University: Newcastle
Degree: University of Hull
Year of qualification: 2015
Position: Legal director
Department: Corporate M&A
Pronouns: She/her

What was the moment or experience that made law feel like the right career for you? 

I completed a work experience programme at a law firm when I was 16 and really enjoyed the pace of everything. At that age, you don't necessarily know what working life will be like, so it was a shock to the system – but in an exciting way! I then studied law at A level and never looked back.

What legal and non-legal work experience did you draw on in applications and interviews? 

I had a mixture of both, including part-time jobs throughout university. When you're completing applications, it's important to draw on your full skillset. Soft skills can be just as important as legal experience, so explain what you learnt from each experience and how it would make you a good lawyer. 

I worked in a restaurant, which was a fast-paced environment where I dealt with all sorts of people. The skills I developed were relevant to law, despite the different context. After completing the Legal Practice Course, I worked as a paralegal, which meant that when I was asked situational questions at interview I could draw on things I'd already done. 

Don't be afraid to take another role before securing a training contract. It can open doors and non-legal work experience can provide many of the skills you'll need as a lawyer. 

What did you change during the application process that made a tangible difference? 

I developed greater self-confidence. My first round of applications was unsuccessful but securing a paralegal role and seeing that someone else believed in me helped me realise I could do the job.

I also became more comfortable with the answers I gave about myself and the firms I was applying to. Commercial awareness is also vital. Reading the news and understanding the wider world remains as essential to me now as it was when I was applying. 

Which seats did you complete during your training contract, and did any surprise you? 

I completed seats in restructuring, private client, banking and corporate. Private client surprised me the most. I knew I'd enjoy the seat but didn't think it was something I'd want to do long term because it can be emotionally intense. The level of client contact was unmatched; this area involves very personal matters, including death and people's plans for everything they've worked to build. It taught me how to manage difficult conversations and emotions. Although it didn't change the area I wanted to qualify into, I learnt valuable skills that I’ve utilised throughout my career.

Go into every seat with an open mind because learning from a book isn't the same as doing the work. I’d always thought I'd become a litigator because I'd worked as a paralegal in that area and completed my first seat in it, but I ultimately qualified as a non-contentious lawyer. You might be surprised where you end up.

What does your practice area involve, and what might a typical day look like? 

I'm a corporate lawyer working in M&A. This involves overseeing purchases and sales of companies and businesses, bringing in investment, managing exits and providing day-to-day corporate support. 

No two days or transactions are the same. Although matters have similarities, you become completely immersed in working with different clients. As you become more senior, you take on a project management role. You work with the client, different departments across the firm and multiple lawyers on the other side. 

Plans can change quickly. I was recently pulled into an early call to discuss getting documents signed, so I had to adapt my plans for the day. The work is fast-paced with peaks and troughs. You must accept that some days will be harder than others and use quieter periods to recharge. 

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of life as a lawyer? 

The challenge is also part of the reward. You're constantly adapting to time pressures, the people involved and any issues that arise. You also can't control everything (and lawyers love having control!). A sudden announcement can change matters quickly. 

The most rewarding aspect is working with great people, both colleagues and clients. You get to collaborate with interesting companies doing important things and help them take their next step.

How involved are you in business development and promoting Gateley Legal? 

Business development is central to the role. There's a positive expectation that lawyers will put themselves forward, and Gateley provides the tools to help us promote the business. This includes networking events and programmes tailored to different levels. Gateley's Sparks programme is an initiative designed to help junior lawyers to build professional skills, and to start building their networks early. 

A newly qualified lawyer or trainee isn't expected to bring in multimillion-pound transactions, but relationships built now may pay off later. Regular coffees, events, awards and dinners all help build a reputation and a strong network. 

The firm also offers soft-skills training and encourages people to use the support they need. Business development doesn't come naturally to everyone, so starting early and meeting people at a similar level makes it less intimidating.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in law? 

Take every opportunity to get your foot in the door, whether that's work experience, vacation schemes, insight days, talks or careers fairs. Speak to people and reach out through LinkedIn, which has made it much easier to build connections.

Be aware that there's more to law than books. No opportunity is too big or small; you can learn from every experience. 

What part of the job do aspiring lawyers tend to underestimate? 

Aspiring lawyers can underestimate how collaborative the work is. On a fast-paced transaction, you're surrounded by great lawyers who all contribute to getting the deal across the line. There isn't a rigid hierarchy. If something needs doing, it gets done. 

At university, the focus is on your own results. When you join a firm, there's a real shift because you're working with and for many people. No transaction or litigation can be completed by one individual.

What is the work/life balance like at Gateley Legal? 

I work four days a week and Monday is my non-working day. I have two young children and have always been able to protect that day, with strong support from the firm. Work/life balance has peaks and troughs, and there’ll be pinch points as transactions approach completion, for example in corporate  around the end of the tax year or the announcement of a new budget, but that’s not the norm. There are regular discussions about capacity, workload and efficient working. 

I've found the firm to be flexible about my personal commitments. I tend to log off to collect my children and put them to bed, then log back on later if I need to. That lets me shape my work/life balance myself rather than having it dictated to me. 

Part-time working isn't unusual at the firm, including among senior colleagues. You can have both a career and a family, but you need to decide what balance works for you. 

What’s been the highlight of your month? 

I recently attended my first corporate team day. It was great to meet people I'd previously only spoken to online and to better understand what the department is doing. We also discussed upcoming work, technology changes and training programmes. It was really exciting to see the breadth of experience and activity across the department.

How is technology changing the way you work? 

Technology is changing both how we work and the questions clients ask.

AI is a major talking point in the legal sector. Technology is there to assist, not advise. It can support lawyers and clients, but it doesn't replace the lawyer's role in helping people understand an issue and providing advice. 

If its use is controlled and supervised, which the firm is committed to ensuring, I think it’ll bring positive change. It’s inevitable – so firms need to embrace it, rather than be left behind. 

What is your dream holiday destination? 

South Africa – to combine my love of wine and cricket! We had a trip planned, but covid-19 happened and then I became pregnant, so we'll have to wait a little longer!