Esther Cavett, Partner

Position: Partner, Capital Markets
Education: PhD in Music, King’s College London & Yale University; Lectureship in Music Theory, Oxford University; LPC, College of Law Chancery Lane
Qualified: 1992, Linklaters & Paines, London
Joined Clifford Chance: 1995
Joined the partnership: 2000

Having worked at the cutting edge of academic music I wanted to experience the same degree of innovation and thought leadership when I changed direction and took up law. Most of all I wanted to be around bright, invigorating people who would challenge me, and that’s what Clifford Chance gives me, every day.

I think one of the things that makes Clifford Chance different is how long we have been a diverse, international firm. We were among the first to establish a transatlantic partnership, and then to go completely global. That kind of ‘first-mover’ mentality is typical of the firm. An aspect of the firm I especially value is the way it allows you to develop a multi-stranded career. Even after 18 years I still get a buzz out of making sure clients are happy; however as well as being a full-time transactional partner specialising in capital markets trusts, I am a client relationship partner for one of the major clients of the firm and I sit on the firm’s Partnership Council, which monitors the management of the partnership.

The firm also assists me in supporting various pro bono ventures, including with the Royal Academy of Music and City Arts Trust and I’m on the firm’s London Art and Music Club Committees, which bring the Arts into the workplace, to enhance our working day. I’ve also been closely involved in the establishment of the Clifford Chance Foundation.