Clifford Chance, a British Magic Circle firm, announced the re-election of Charles Adams as its global managing partner for a second four-year term beginning May 1, 2026.
Adams was first elected global managing partner in 2021, succeeding Matthew Layton in the role in May 2022.
Charles Adams commented that it is “a privilege to continue as Global Managing Partner. I would like to express my gratitude to our clients for the trust they have placed in us, to my partners and to everyone at Clifford Chance who has contributed to our continued success. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to lead our growth and delivering lasting value for our clients.”
Adrian Cartwright, Global Senior Partner at Clifford Chance, said, “Charles has successfully led our growth strategy, focusing on improving the client experience, attracting and retaining the best talent, and driving operational excellence. The firm values Charles’ continued leadership as we further strengthen our firm to address clients’ most complex cross-border needs, offering an integrated and collaborative global service.”
Steady revenue growth
During his first term, Charles Adams has contributed to steady revenue growth year after year, driven by expansion in the US and the Middle East. As of April 30, 2025, the firm reported revenues of £2.4 billion (€2.871 billion), representing 9% growth over the previous year. The partnership’s profit stood at £944 million, up 11%, while profit per equity partner (PEP) reached £2.11 million.
The firm also continued to make significant investments in improving its technology platform, including artificial intelligence and related skills, and in its facilities, including office relocations in New York and Houston.
