Justine Lee

What made you decide to become a lawyer at Clyde & Co?

Having initially trained and qualified as a doctor, law was not my first career choice. But once I decided to make the career change, law appealed to me on a number of levels. I knew that it would provide the opportunity for me to be intellectually stimulated and challenged in a heavily people-oriented environment with plenty of client contact and a structured career path.

Although I did not want to be in the City (having already done the London thing), I knew that I didn't want to miss out on the larger, challenging transactions and big ‘City' deals. That's where Clyde & Co came into the picture. It was able to provide the best of both worlds: a top 20 law firm which, rather uniquely, offered City-quality work in Guildford.

Have you been surprised by particular aspects of your experience since you joined Clyde & Co?

I was amazed at the level of autonomy and responsibility I was given from the outset. Within in matter of weeks, I was working with clients and running a £1.6m loan facility transaction (under supervision) and representing our client at an acquisition completion meeting on my own.

Subsequently, I have been pleasantly surprised by the variety in my workload. I had expected a large amount of monotony (as is the reality in any job) but instead, every new project entails unique requirements and brings the necessary diversity to keep me interested and motivated.

What skills are vital for this type of work?

It is essential that you have a good grasp of the English language and excellent communication skills. You need to be able to review a document analytically and be able to pick up the key elements.

To manage your own caseload successfully (which at times can be very heavy), you need to be extremely organised - the ability to multi-task will stand you in good stead.

Another key skill is striking a balance between being thorough and meticulous and at the same time being efficient and succinct, something which is not always easy to master.

Do you think Clyde & Co is a socially responsible firm to work for?

Absolutely. Social responsibility is a big part of the firm's ethos and Clyde & Co is very proud of its longstanding history of voluntary and pro bono work.

Two of the pro bono projects I have really enjoyed being a part of are reading in schools and the evening advice sessions at the local Citizens Advice Bureau (which was set up by several employees at Clyde & Co).

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