Logged In With…Catherine Hughes of BCL Legal

CATHERINE Hughes is a managing consultant at BCL Legal in Leeds.

She manages permanent and temporary recruitment for private practice legal firms across Yorkshire and the North East.

Describe yourself in a Tweet

I’d like to think I’m loyal- both personally and professionally, and I’m supportive both as a manager and as a friend.

What are your career highlights?

I became a manager at 24 years old which is quite a young age in any industry so that was a great milestone for me. Since then I’ve achieved top performer status both as a consultant and as part of the wider office team. This kind of recognition is really important as it motivates me and my colleagues but it also reassures my clients that I can deliver for them.

What’s on your iPod?

If I have to admit to it… I’m having a bit of an 80’s revival. So, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and The Human League have all been on my shuffle setting. Although I shouldn’t really say that out loud!

What has been your favourite/worst job?

My favourite job has to be BCL Legal of course! I like the challenges it presents, I won’t stop until I reach the very top of my game. The worst job? Is it ok to say there hasn’t really been one? I think you learn something from every experience, whether it’s positive or negative.

Which public figure do you admire most and why?

I read a lot and my inspirational figures would be women in literature. Virginia Woolf for her risqué yet clear support of female emancipation and JK Rowling who had an idea that has captured the world’s imagination.

Are you worth what you’re paid? Why?

I’d like to think so! I have a good work ethic and I want to achieve the best results possible so I put the hours in. In recruitment, you’re judged by your clients every step of the way so you have to be fully committed. There are also a lot of out of hours meetings, interviews and events to attend which are integral to what we do. I would never think about turning my mobile off at 6pm. That kind of inflexibility just wouldn’t be an option.

What has been your biggest business mistake/achievement?

I have to say that my biggest achievement is not actually work related. I swam for Wales and I was a Welsh champion at 17. I trained four hours a day and was in the pool at 5am every morning throughout my teens. I know that discipline and hard work gave me a platform for my later working life. I’m happy to say that I haven’t actually made any business mistakes yet but give me time! However, my obsession with detail will – fingers crossed – get me through unscathed!

What is your pet peeve both in and out of work?

Time-keeping 100%. I am a stickler for good time-keeping and I have zero tolerance for being late, both in and out of work.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

I can’t really pin point one person but I am constantly inspired by many of the senior female lawyers who I work with. Their ability to juggle family life along with highly pressured careers is a real motivator.

What do you enjoy most and least about your role?

I enjoy the satisfaction of being able to assist in securing that dream job for someone and hopefully having some input into shaping their career. However, it can be a rollercoaster when you deal with people so anything can and does happen…. on a daily basis. The high’s a great, but the disappointments can be low.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I’ve always been interested in writing, so I think if I had the time and the patience this is what I would do. I have a creative side which I don’t think I’ve truly harnessed but this is something for the future.

For now, I’m fortunate as I’m too busy to think about doing anything else….. and this is a good indicator that confidence is well on its way to being restored.

I think there’s exciting things on the way for the Yorkshire legal market.