WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN CARBON LAW PARTNERS?

The mission “to create and develop the conditions for exceptional people to flourish” was a no brainer for me. Just be you, it will attract and repel all the right people and things.

The recruitment process was slick and exciting, you need to live and breathe the 7 qualities, Client Obsession, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Deliver Results, Collaborate and Earn Trust, Commercial Acumen, Insist on the Highest Standards and Passion for Learning. They don’t just partner with anyone…I liked the clear vision and mission statement and the authentic down to earth approach from the CEO Michael Burne (“dubbed the rebel with a cause”).

Carbon law partners came highly recommended by quite a few people on linked in. When I spoke with Liz Smith and Michael Burne, I knew I had found my home. Freedom within a framework at last. A place to grow my own business within the support framework of a larger entity.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST DAY HERE?

Exciting, nerve-wracking fun. Everyone was so welcoming and reached out to introduce themselves. The onboarding was out of this world and the support from the practice management team and accounts team really stood out to me. I have never seen computer gremlins dealt with so swiftly! The support is there for as much or as little as you need. Rebecca Oxley and Jen Phillips are fantastic problem solvers and again give as much or as little support as you require. All with a smile on the face and a spring in their step!

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

Meeting up with new Carbon Law Partners online and getting to know everyone. I am lucky enough to have started at a similar time to Joanne Bowmer, we have shimmied each other along! The support from other conveyancing partners Rachel Hodges, Gillian Cowling, Nathan Ryall, Laura Holmes, Shakila Ahmed and Kian Golestani has been great. Also, Clare Chappell in employment is a rock star, James Allum in Commercial Property and Tom Allen in the Family department…I could name drop everyone, but you catch my drift there is real collaboration at play and a genuine eagerness for everyone wanting people to succeed and to provide top quality expert legal services at reasonable cost.

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

Next level. There is a genuine passion for excellence growth and learning. Everyone is at the top of their game.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS WORKING HERE MET OR EXCEEDED YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

It’s rare to work somewhere where everyone is aligned with the same goals, to provide excellent legal service and to be paid well for doing so. All of the background noise has been removed (long commute/office politics) with 100% focus on client interaction and service. While also being encouraged to have a life outside of work. Downtime is important too.

HOW DOES YOUR ROLE HERE AT CARBON DIFFER FROM PREVIOUS POSITIONS YOU’VE HELD?

I’ve always been in a position of seniority, and it is heavenly not to have meetings for the sake of meetings forced business development and to be 100% in control of your destiny. If you are yourself, you attract the right type of clients.

ARE THERE ANY ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB NOW THAT YOU FIND MORE FULFILLING COMPARED TO PAST ROLES?

It has to be the luxury of dreaming big again, not living the same repetitive cycle month to month. Every day is different you never know what exciting piece of work is coming your way. I also enjoy having the time to really get to know my clients and their needs without the pressure of billing targets and time recording. You are in control of your case load conveyancing can sometimes feel like sitting in a coconut shy being custard pied from all sides! But it doesn’t have to be this way once you are in control the pressures slide away.

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

Spending quality time with my kids the absence of a commute is mind-blowing. The pressures of work are still there but my outlook is different.

WHAT ARE SOME GOALS YOU’RE HOPING TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT YEAR WITH CARBON LAW PARTNERS?

To grow a team.

HOW DO YOU THINK BEING AT CARBON WILL HELP IN ACHIEVING THESE GOALS?

Support from other partners. The infrastructure is in place to grow a business as small or large as you desire.

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

Just do it. Fear stands for false evidence appearing real. It also stands for face everything and rise. You have more of a following than you imagine. Clients want personal service at affordable prices. You need to belt up for the first few months, you do have up and down moments, but generally the up moments win. Aside from upping your marketing game you just have to jump feet first and trust you will be ok. You need to believe in yourself and trust that you are an excellent lawyer.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

Nothing changes if nothing changes. You are only ever one decision away from a totally different life. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Look around you, are you with the right people? Or are you surrounded by people totally unaligned with your values? Stop making yourself small to keep other people happy.

Favourite Movie/tv show?

Greys Anatomy and Yellowstone.

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

Hell no, my latest fad was knitting, I lasted 3 weeks. I am looking forward to having the time to plant and water my garden this summer, I love being outside.

Favourite Memory from school?

I loved school too many to pick out one, I am honoured that 25 years on I still act for school friends on transactions, and am proud to have stayed in touch with many as close friends.

Your Favourite Restaurant and Why?

Nando’s as my 3 boys all sit quietly and are happy to choose exactly what they want.

What do you do to de-stress?

Walk my 2 Jack Russells.

If you were an athlete what would your walkout song be?

DMX X Gon’ Give It To Ya – Nats Gon’ Give It To Ya – it’s the growl, don’t send me none compliant CQS protocol additional enquiries.

Name something you think is overrated and why?

Coffee, I cannot stand it I make my kids sniff test the revels packet to weed those critters out.

What game show do you think you could win?

Traitors.

If you Could live in another COUNTRY, where would you choose and why?

Italy, beautiful sunshine, beaches, vineyards, shopping, art, culture, museums and pasta.

If you would like to work with Natalie, or find out more about her see: https://carbonlawpartners.com/team/natalie-clarke/

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