Clifford Chance renews global leadership: Charles Adams confirmed through 2030

Clifford Chance has confirmed Charles Adams (PICTURED) as global managing partner, extending his mandate for a second four-year term running from 1 May 2026 to May 2030.

Based in Milan, Adams was first elected in 2021 and, according to the firm, stood for re-election unopposed. A long-standing partner in the banking and finance practice, he joined Clifford Chance in 1992 and has built his career across several of the firm’s international offices. After starting in Rome in 1994, he moved to Milan in 1999, where he was promoted to partner the following year.

His leadership trajectory subsequently saw him take on the helm of the Italian practice and, from 2018, the role of managing partner for Continental Europe. In 2021, Adams was selected as successor to Matthew Layton as global managing partner, formally assuming the position in May 2022. He will continue to serve in tandem with global senior partner Adrian Cartwright.

During his tenure, Adams has overseen a number of key strategic initiatives, including the opening of the firm’s third US office in Houston, the milestone of surpassing £2 billion in global revenues, and a recent firm-wide brand refresh.

Looking ahead, Adams is leading the development of a new four-year growth strategy built around the “one firm” model. The strategy focuses on targeted expansion aligned with the needs of the firm’s core clients, with particular emphasis on further strengthening Clifford Chance’s presence in the United States.

Commenting on the re-election, Adrian Cartwright highlighted Adams’ role in successfully driving the firm’s growth strategy, with a strong focus on client experience, the ability to attract and retain top-tier talent, and operational excellence. According to Cartwright, this approach positions Clifford Chance to further strengthen its offering in response to the increasingly complex cross-border needs of its global client base.