ever phases Jessica Gladstone.’
‘Excellent firm for the most serious matters.’
‘Excellent and rapid grasp of complexity; clear advice and feedback. Ease of execution.’
‘Working directly with Jessica Gladstone. Doesn't get any better.’
'The team is well resourced and quality and availability of senior and junior associates is very high.'
'Clifford Chance have a breadth and depth of experience in international litigation that is hard to match. They have a particularly strong expertise in inter-state litigation, and know how to deal with the particular challenges that dealing with state parties (and government officials at the very highest level) can offer.'
'Jessica Gladstone is outstanding, being sensitive to her client's concerns (including issues beyond strictly legal concerns), while steely in dealing with the other side in the case. She keeps her client's confidence at all times.'
Key clients
- Shell Plc
- Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd
- United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade ("DBT")
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Anna Kirkpatrick
Carla Lewis
Practice head
Jessica Gladstone
Other key lawyers
Rae Lindsay; Anna Kirkpatrick; Carla Lewis