07
Mar 2021
International Women’s Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day we wanted to showcase some of our brilliant female solicitors at Chadwick Lawrence. Sharing their advice, why they chose to work in the legal industry and what females have inspired them in their career.
Bhavna Patel – Partner & Team Leader, Home & Property
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
Because I wanted to see how fast I could turn grey..only joking! Growing up I always had a lot to say ad some things have not changed! I was curious, full of questions, very sociable and fairly impatient so always keen to see a change. The idea of taking the medicine route was quickly aborted as blood, needles and general gore were issues I could not overcome so I decided to pursue a career in law! Law is challenging and varied, and no two hours are the same let alone days. The idea of carrying out meaningful and satisfying work to help make a change in people’s lives with an end result is what appealed to me the most. It is the ambition to succeed with excellent career opportunities in a respected field of work and the opportunity to work alongside people both in and outside of law.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
I love working with people and it never feels lonely. There is instant gratification when you know you have helped somebody achieve their dream or resolve a problem that has been causing them sleepless nights. I enjoy working as part of a team and there is now a real commercial element to my work. Technological advancements have changed my field of work massively in the last few years and will continue to do so. I am passionate about the continuous learning and helping to develop those around me.
Who are your female role model/s?
Well I do not think there is any one in particular and I feel privileged to be flying the flag of a proud woman! We have so many successful women around the world paving the way for the younger girls and women with amazing achievements. I am in awe of women from Jane Austen to Mother Theresa to Michelle Obama to Katherine Johnson and young Greta Thunberg. They have shown they are fearless, strong, independent and have worked tirelessly to break down barriers. We can not only multi task but we can do it so well. I am proud to say I am a successful leader at work, a supportive wife, loving sister, daughter and most importantly a responsible and protective mother to my cubs!
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
Be ambitious, fearless and make sure you have passion in your chosen field as the drive will naturally follow. Be willing to embrace change, be flexible and keep the road open to continuous learning and meeting wonderful people along the journey.
Lauren Bullock – Solicitor, Medical Negligence
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
I’ve always been interested in the Law and I like to help people. My Dad was a Police Officer and I used to enjoy listening to his stories about work and who he’d met. Being a Solicitor means that I am involved in people’s lives; I meet so many different and interesting people who have been through something traumatic and I can help them to find some peace. I am fortunate that I get to work closely with clients and their families and can really make a difference. The thought of helping people has always appealed to me and is the main reason I became a Solicitor.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
I came across the field of Medical Negligence by accident; I hadn’t ever imagined specialising in this area. However, as soon as I spent time in the Medical Negligence team during my training, I knew I wanted to specialise in it. People contact us when something traumatic has happened to them or a loved one; I am privileged that I can help them. I can take away some of the stress, I can help them get the support they need, and I can make a real difference to clients and their families. Nothing else makes me feel as fortunate as I do when I help a client. I also deliver training to medics to help improve patient safety and I consider that to be an important part of my role; everyone loves the NHS and I want to ensure that it continues for years to come.
Who are your female role model/s?
I am lucky to be surrounded by kind, determined and strong women. I have worked with some of the best female solicitors specialising in Medical Negligence and they have been great role models. However, the people who push me everyday to be the best version of myself – whether that is in or outside of work – are my closest girlfriends. They are all driven, passionate about their careers, kind, loyal and fun. They encourage, support, and champion me and I look to up to them all. My Mum is also a wonderful role model; she has always taught me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to and she shows me what it is to be compassionate, understanding and kind.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
Work hard, surround yourself with people who will make you want to be the best version of yourself and be kind.
Ellie Hirst – Solicitor, Family Law and Wills and Probate
Why did you decide to become a solictor?
I decided to become a Solicitor because I wanted to become part of a respected profession and challenge myself with the nature of job in that everyday is different and you never stop learning with the developments in the law.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
I enjoy practicing private client law to support vulnerable clients in getting their affairs in order and ultimately assisting families through a difficult time in estate administration, which motivates me to provide an excellent service. I also enjoy the personable nature of the department and client interaction.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
My advice would be to work hard and be determined. Gain as much experience as possible, whether legal or otherwise and persevere through the volume of exams and assessments to reach your goal – it will be worth it in the end.
Heather Mackins – Conveyancer, Home and Property
Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
I love books, reading and academia so it made sense for me to study something like law when it came to choosing my degree!
What motivates you in your chosen field?
Nothing motivates me more than our team! We have such a good team ethic and friendship!
Who are your female role model/s?
My female role model is Junko Tabei who was the first women to climb Everest
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to become a lawyer?
Work hard to make a good reputation for yourself, and make yourself known within your field by putting yourself out there as much as possible and be confident!
Kirstin MacDonald – Solicitor, Home and Property
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
I come from a large military family, going back generations, everyone joined the Army. My father and all of his brothers (and two of his sisters I later found out) all joined the Army at 15 years old, my older cousins did the same. I was an Army brat growing up living in military bases, we travelled a lot. It was only when my dad retired after over 26 years of service, that one of my teachers asked what I wanted to do. I was toying with joining the armed Police. At the next parent’s evening, my teacher mentioned to my dad that his son had just qualified as a Barrister and that I should consider a career in the Law instead. That was what fueled the fire!
