“I chose a career in law over a career in TV”

What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?

My first week at Taylor Wessing when I was asked to attend the trial of Conor Medsystems Inc v Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc to be a witness bowler for the witnesses giving evidence on behalf of our client, Angiotech. A quite tedious but important task of sitting next to the witness in the box at the RCJ and turning each page of the trial bundle as they give their evidence. It was fascinating to sit through such a high profile High Court patent trial so soon into my training contract and I knew from that point on that I wanted to become a litigator!

Tell us about a sliding doors moment when your career could have gone in an entirely different direction?

After I finished university, I found myself choosing between a career in law or a career in TV. While applying for training contracts, I also applied to study a post-graduate course in broadcasting and had a stint at being a “runner” as part of unpaid work experience. In the end though, a career in law prevailed and I decided to swap running for coffees in a TV studio with making the coffees in a law firm meeting room instead!

What’s the hardest question you’ve ever been asked at interview, and how did you answer?

I was once asked that much loved question of “where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” and aside from not having a crystal ball, I found it a tricky question. I was ambitious but equally needed to be realistic and manage expectations, as I was committing to building a practice form scratch and I knew it was going to take time.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?

I’ve received lots of good advice over the years but one piece that I often pass on to those coming up the ranks now, is that you must take ownership of your career. No-one will care as much about your career as you and so you need to drive it forward with energy, passion and diligence. If you are highly focussed on building the career development blocks needed to succeed, then you will get there!

Tell us about ONE former colleague who you miss, and why? (It doesn’t have to be a lawyer)

Richard Marsh, who spent over 40 years at Taylor Wessing and retired in 2021. Richard held a number of leadership positions during his time at the firm including head of commercial disputes. I worked with Richard on a number of complex and high-profile cases when I was an associate and enjoyed every (well – almost!) minute of it. Richard was not only a supervisor but also a mentor and friend.  He taught me the art of exceptional client service as well as the importance of having a sense of humour and being friendly to everyone. Being a litigator can be extremely pressured at times and it is important that teams support each other.

One of my favourite memories of working with Richard is when I arrived back at my desk in the morning after having worked very long hours preparing for an injunction application to find a post-it note on my desk which said “Thank you Katie for all of your hard work. You have been heroic!”. I still have the post-it note.