A distinguished career and a great ambassador for the market

Throughout his long career in private practice, Stuart Popham has had a considerable impact on both Clifford Chance and the profession in general. Having qualified in 1978, he became a partner at CC in 1984 and quickly established himself as one of the finest finance lawyers in the City. As Clifford Chance confirmed its position as one of the leading banking firms in the UK and around the world, Popham took on a number of positions of responsibility. Between 1992 and 1995 he headed the London finance and securities group and then served as global head of the finance practice between 1999 and 2002. In 2003 Popham took over as senior partner and helped oversee a period of considerable progress for the Magic Circle firm.

As head of the UK’s largest firm Popham also became a regular fixture on government delegations overseas, often as the sole representative of the legal profession. His charismatic demeanour made him perfectly suited to the role. He handed over as senior partner to fellow finance specialist Malcolm Sweeting on 1 January 2011 after eight years in the top role having received numerous plaudits from the market.