What motivates you in your chosen field?
This is a difficult question and the answer has changed over the years. I started my career in Criminal Law and Private Client and ended up in Conveyancing when I joined Chadwick Lawrence. It is fast paced and highly pressured but we get a lot of satisfaction in advising our clients in the journey to buying their property; whether it is a first time buyer’s dream home or an investment property.
Who are your female role model/s?
Growing up I cannot say that I had any female role models. It is not like it is today where we see and hear stories of inspiring women doing amazing things. In some respects, this spurred me on to be better in what is still a largely male dominated career. However I think it is important for young girls to see that anything is possible and this is what I instill in my two girls. Together we are inspired by pioneering women like Helen Sharman (first European women in Space), JK Rowling (a true rags to riches story) and Beatrix Potter (instrumental in preserving the Lake District for future generations and a true individual.)
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
Do your research and get as much work experience as possible in as many different roles in the legal world as possible. There are so many opportunities out there as a Solicitor and each require a slightly different set of skills and have a different working environment. Once you have a feel for what you enjoy doing, this will shape the steps you take in achieving your goal.
Susan Bateson – Solicitor, Wills and Probates
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
I was attracted to studying law and decided on this career plan after a careers review at school when I was 16 and I have never regretted or questioned that decision. Of the options for a career moving forward, I was always intent on being a solicitor. I was the first person in my family to go to university and my parents were very supportive in helping me achieve my career goals.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
I work in the area of Private Client, so a lot of my time is spent in helping people organise and manage their affairs for the their benefit and for the benefit of their families, as well as guiding them through difficult times when they have lost a loved one. I see our job as being there to help and guide our clients through these processes as efficiently as possible, whilst allowing them also to be involved in the process.
Who are your female role model/s?
This is a difficult question. At the time and in the era I started working there were not many females working in other than secretarial roles. When I worked at Lee & Priestley I had a good relationship with Andrea Dyer, who was a partner and head of the family team and we worked together to move the private client team forward, that I had been brought in to lead.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
The legal profession, and the structures of firms, have has changed enormously over the course of my career and continue to do so. When I started the aim was – qualify – work as an assistant- become an associate – become a partner. That is no longer a natural progression for many, as firms have adjusted the way that they work. You need to really enjoy and have an interest in the work in the area you have chosen to specialise and not all of them are equally lucrative, but you are a long time working, so job satisfaction is the key.
Kathryn Hunt – Solicitor, Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
When I was younger, I assumed I would go away to university and study history full time. I was going to leave firm decisions about my career until later on. However, the skills needed to be a lawyer fit well with my strengths at school and college and Chadwick Lawrence offered me a brilliant opportunity to work at the firm at the same time as undertaking training from the age of 18. Having experienced different areas of law and completed my law degree and other courses, I qualified as a solicitor when I was 24. I love my job – I’m so grateful to Chadwick Lawrence for all the training and support I have been given. I can’t believe I’ve been here for 10 years – roll on the future!
What motivates you in your chosen field?
It is really satisfying to help clients navigate through what can be testing times. I also love the team spirit at Chadwick Lawrence and being a part of something successful.
Who are your female role model/s?
I have worked and continue to work with some brilliant female colleagues at Chadwick Lawrence who I look up to and who have taught me lots.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to become a lawyer?
Study hard and don’t be afraid to ask for help. This career can offer such a sense of achievement and hard work really does pay off. Getting to the stage of qualification is not always easy, but it will be worth it in the end. Most importantly, enjoy it – this career provides you with an opportunity to use your skills to help others and my best memories are from times where team working has resulted in successful outcomes.
Zoe Allen – Trainee Legal Executive, Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Corporate Recovery
Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
When I was studying my A-levels at college, I chose to study law, which gave me my first insight into various aspects of the law. For me, the subject was immersive, varied and intellectually challenging and I knew I wouldn’t ever be bored if I pursued my legal interest further – many years on, I can say with certainty that I wasn’t wrong there!
I later obtained various work placements within the legal sector, including a mentorship placement with Chadwick Lawrence. All of these gave me an invaluable insight into understanding what it might be like to be a lawyer and I knew from these opportunities that it was the right fit for me.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
For me, and no doubt many others, my daily motivation is seeking to achieve the best result for our clients, who often come to us when they have exhausted all avenues and are likely to or have faced life-changing circumstances. It is therefore a huge privilege and motivation for me to pursue the best possible outcome for them. Making myself and those around me proud is also a big, but cheesy, motivating factor.
Who are your female role model/s?
