Chloë Edworthy

Chloë is a Partner in the Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations team where she focuses on international commercial and corporate disputes, with a focus on international arbitration. She joined the firm as a Trainee in 2011 and was seconded to a leading German firm in 2015, an experience which continues to influence her career. 

What makes litigation at Macfarlanes so distinctive?

Our approach is very much about being a trusted adviser to our clients which means you’re working hand in glove with them. I advise business owners, executives, legal teams and individuals from all sorts of industries and jurisdictions, in many different roles and capacities. Every matter is different, but ultimately, we’re applying a lot of brain power to the task of helping clients navigate difficult challenges. No problem is too big or too small; we’ll help them find a way through it. 

What role does international work play in your practice?

The majority of my work is international. That might surprise people, given that we’re a London-based firm with our only overseas office being in Brussels. But we’ve built strong working relationships with top-tier firms across the world, and I spend a lot of time nurturing those relationships. Macfarlanes supported me to undertake an outbound secondment to Stuttgart early in my career – and that secondment has shaped my whole practice. I now spend a lot of time fostering our relationships across Germany, Austria and Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe and further afield, and I travel regularly to keep those personal and professional connections strong.

What has helped you grow from Trainee to Partner here?

The firm is entrepreneurial. There’s very little bureaucracy, so if you are able to say, “I think this is worth doing,” the support is there. If you’ve built a reputation for being hardworking, collaborative and reliable, the firm will back you. It’s also a genuinely personable and respectful environment. People know each other as individuals, and everyone wants each other to succeed. That kind of environment has been invaluable.

What do you value about being at Macfarlanes?

I really value the work that the firm is doing around inclusion. The progress feels real and long-term – it isn’t about quick fixes or surface level changes. I'm really proud of some of the things that we’re doing, for example our partner diversity targets and broader action plan, and impactful social mobility programmes. Reverse mentoring is another brilliant scheme. This genuine commitment has contributed to why I’ve stayed and built my career here. 

What made you choose Macfarlanes at the start?

The interview process left a strong impression. I met Sebastian Prichard Jones, our current Senior Partner, and the conversation was fast-paced, funny and a bit irreverent. He took a genuine interest in how I thought, not just what I knew. As a non-law student at the time, that meant a lot. I remember how much that helped me feel a real sense of connection.