WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN CARBON LAW PARTNERS?

Having worked as both an employed and self-employed lawyer before joining Carbon I wanted a firm that allows me to grow my own team and in turn my business. Not many firms offer the perks that Carbon do with the scope to expand.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST DAY HERE?

I honestly could not have felt more welcome, from the shout out from Rebecca to the rest of the staff letting them know I was here to everyone checking in through the day. I was so lucky that another Partner, Natalie joined at the same time, so we were able to “buddy up” 3 months later we still check in with each other.

CAN YOU SHARE A HIGHLIGHT FROM YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH US?

Discovering all the wonderful bits the case management can do. It may sound really dull but when you are working remotely, anything that can make you more efficient and take away some admin is a massive bonus for me. I used to spend days just pressing buttons and praying I had not broken anything!

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE SUPPORT FROM YOUR TEAM AND OTHER COLLEAGUES?

I’ve probably never worked anywhere that makes you feel as part of a team as Carbon do. It’s not about the backend support (which has been brilliant) but for me it is about making those connections where we can cross check matters, have a bit of a natter, support each other if one person is dealing with something urgently so their matters still progress. Whilst we are all experienced lawyers, we all have our own individual strengths in transactions and if you can get a second view on a matter within 5 minutes of a phone call, it’s a win, win for everyone.

What are you most looking forward to being different now that you’re at Carbon?

I am now looking into employing my first team member, which for a previous one-man band is a great achievement. The set up at Carbon makes this possible & easy all being run under my own umbrella brand.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING A MOVE TO CARBON?

The move from employment to self-employment is a scary one. I would be growing a big nose if I said I had not had any sleepless nights over whether I was doing the right thing. I have been self-employed now for nearly 3 years and cannot imagine going back to a traditional set up.

It takes a different mind set to run a business. There is no finishing at 5pm, there is always something to do. Don’t take this as a negative, I have thoroughly enjoyed having to learn how to do books, social media, business risk management, reaching out to agents and making connections with brokers etc.

There is still plenty of downtime, and I love nothing more than my new 10am start.

There are so many firms offering consultancy style work now, really think about what you want, what fits for you? For me I wanted a firm that allows me to grow & that supports my vision. I wanted somewhere that I have 100% control over my matters, fees, and how I work.

Favourite Movie/tv show?

My parents are historians, so my default is anything historical. Dramas, plays and documentaries. If its old, it’s for me!

Is there a new Skill/hobby you would like to Pick Up?

I am very badly attempting to learn French. I spend about 10 hours a week and so far, have managed to cobble together that I am a cat. Which is progress from being a cow!

What do you do to de-stress?

Gardening. I am a total and utter gardening nerd. I have an illness that means I cannot eat food that is overly processed so have to make everything from scratch from stock powder to my own flour. I grow about 70% of the food we eat as a family, which takes up a massive amount of time. I run a blog on all things gardening & our village community garden. I love nothing more than watching my veggies grow at the allotment or sitting in the shed watching my husband, watch the veggies grow!

Name something you think is overrated and Why?

Fizzy pop! I absolutely hate it in all forms. Who wants a drink that makes your teeth feel squeaky!

If you could live in another country, where would you choose and why?

France. How could you not love the red wine, a freshly baked baguette and the CHEESE, All the cheese!

If you would like to work with Joanne, or find out more about her see: https://carbonlawpartners.com/team/joanne-bowmer/

If you are inspired by Joanne’s story and thinking about making a change yourself visit: https://carbonlawpartners.com/join-carbon/