patron news New Faces at Fountain House Well, not exactly ”new”, but certainly newsworthy!
Alex Copson
Elena Mitejko
Congratulations to former trainee Elena Mitejko, who has completed her training and is now a fully qualified solicitor. Elena was admitted as a solicitor on 4 June and will continue to work in the Family Law department, where she deals with all aspects family issues. The partners are particularly delighted that Elena has now qualified, as she started her training just as the first lockdown happened and it was a struggle for her to overcome the difficulties that lockdown presented. The partners are confident that Elena will show the same drive and perseverance in helping her clients deal with the challenges that they face. Elena has lived in a number of different countries around the world and is fluent in three languages. She is passionate about social justice and Womens’ Rights. For a time she worked as a volunteer intern in Vienna, focusing on domestic violence in Europe and Womens’ Rights generally. She is a keen runner and recently completed a half marathon in Richmond raising funds for charity. Those of our clients who have made wills recently are likely to have met Alex Copson, who joined us as a paralegal in September 2021. The partners are delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to enter into a training contract with the firm, starting in September. Alex will continue to work in the Wealth Management department until that time. Alex completed a Masters in Law at the University of Law in London before starting his paralegal role with us. Alex lives locally and is a former student at Kingston Grammar School. He has a wide range of interests, ranging from 20th Century history, acting as a volunteer at the Imperial War Museum and his local nursing home to travelling the globe with family and friends. Sadly, he has shown a lack of judgment in choosing to support Manchester United, but no one’s perfect!
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Bringing live performances to the riverside Over the first couple of weekends in July, the riverside had musicians performing as part of Fuse Festival (formerly IYAF), the amazing international multi-arts festival for young and emerging creative artists organised by @creativeyouthUK. There were over 50 events across film, music, theatre visual arts and more over ten days.
into Kingston whilst people struggle with the cost of living crisis and this is an approach we are keen to continue supporting. Keep watching the riverside as we will are planning more live music throughout the summer. photographer Yue Wang
Riverside Walk was at the heart of the event hosting live music from young and emerging artists on the roof of our 60ft narrow boat, The Seven Saxons, moored right outside our restaurants. These were very successful, with the music really complementing a vibrant and buzzing riverside and even the sunny weather turned up and played its part. All performances were free to the public. Free events are increasingly important to tempt people
Five pieces of advice I would give to my 16year old self
Love what you do There are a million careers out there and even more jobs. But if you really LOVE what you do, then that passion will lead to success and happiness. Interviews go two ways Remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Ask questions about the culture of the business, and really dig into the opportunity. Be willing to pivot I started as a carer. I worked on a ferry. I ended up in sales – banking, recruitment and now technology. That’s not a bad thing – sometimes transferable skills make you stand out.
Phil Hobden, Head of Digital, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting UK
Education is important but it’s also a choice University is the right journey for some. However, if you don’t get the grades or you are one of those people in life that does not flourish in an educational establishment, it doesn’t mean you won’t or can’t be successful. It just means you need to follow a different path.
As a leader with a few years’ experience in business, I’m often asked what tips I’d give to those starting their careers. Here are a few things I’ve learned:
Your difference is your strength I’m dyslexic. I talk about this openly and even have it on my LinkedIn profile! Why? Workplaces are now embracing neurodiversity, as they should, and are even actively looking to hire those who ‘see things in a different way.’
BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community
