“I nearly became a professional massage therapist”

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

Attending a hearing on behalf of client for their alcohol/premises licence application. The client found the whole process confusing and was completely reliant on the legal advice and support. The licence was granted, the client was so pleased. I hadn’t quite realised how life changing the granting of the licence was for the client and his family until afterwards when they explained that the licence enabled them to have long term income for the family. It really felt like I’d made a difference through providing legal services, which is one of the reasons I first wanted to get in law.

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

While I was a student I trained to be a professional massage therapist and beautician for some much needed cash! Once I started to see that it could be quite a nice little business, my mind certainly drifted temporarily towards that space!  I soon gravitated back to my legal roots and continued to press ahead with my legal career and I am so glad I did!

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

In my mid-20s, I was once asked in an interview  where I would rate myself on a scale of 1-10. I was hoping for some contextual steer, for example, rating within my specialist area, my cultural values, anything to help the ‘how’ bit of how I should rate myself – no context was given. After a momentary silence, I asked for the question to be repeated to buy a few extra seconds and answered it by saying; “I believe I am around a 7 on a scale of being a good human and what I can reasonably achieve with the efforts I make, I wouldn’t go higher than a 7 as there is always room for improvement and growth”. It was tense to say the least, I must have done okay as I got the job!

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

Prepare to commit and focus on your career goals, self-development plans and invest time in yourself to do that. Go the extra mile to seek out and / or create opportunities for growth for yourself.  Have a support network and grow your professional network. Be the sponge – listen, watch and take it all in, even when you think something isn’t relevant – trust me it is, you just don’t it yet.

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

Jane Cosgrove, currently CPO at the Financial Ombudsman. Jane was a fantastic mentor, role model and coach to me in my early career. She was (and still is) straight talking with clear strategic direction in everything she does. Jane’s drive, determination and perseverance in particular always inspired me to never give up on ambition and aspirations.