University: Cardiff University
Degree: LLB
Year of qualification: 2017
Position: Partner
Department: Corporate
Pronouns: He/him

What attracted you to a career in law?

I first considered a legal career while at school. I liked the idea of developing a skillset that combined analysis, problem solving and communication: understanding the legal framework, applying it in a practical way and helping clients navigate complex issues. When I chose to study law at university, it felt like a strong foundation that would keep my career options open. As it turned out, I really enjoyed my law degree and haven’t looked back since!

Why solicitor not barrister?

I undertook a mini-pupillage while at university. Although I valued the experience, I was more drawn to the non-contentious and transactional areas of law. I also enjoyed the idea of working as part of a team rather than as an independent practitioner, which is more typical of a barrister. Having said that, shadowing a barrister was a great experience and I’d encourage students to have an open mind and explore both career paths, even if they do have a preference for one or the other.

Looking back, what responsibilities or decisions best prepared you for partnership?

As an associate, it can be easy to fall into the ‘reactive’ mindset – waiting to receive instructions from the senior lawyer on a matter. Looking back, one of the things that prepared me for partnership was learning to take real ownership of my workstream and, over time, of transactions more generally. Supervision from the senior lawyer is essential, but developing the confidence to take initiative, anticipate issues and help drive a transaction forward is a really important aspect of progression.

In corporate/M&A work, that also means thinking beyond the legal drafting. You need to understand the client’s commercial objectives, manage workstreams and deadlines, coordinate input from specialist teams, and help keep momentum on a deal. Taking on those responsibilities, while still knowing when to escalate points or seek guidance, was a key part of preparing for the wider responsibilities of partnership.

Please can you outline your area of expertise? Walk us through a recent day or morning at work and what you worked on.

I specialise in M&A, private equity, venture capital investments, group reorganisations and general company law matters, acting on both domestic and cross-border transactions. I have a particular focus on the technology, insurance and sports sectors, while also advising clients across a wide range of other industries on corporate transactions and advisory matters.

A recent day started with a coffee with one of the junior associates, as part of our regular catch-ups to discuss their current work, capacity and the types of matters they’re hoping to gain more experience in. Those conversations are a useful way to ensure junior lawyers are supported, while also identifying opportunities for them to develop.

Later that morning, I joined a client’s board meeting to provide real-time advice to the senior management team on planned changes to the group structure. That was followed by a call with the associate who’d attended the meeting so that we could draw up a plan for the action points arising from that discussion.

During the afternoon, I reviewed the other side’s mark-up of a share purchase agreement and prepared an initial issues list for the client ahead of a call later in the week. I also joined a call with a junior associate and trainee to discuss our initial review of a virtual data room on a transaction in which we’re advising the buyer.

I finished the day with the usual mix of emails, follow-ups and planning for the following morning.

What do you most/least enjoy about your career and why?

I really enjoy advising on M&A deals across a range of sectors. Advising a client on a sale or purchase often involves spending time speaking to senior management and reviewing relevant documents to understand how the business operates and identify its key value drivers. No two clients are the same and it’s a great challenge to understand how a business operates, identify risks or diligence gaps, and find solutions to potential issues. You could be advising on the sale of a technology company one week and then advising the buyer of a luxury chocolate company the next. Working in corporate law inevitably leads to longer hours at certain points, but transactions tend to ebb and flow, meaning you can still find a work/life balance.

What makes your firm stand out from the rest?

The firm has a fantastic culture that’s very collaborative and supportive. It genuinely prioritises staff wellbeing and, as someone with young children, it makes a big difference working somewhere that provides that level of understanding and support. The office underwent a full refurbishment in 2023 and is a great place to work and socialise with colleagues (including the occasional game of table football or table tennis!).

How is technology changing the way you work?

Technology has been central to the way lawyers work for many years but recent advances in AI are having a significant impact on how we use it. For example, AI tools can assist with tasks such as research, document review, due diligence and drafting, helping us work more efficiently and improve the services we provide. As my career has developed, I’ve become increasingly interested in how technology can be used to improve the way we work and enhance the services we provide to clients.

Used well, AI can help us work more efficiently, freeing up time to focus on the areas where corporate lawyers can add the most value – strategic judgement, commercial advice, negotiation and understanding the client’s objectives.

However, technology is a tool rather than a replacement for legal judgement. The important point is to use it thoughtfully and responsibly, with proper supervision and quality control. For me, the real opportunity lies in combining technology with strong legal and commercial judgement to deliver better outcomes for clients.

What advice do you have for budding solicitors who are contemplating a career in law?

My advice would be to gain work experience in a legal setting at an early stage. Studying the theory is important but, in terms of deciding on a future career and whether a job as a solicitor is right for you, work experience is a great way to assess whether it feels like the right choice. It also helps to show prospective employers that you’re taking initiative and have a genuine interest in law. 

What’s your desert island disc?

If I had to pick, I’d go for ‘A Bad Dream’ by Keane. I attended a Keane concert during university and when I hear that song and other Keane classics, it takes me back to my salad days!