East Midlands lawyers need to “forge their future”

(L-R) Gabor Taller, Antonia Gardner, Stewart Vandermark, Victoria Garrad, Shruti Trivedia and Situl Bains

Around 50 East Midlands legal professionals gathered at Bar Esca recently to debate the future of partnership at law firms, in an event sponsored by Bygott Biggs and Handelsbanken.

Introducing the event, Jane Biggs, managing director of Bygott Biggs, said: “The team at Bygott Biggs are hearing from lawyers on a daily basis and while, for many of you, partnership remains the Holy Grail it is clear that the legal landscape is changing and there is a shift in thinking with regards to career development.”

The main themes of the evening soon emerged. Gabor Taller, partner at Browne Jacobson outlined two keys words: momentum and alignment.

He added: “Lawyers must align with their passion and remember why they wanted to pursue this career in the first place.

“If you’re working for a switched-on company, a way to achieve your career goals can be found; law is a people business at the end of the day, after all. I’d urge young lawyers to find a firm that values its people. Life can be woven into work – it’s all about having a grown-up discussion.”

Antonia Gardner of Gunnercooke extolled the virtues of flexible working. She added: “Don’t look down or straight ahead, look up and around you and find out what works for you and your life. Be the master of your destiny.

“The legal market is more than capable of absorbing an offering every career option and way of life, from traditional to more unconventional. You need to know yourself as a person.”

Gardner said that there is an increasing conscious desire to not go for partnership, and that work/life balance is increasingly important.

She added: “Flexible working and not being chained to the desk is more important than ticking off the hours.”

Jane Biggs addressing the audience

For Stewart Vandermark, the chief executive of Nelsons Solictors, keeping a clear head is important. He said: “Passion is key. Work out why you wanted a career in law and keep focused and concentrated on that.”

Victoria Garrad moved from being head of employment at Gateley to the firm’s group HR director. Her advice to those looking to do the same was: “Be confident in what you want but equally, don’t be afraid to readjust.”

Shruti Trivedi of Roythornes said that flexibility was key. She warned: “You don’t have to be too rigid on the idea of where you are going, don’t get boxed in to expectations.

Going into industry shouldn’t be daunting, according to Situl Bains who is the global in-house counsel of student fulfilment firm UNiDAYS. She said: “Know that there are alternatives and don’t be afraid of the unknown. There is now less stigma about deciding against aiming for partner status.”

At the end of a lively debate, Jane Biggs summed up by saying: “Young lawyers should take control. Don’t expect things to happen – go ahead and forge your future.”

 

 

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