When people refer to global law firms they generally mean Clifford Chance (CC) – the world's largest law firm, with an annual turnover of more than £1bn.

While other firms such as Baker & McKenzie have also spread out around the globe, CC is one of the few that can handle top-tier work through sizeable offices across Europe, the US and Asia.

This was not always the case. Its US operation has caused it headaches for a number of years following a stream of senior departures and disputes over pay. The problems even convinced the firm's managing partner at the time to relocate to New York. The firm also closed its operations on the US West Coast.