[OLD] Position: Senior Associate, Real Estate
Education: Law, University of Manchester; LPC, Nottingham Law School
Joined Clifford Chance: 2004
Seconded to Clifford Chance Amsterdam for six months: 2005
Qualified into Real Estate Finance: 2006
Seconded to Morgan Stanley for six months: 2009
Promoted to Senior Associate: 2010

A lot of people think of the law as a confrontational process with two sides battling it out. That’s not how I view it at all. What we are usually doing is working with several parties to find a way of doing something that satisfies every party’s interests. Transactional law is not about scoring points but instead about working together to realise a mutual set of goals.

The firm provides the opportunity to work on interesting and groundbreaking work which often ends up in the news.  During my time here I have been able to work on the financing and development of many key buildings around Europe, including the development of the new grandstand at Ascot.

The firm’s international network is also an important part of its appeal. It’s very easy to plug into expert advice from virtually any jurisdiction and our clients view this ability as invaluable.

I knew that I wanted to do a seat abroad and the reality here is pretty much that if you want to go overseas then you will. I did a secondment in our Amsterdam office and had an excellent experience. That was certainly a highlight of my training contract but I had many others. During my property litigation seat I went to The Royal Courts of Justice and instructed the barrister in a conference relating to a major piece of litigation. It was very nerve-wracking but a great experience.

Why am I still here? I think that I work in the best real estate finance department in London. The quality of work is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed. We socialise and have fun, go for drinks after work. I genuinely think it’s a great place to be.