WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN CARBON LAW PARTNERS?

From the first conversation with Liz, I could sense there was something different about the place. That feeling was only confirmed time and again throughout the process and I really appreciated that I was coming to a warm place where I had freedom to conduct my practice as I saw fit. That’s a pretty heady combo!

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

Meeting so many wonderful colleagues, honestly. A lot of people made time for me, which helped me feel secure and valued. I found everyone to be just themselves and they were very receptive to me. So that feeling of landing somewhere you know you belong was a great affirmation.

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

The trust that has been placed in me has been liberating, as has the freedom to do with my time what I think is best. I also get the firm sense that we’re all just willing each other on, that’s a really lovely thing to be a part of. That kind of camaraderie is to be cherished.

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

I’m aiming at creating a practice which is known for dealing with prevention as well as cure. There’s been some good messaging put out on that already and Esther and I are cooking up a little campaign which aims to amplify that message. There’s been some good progress in my first 6 months here and a few wins for clients already, so for me it’s just a case of getting my pipeline more consistent and building upon all of the above!

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

I think it takes a boldness and a braveness to take a leap into the relative unknown and I think that’s especially challenging if you’ve been part of more structured institutions for a good length of time. So I applaud anyone considering the change and would advise that they also recognise that even considering a move like this is a big step.

So, for those in that phase, I’d say that you only live once. Instead of wondering “what if it goes badly?” ask yourself instead “what if it goes well?” I believe there are broad horizons for those who approach risks with that kind of positivity.

Favourite Movie/tv show?

Ok film and TV are a passion and there’s so much good stuff these days on TV. But I think much of that owes to the godfather of TV – The Sopranos. Nothing gets me better than keenly observed characters and a script with a true voice!

As for film, again the favourites list is as long as my arm but if I were to pick just one, it’d be Pulp Fiction. It’s a very complete film which, again, was ahead of its time.

Favourite Memory from school?

Right, you’re about to get to see the true me here. In Year 7, we had a house assembly a month or so into term where a few of us were selected to show off our “musical talents”. The music teacher had picked us and I had been saved until last. After we’d had 4 or 5 classmates perform pieces on flutes/recorders etc. my moment comes. I get up sans instrument and proceed to perform the entirety of Bohemian Rhapsody acapella. Not just the vocals, full air guitar, air drums, the lot. Somehow, that actually turned me into a very popular member of the house, particularly amongst staff and the older years. It should be a cringe memory but luckily I was a very unaware 11 year old so instead I find it empowering!

What do you do to de-stress?

A walk in the countryside is always welcome, and easily accessible. I find there’s not much better to re-centre you than just “being” and nature allows you to do that.

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

I’m self-depreciative by nature but sometimes that comes out in ways which portray the opposite. This may be one of those times – Mr Loverman by Shabba Ranks. I’ll likely cop some flak for this, but I stand by it.

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

Well moving to Scotland is a genuine ambition of mine in the medium term, I love the Highlands and the Western Isles, I think they’re truly beautiful places. I was also lucky enough to travel to Vanuatu when I was 22. Living somewhere in the Pacific like that would be pretty dreamy.