Joined: As an admin assistant in May 2017
Practice Area: Investment Management
Q. Why did you join Macfarlanes?
A. Prior to joining, I worked at a boutique law firm. When I decided to find a new job, I wanted to work for a City-based law firm with a good reputation. Additionally, I wanted to work for a firm that was small enough for me to be noticed and where I felt able to make a difference, but also a firm that was big enough to provide a wealth of opportunities to develop and progress. Macfarlanes was that company for me.
Q. What are your main responsibilities? Describe a typical day.
A. I started out as an admin assistant, but my role has since developed and now, as a paralegal, I am given some fee-earning work similar to a trainee. Our client matters usually have a trainee or a paralegal working on them as part of the team. I am trusted to email solicitors on the other side of deals. I send these to a supervisor first in order to build precedents, but ultimately I have the responsibility to press send.
My role first thing in the morning is to regularly check emails and update documents on the conditions precedent checklist. I also check the Companies House website for filings I have made and upload a workload report to let others in the team know what I’m working on. I am responsible for initiating team calls and meetings to discuss ongoing matters.
Q. What do you like about working for Macfarlanes?
A. The kind of work I am interested in is taken into consideration with work that is allocated. When I joined Macfarlanes, I was able to study three nights a week towards my law degree which I completed in 2020. Macfarlanes allowed me to work fixed hours during this period and take study leave when I needed to; everyone was extremely supportive and accommodating to ensure that I succeeded both in work and my studies.
Macfarlanes offers excellent training and the opportunity for progression within the firm. I feel trusted and I am given a large amount of responsibility.
I like the open door policy and the feeling of an inclusive culture, little things like the fact that firm-wide events also have non-alcoholic options, catering to everyone.
Q. What are your hopes/ambitions for the future?
A. In the short term, I am still enjoying learning about my practice area. In the medium term, I would like experience of other teams at the firm and in the longer term, I am aspiring to become a trainee solicitor.
Q. What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a legal career?
A. Take any opportunity that you can. Show enthusiasm and prove you are worth investing in. Build relationships with peers, they will be the ones to push you. You could also consider approaching associates after networking events to ask them to be your mentor.
I like the open door policy and the feeling of an inclusive culture, little things like the fact that firm-wide events also have non-alcoholic options, catering to everyone.