Senior lawyers at Clifford Chance could soon benefit from a bespoke mini MBA-style executive programme to educate them in the management of a professional service firm.

The magic circle firm has just launched a pilot course for its senior business support staff, in conjunction with the Clifford Chance Centre for the Study of Professional Service Firms at the Saïd Business School in Oxford.


Twenty senior managers drawn from a range of offices and teams within the firm globally, including human resources, IT and business development, have signed up to the pilot course that started last month. If after extensive evaluation the course is shown to be successful, it will be extended to include the firm’s senior lawyers next year.


The programme of study is based on an edited version of the Saïd MBA course, and covers the three areas considered to be the most relevant to the firm – strategic management, organisational behaviour and process management.


Each course lasts for three days and will be taught by faculty members from the Saïd Business School, including Dr Laura Empson, the centre’s director.


Dr Empson said: ‘People in law firms need and want training in management skills, but it is hard for them to take a year out to do a full MBA.’


She explained: ‘Those who complete the course will not receive any form of qualification or certificate, but will gain valuable learning and experience and will look in depth at a limited number of key subjects.’


Professor Tim Morris, programme director, said: ‘This programme will provide a valuable opportunity for the Clifford Chance participants to learn from the faculty at the centre, and to discuss broad business issues and strategic management.’

Clifford Chance global operating officer David Childs said: ‘We believe it is important for us to offer career and professional development opportunities to attract and retain the best quality people, and to encourage a broader firm-wide outlook and a common culture within the firm.’