I think my friends and family would agree that I have always been an “interpreter”.
When my younger brother was learning to talk, I would step in and help him. Then, when I started high school and began learning foreign languages, I realised that there was the potential to communicate with people all over the world, and I could help those who couldn’t understand that language too.
This led me to study a degree in Modern Languages (German and Spanish) with Business Management at The University of Birmingham, with a year abroad during my third year at The University of the Basque Country and The University of Freiburg. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my course. It was so varied – we would learn about history, politics, culture and social issues affecting the countries that spoke my chosen languages. It was like opening a giant doorway into the world.
However, on graduation, I considered how best to use my diverse skills and decided to pursue a career in commercial law. I completed the GDL and LPC courses at The University of Law, and was delighted to be offered a training contract with DLA Piper, a leading global business law firm.
On qualification with DLA Piper in 2017, I joined the firm’s Real Estate team in Manchester, and now work with a number of high profile landlords, tenants, funders and developers. What I love is that Real Estate is a fast paced industry with really tangible results. Property is a huge part of a locality’s DNA, and a part that has infinite potential to be developed and redeveloped as the society around it changes.
That’s why I’m so passionate about my Partnership Engagement role with the CREation property network (https://www.cre-ation.co.uk/) in Manchester, planning and hosting exciting networking and professional development events in the city, discussing hot topics and helping junior professionals to expand their personal networks. I also thoroughly enjoy my work as a mentor with Regeneration Brainery (https://regenerationbrainery.co.uk/), a brilliant initiative aiming to inspire young people to pursue a career in property.
Ultimately though, I’m still an “interpreter”, even if I’m not translating from one language to another. Instead, I interpret the law for our clients, breaking down the often complex legal provisions and practices into manageable and understandable concepts and solutions that align with their strategic aims.
A career in commercial law isn’t just about providing a strong service to commercial clients. I believe that knowledge really is power, and something we should share with those who need it most. That’s what led me to my additional role as a Pro Bono Coordinator, through which I run a mini-secondment programme with Hope for Justice (https://hopeforjustice.org/), a charity working to eliminate modern slavery and help victims of human trafficking all over the world, and a legal support service for The Prince’s Trust (https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/), providing legal advice to young entrepreneurs through the Trust’s “Enterprise” programme (https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/support-starting-business).
Outside of law and property, I’m a huge Wolverhampton Wanderers fan and attend matches whenever I can. At the time of writing, I’m really looking forward to my first trip to Wembley for our FA Cup semi-final match – up the Wolves!