University: University of Leeds
Degree: Law
Year of qualification: 2024
Position: Associate
Department: Investment funds and private capital
Pronouns: She/her

How did you decide which firms to apply to?

When I was deciding which law firms to apply to, I drew a lot from my paralegal experience. I was lucky because I saw a range of different environments – from larger, more traditional setups to smaller, more agile teams. This exposure helped me to figure out what worked best for me personally and professionally.

I realised I thrive in fast-paced environments where decisions get made quickly and you’re encouraged to take on responsibility early on if you’ve demonstrated sufficient aptitude. I enjoyed working in smaller teams as you’re more directly involved, meaning you have much more client contact and can see the impact of your work. This led me towards applying to US firms – they tend to give you more autonomy to shape your own career path and you’re encouraged to take initiative and carve out the direction that works for you. For me, that mix of pace, close teamwork and career autonomy felt like the best cultural and professional fit.

What do you think made your application successful?

I think my application stood out because I clearly articulated why I wanted to be a lawyer at a US firm. My paralegal experience gave me direct exposure to different types of working environments, so I could draw on concrete examples of what I enjoyed and where I thrived.

I also made sure my commercial awareness wasn’t superficial – rather than passively scanning every news story, I followed the headlines that interested me. That meant spoke about issues with more depth and context, which helped me to come across as more authentic and engaged.

What’s one piece of feedback you received as a trainee that has stuck with you?

One piece of advice my supervisor gave me at the beginning of a new seat was, “don’t be a lazy lawyer”. It wasn’t about working endless hours – it was about mindset. The idea was that you shouldn’t just do exactly what’s asked and hand it back; you should think a step further, check your work and add something extra. That stuck with me because it reminded me the best lawyers aren’t just task doers, they’re problem solvers and trusted advisers who make life easier for their clients and teams.

Please outline your area of expertise. What might you do in a typical day?

As an associate at Paul Hastings, I work with fund managers, sponsors and investors to structure and establish funds in a way that balances commercial objectives with regulatory and tax considerations. Beyond formation, I continue to support clients through the fund’s operation, including capital raising, investor negotiations, ongoing governance and eventual restructuring or wind down.

A typical day is quite varied. I might be drafting or negotiating fund documentation, such as limited partnership agreements or side letters, or advising clients on regulatory and compliance requirements in different jurisdictions. I often liaise directly with clients to understand their commercial goals and help to anticipate issues before they arise. Some days are fast paced, involving investor calls, coordinating with overseas counsel and helping clients to manage tight fundraising timetables. At other times, I focus on longer-term advisory work, such as guiding clients through amendments to fund terms or preparing for a fund’s next vintage.

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

One of the biggest challenges is the intensity of the work – both the pace and the level of responsibility. Clients often have high expectations and tight deadlines, so you need to juggle competing priorities, while still producing work to an exceptional standard. There’s also the intellectual challenge. The law is constantly evolving and you’re expected to stay on top of changes, while tailoring advice to each client’s specific needs.

The rewarding aspects are often found on the other side of those challenges! The complexity means the work is stimulating and you’re always learning. It’s rewarding to build long-term relationships with clients and see how your advice directly helps them to achieve their objectives, whether that’s launching a new fund, closing a tricky investor or successfully navigating a complex regulatory/tax issue. There’s also a real sense of satisfaction in being part of a team that pulls together to deliver under pressure.

How involved are you with business development and promoting the firm?

I’m involved in business development and promoting Paul Hastings in a number of ways. On the recruitment side, I attend graduate fairs, take part in firm presentations for vacations schemes and open days, and mentor students who are thinking about a career in law.

On the client side, I attend conferences, client networking events and coffees, lunches or dinners with clients. These give me the chance to build stronger relationships with clients, help me to understand their priorities in more depth and demonstrate how we can support them beyond the immediate matter.

What skills/strengths do you need to be a successful solicitor?

Firstly, I’d say proactive because you can’t just sit back and wait to be told what to do. You need to think a step ahead and show you’re adding value. Being humble and respectful because law is a team game and you’ll get the most out of it if you’re willing to learn from everyone around you, no matter their level. Finally, resilience because the work can be tough at times, but being able to pick yourself up, stay positive and keep moving forward will help to carry you through.

Describe the firm in three words.

Collaborative, client-centred and driven.

What’s the biggest opportunity you’ve been given since joining the firm?

The biggest opportunity I’ve been given since joining Paul Hastings has been my current client secondment. I’ve been working with this client since I was a trainee in the team and was requested to fill the rolling secondment space – this was a real vote of confidence early in my career. Understanding how the client makes decisions, the pressures it faces and what the client values most from external counsel has been invaluable. The experience has deepened my commercial awareness and strengthened my relationship-building skills, and I look forward to bringing these insights back into my day-to-day work at Paul Hastings.

How is technology changing the way you work?

Technology is having a big impact on the way I work at Paul Hastings, particularly through advancements in AI. A lot of the more repetitive administrative and process-driven tasks, such as document review or first draft generation, can now be handled much more efficiently. This frees up time to focus on the more technical and interesting aspects of legal work, whether that’s analysing complex issues, tailoring advice for clients or developing my own expertise.

It also means I can spend more time on learning and building relationships – areas that really add long-term value to both my development and Paul Hastings’ client service. In many ways, technology is allowing lawyers to concentrate on the parts of the job that drew us to the profession in the first place.

What’s your signature dish?

My signature dish is one of the five classic Roman pastas – I’m trying to perfect them, but my carbonara is definitely the front-runner!