Our people

Šimon Pavlas

Junior Lawyer, Real Estate
"The environment encouraged me to step up early, play an active role in important aspects of transactions, and learn directly from colleagues with different expertise."

I joined Clifford Chance Prague in 2021 as a paralegal while studying law at Charles University. Working at the firm alongside my studies gave me an early insight into how large international transactions are structured and executed in practice. I initially worked with the Banking & Finance team before moving to Real Estate, where I found the type of work that interests me the most.

During my studies I also spent time at the University of Melbourne and took part in an FDI moot court focused on investment arbitration. Experiences like these confirmed that I wanted to build my career in an international legal environment and work on complex cross-border matters.

After completing my studies, I transitioned to the role of Junior Lawyer in Real Estate practice. I now work on real estate transactions and related financing matters, supporting clients throughout the different stages of a deal, from due diligence and drafting to negotiations and signing.

What I particularly enjoy about transactional work is that it combines technical legal analysis with a strong commercial element. Real estate projects bring together lawyers, investors, banks and technical advisers, and it is rewarding to be part of the team that helps move a project from an idea to a completed transaction. It is even more satisfying to later see the buildings and projects you worked on actually taking shape in the city.

My advice

Be curious about different areas of law early on. What you learn in one practice often proves useful when you move to another. Every experience builds on the last, giving you a stronger understanding of transactions and a broader foundation for your career.

Life at Clifford

I enjoy the mix of structure and openness at Clifford Chance. While client work is challenging and requires focus, the firm fosters collaboration and teamwork, so you always have guidance and support while taking on real responsibilities. The environment encouraged me to step up early, play an active role in important aspects of transactions, and learn directly from colleagues with different expertise. I particularly enjoy how approachable everyone is. Whether discussing a complex clause, coordinating with advisers, or brainstorming solutions, there is always a sense of shared purpose. This combination of support, trust, and autonomy makes it both engaging and rewarding to contribute meaningfully to each deal.

 

The best thing about my job

I enjoy the variety and complexity of the work most, which keeps it intellectually stimulating and ensures that I am continuously learning. Every transaction is unique, involving different stakeholders and structures, and it’s particularly rewarding to see the tangible results of my work in the real world. Whether it’s walking through a commercial centre I helped acquire, visiting a shop for which I drafted the lease agreement, or seeing people move into apartments I helped finance, these moments make the work feel meaningful and highlight the direct impact legal advice can have. Being part of a team that navigates these challenges and brings deals to life makes every day exciting and motivating.

 

Culture and environment

The culture at Clifford Chance is collaborative and empowering. You are trusted to take ownership and lead significant aspects of transactions, gaining hands-on experience quickly. This level of responsibility allows you to develop practical skills, confidence, and commercial awareness in real-world situations. Colleagues are supportive and generous with their knowledge, creating an environment where you can take initiative while always having guidance when needed. Experiencing the full lifecycle of deals and seeing the impact of your work on actual projects makes the learning both tangible and rewarding.

 

Learning and key skills

Attention to detail, clear drafting, and understanding the commercial context are essential in my work. I especially enjoy the commercial side of what we do. It’s not just about applying the law correctly, but also about understanding the business, anticipating client needs, and structuring deals in a way that works commercially. Each transaction also requires careful analysis rather than simply relying on existing templates, as every deal presents its own legal and commercial questions. I’ve developed these skills through direct involvement in transactions, managing multiple priorities, and coordinating with various advisers. The work can be demanding and requires a high level of commitment, but guidance from experienced colleagues and seeing the practical impact of my work in real deals has truly shaped how I approach each transaction.

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