I’m an associate solicitor at Reed Smith in the structured finance team. I advise banks, hedge funds and other financial institutions on international financial transactions. I’ve been in this role for just over three years now.

What was your journey into law like?

It wasn’t straightforward. I completed a law degree but found it boring, so I went into recruitment and worked in that industry for nearly five years. Eventually, I realised I wanted more, so I looked into qualifying as a solicitor. I studied the legal practice course part-time whilst still working in recruitment, then applied for training contracts. Reed Smith stood out because it felt open, not elitist, and really valued my unique experiences. I got a training contract, trained for two years, and then qualified into structured finance.

Has your experience at Reed Smith matched your expectations?

Yeah, 100%. The things that attracted me to the firm—its culture, diversity of expertise, and pro bono work—are what have kept me here. I wanted a place where I wouldn’t feel like an outsider, and Reed Smith has been that. They also champion women in leadership and really encourage giving back.

Are there any initiatives at your firm that have really helped you?

The career development programmes have been a big one. They connect junior lawyers with senior partners who help open doors, introduce you to clients, and give you opportunities you wouldn’t get otherwise. It’s really helped me build my confidence and develop as a lawyer.

Has your background shaped your experience in law?

Definitely. I didn’t know any lawyers growing up, so I had no real insight into how to get into this world. At first, I placed limitations on myself, thinking people like me don’t work at big firms. But once I got here, I realised I could use my experience to help others coming up behind me.

Was there a moment that made you rethink your potential?

Yeah. When I was exploring a career in criminal law, I completed work experience at the Crown Prosecution Service. Someone there told me how underfunded it was and suggested I look into corporate law instead. Then I spoke to my husband, who’s always been my biggest cheerleader, and he was like, “The only thing standing in your way is you.” That really stuck with me. I started applying to firms I never thought I could get into, and here I am.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be so hard on yourself. I used to think my recruitment background wasn’t relevant, but actually, firms liked that I had different experiences. I’d also say don’t dwell on rejection—I used to delete rejection emails immediately so I wouldn’t carry that negativity forward. You just have to keep going.

Where does your passion for advocacy come from?

Growing up, I didn’t have knowledge of the corporate legal industry, so now I want to use my skills to help people who don’t  don’t have the financial means or access to legal assistance readily available to them. Reed Smith does a lot of pro bono work—everything from environmental law to criminal justice reform. One case that has stuck with me was helping a mother and her kids secure Leave to Remain in the UK. She told us we’d changed her life, and that made it all feel so worth it.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

I want to specialise more in humanitarian finance and ESG-related transactions. I also want to keep mentoring young lawyers and be the role model I didn’t have. Ultimately, I’d love to leave a legacy—something that outlives me, like a programme or initiative that I started.