Blackmore

ADVOCATE Self-employed

What does a typical working day involve for you?

My law firm is fully remote and mobile, so one day I could be working out on site with a client dealing with data protection matters, or I could be sat at home drafting a document I need to lodge with court. Another day may see me presiding over a Mental Health Review Tribunal hearing deciding whether a patient should remain detained in hospital, I could be appearing in a hearing myself or I could be delivering training/presenting at a seminar. Running my own firm does unfortunately also mean that there is an on-going battle with admin…

How did you get your job?

Having initially trained and spent 11 years in the dispute resolution department of a large firm, I moved to a niche outfit in 2016. By 2019 I’d achieved the significant career milestones so decided that I needed a fresh challenge - I took the leap and set up as a sole practitioner. I have a great, loyal client base and I’m so pleased I took the plunge!

What motivates you in this role?

In my first year I received a ranking from the Legal 500 as a leading individual in the dispute resolution (regulatory and white collar crime) category for my information law practice. This truly validated my decision to fly solo. I love what I do and I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can just focus on my chosen areas of law. Because I’m immersed in them every day, I can pass the benefit of that onto my clients. My clients are everything; without them I have no practice. So, being the best I can be for them is what gets me going in the morning.

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role?

Lawyers tend to be resistant to change but we need to learn about and embrace technology. We must listen to our clients; how do they want us to operate? We need to work with them, as well as for them. (For example, if I’m working with a client on a new technology project, I ask them for a dummy account because how can I advise them if I don’t truly understand them?)

What are the three most important skills required for your role?

Aside from the obvious, you must be approachable and a good communicator. Your advice is only as good as the information you’re given, so you need to draw out the best from your clients and they need to trust and be receptive to what you’re saying to them. I’m also teased for constantly asking ‘why?’ but to get on in this line of work, you must be inquisitive.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession?

Seek work experience in a range of firms (big and small, local and international). You may have an idea of what area of law you want to work in, but until you’ve been exposed to it and know what it involves, you will never really know and the reality may be very different from your perception of it.

Tell us a fun fact

I love dancing and my leaving gift from a previous firm was a new pair of tap shoes.