Within my work, it’s very hard not to come across inspirational role models from all fields and professions, irrespective of gender. I think our profession only benefits and gets stronger by putting amazing and incredibly talented women at the core of what we do. For me, one of these women would be Asma Iqbal, a partner at Chadwick Lawrence who was my first, and continues to be, my female role model who has helped shape where I am today. Asma gave up her valuable time to mentor me whilst I was still attending college – her guidance, support and the faith she has shown in me will always be incredibly valuable to me.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to become a lawyer?
Remember that nothing happens overnight, the process required to become a lawyer can be daunting and frustrating at times, but it will help to shape you into a more resilient and driven person to then benefit you in a rewarding and challenging legal career.
I would also say to stay true to yourself, there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ to a career in law, so embrace your personal skill set and make it work for you, your colleagues and your clients.
Rochelle Newson – Solicitor, Wills & Probate
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
I’ve always been interested in the law and I always liked a well communicated argument as a young girl, the thought of performing advocacy in court excited me. I wanted to be a Solicitor for the client interaction as I am a people person and wanted to help people anyway I could.
Who are your female role model/s?
Dame Elizabeth Kathleen Lane, the first appointed female Judge in 1962 showcasing woman can do anything they put their mind to. Opening the door to females in the legal profession.
What advise would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
The profession is constantly growing in supporting inspiring young woman to become solicitors and diversity for woman is always growing. Be confident and be persistent.
Phoebe Gogarty – Trainee Solicitor, Employer/Employee Services
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
My interest in a legal career began when I studied an A Level in Law. I had two great teachers on this course who encouraged and helped me to achieve top marks in the subject and assisted me with applications to Universities. I chose a specialised MLAW (Exempting) Degree which incorporated the LPC course so that I could progress along the traditional route of qualification as a solicitor.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
I enjoy the fast-paced environment in the Employment Law Team and assisting clients with help and advice, particularly on the numerous recent changes in the law as a result of the pandemic which have significantly affected the employment sector.
Who are your female role model/s?
I have always been very independent (sometimes to the point of stubbornness!) but this I can attribute to my Auntie who I have always looked up to also for her resilience and determination.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
Persevere! Whilst the legal sector is a competitive area to progress in, don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the first training contract or CILEX programme you apply for with a law firm. It is equally important to focus your efforts into deciding which kind of firm you want to work for, and any Paralegal or Internship work is invaluable experience to get your foot in the door of the firm you want to build your career with.
Charlotte Ardron – Solicitor, Employer Services, Regulatory & Criminal Law
Why did you decide to become a solicitor?
I’ve always watched a lot of law related TV shows, which is probably where my interest came from. I decided to study law at college and the rest is history!
What motivates you in your chosen field?
Most of my work involves advising employers and employees who are experiencing an employment dispute, which can be a difficult and emotional time for them. It’s rewarding to be able to make that process a little easier for my clients and reach a resolution for them.
Who are your female role model/s?
I wouldn’t necessarily say role model, but somebody that came to mind is Kim Kardashian (hear me out!). She’s had a big influence on criminal justice reform in the US in the last few years and she’s also studying to be a lawyer. I admire her work ethic and the fact that she’s putting her social status to good use.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to be become a solicitor?
I think it’s fair to say that the legal profession was traditionally dominated by men but that’s no longer the case. It’s great to see so many of my female friends and colleagues having successful legal careers and there’s no reason why you can’t achieve the same success!
Sophie Clague – Solicitor, Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Corporate Recovery
Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
I didn’t decide to become a solicitor until I was doing my law degree. I chose to do a law degree as I knew that whatever career I did choose after university, that a law degree would open more doors than one of the more contemporary degrees. I also toyed with the idea of going down the barrister route for awhile, but the competition to secure a pupillage was much higher than for a solicitor to secure a training contract. That, and the self-employed status steered me towards the more stable solicitor route. Once I was studying law, I quickly realised that I loved the law. I found most of the subjects interesting, but I soon realised that each area of law was there to help people in one way or another. This was the driving factor for me – being able to help people.
What motivates you in your chosen field?
I work in general commercial litigation assisting both individuals, partnerships and companies.
One of the main motivators for me is what is at stake for the client and fighting for what is important to the client. Past cases have ranged from negotiating a settlement agreement with a high street bank on behalf of a client, to negotiating a settlement for the sale of a multi-million pound international company, representing clients in multi-party, complex litigation at trial and to advising clients about contracts.
Being able to help a client science their desired outcome out of a situation is also what motivates me. This could be monetary value or otherwise.
Who are your female role models?
I’ve found this question difficult to answer. This is not the first time I have been asked it either! Having read her book, I would definitely say Michelle Obama. Other than that, instead of having role models, as such, rather, I strive to be an ideal version of myself and what I want for future me.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to become a lawyer?
Go for it. It is hard work and a long slog, but worth it in the end. Don’t doubt yourself, and have confidence in your abilities. Work hard. Try to learn as much as possible, not just what you need to. Find an area of law you are passionate about.
Finally, whenever you’re in a meeting, or a fee Warner is discussing a case with you, start writing! It is astounding how much information you can miss and/or forget!
- Like this ? Share with friends