Statement of Nicola Rubbert

MANIFESTO: THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER

Statement of Nicola Rubbert

With an ever-changing legal landscape, regulatory developments and an uncertain economic time ahead, support for solicitors has never been more essential. Every lawyer should feel supported in the same way they work hard to support their clients, their firms, their companies and the industries they are involved with. Ensuring we all feel supported by The Law Society so that we can all enjoy the viable and prosperous career we set out to achieve, which in turn leads to better talent retention, is paramount. The promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion within our profession to ensure that everyone has their voice heard and is afforded an equal opportunity to thrive is essential. I believe there is scope for engagement between The Law Society and its members to be greatly improved so that every solicitor feels more informed about what The Law Society does; how it operates; and is given the opportunity to have their opinions aired.

I personally first felt truly part of the legal community in London when I became a member of the London Young Lawyers Group as a Trainee Solicitor. I found the network and informal support so useful in navigating my way through the initial stages of my legal career. I relished the opportunity to meet so many fledgling and established lawyers. I was delighted to join the committee and later elected Chair of the organisation as it was a fantastic way to give back. Our work has helped lawyers feel connected with other lawyers through the hosting of so many different events with networking opportunities; enabled lawyers to stay up to date with changes to the law with the provision of seminars; and additional support to aspiring solicitors has been given via a mentor scheme.

I currently Chair Westminster & Holborn Law Society’s Education & Training Committee. I was drawn to becoming involved with Westminster & Holborn Law Society (WHLS) as it is another organisation that really cares about its members. Those involved in running the Society and on its committees work hard to put on lots of interesting events and provide added value to the legal community in a number of ways, including a brilliant magazine. As a result our members are able to meet other lawyers, keep up to date with their area(s) of law, stay abreast of changes to the profession, career development opportunities and more, all in an enjoyable way. It was a natural next step for me to become involved with WHLS as it is open to lawyers at all levels which has enabled me to broaden my understanding of the issues that impact those at the junior end through to those at Partner/ General Counsel level and everyone in between. It has also enabled me to meet lawyers in the local area. Being able to hear the stories of so many different individuals and find out what they love about their jobs as well as their concerns in our everchanging profession is incredibly illuminating. I can’t imagine a time when I won’t want to be immersed in the wider professional community in order to continue meeting other lawyers.

I am seeking to be elected as a Council Member for the constituency of the City of Westminster because I want the opportunity to represent solicitors in our constituency at The Law Society. I will embrace the challenge of representing all solicitors within the unique City of Westminster constituency, which includes those working in various types of law firms representing clients locally, nationally and internationally, made up of various sizes and structures; those working for Government; Legal Aid lawyers representing those most in need; and the vast amount of in-house lawyers working in various industries including entertainment, arts, science, technology, retail and transport to name a few.

I have 7 years PQE and currently work in-house for one of the big West End theatre companies, Nimax Theatres. I have previously worked in private practice including a stint as a Partner specialising in commercial and employment law and also as a Legal Aid housing lawyer. My unique experience has enabled me to sample lawyer life in a variety of practices and has further given me a rounded perspective of our profession. Whether I’ve been stopping evictions, settling discrimination claims, helping international companies expand in the UK or ensuring productions will appear on a West End stage, I have always remained interested in the profession as a whole and its direction.

I am someone that cares a lot about the legal community and finds it incredibly valuable listening to other lawyers in order to understand current concerns as well as triumphs. I am approachable and open to hearing from every one of you about any issue you would like me to advocate on your behalf which matters to you. I hope that I can bring my dedication to the profession and the legal community, my positive energy and enthusiasm, as well as my experience from other voluntary roles to this position. Thank you for reading this and please do take the time to cast your vote. ■