At what moment did you know you wanted to become a lawyer?

Honestly, I used to watch Judge Judy as a child and I loved it! Aside from the chaotic situations, I found the work she did, taking someone's issue, analysing it and trying to act as a mediator, really interesting. Using problem-solving skills is the thing that drew me to law the most and it's what I continue to do every day in my career.

What was your route into Linklaters?

I studied law at university and during my second year took part indifferent vacation schemes and accepted a training contract at another firm. I had six months off, did my legal qualifications and then trained and qualified at that firm. I did similar work to what I do now, but focused on narrower areas of law. I was there for around six years before moving to Linklaters in February 2020.

How did you find that transition?

It was daunting at first, with a new firm and team, as well as trying to establish myself and leaving the comfort of the firm where I trained. However, part of the reason I chose Linklaters was to stretch myself. I wanted to do more interesting and varied work within the ESG space, an area of law that is ever expanding and constantly evolving. From my first encounters with the Linklaters team, I knew the firm was not scared of change but actively encourages it and supports our clients in their ambitions.

What’s your ambition now?

Alongside doing interesting work and supporting clients, I'd love to continue to help junior team members realise their ambitions and get the same joy out of work that I do. The more senior I become, the more important it is for me to give people the reassurance that there is room for what they want to do. As a senior black female lawyer, this is something I am particularly passionate about. I have great lawyers around me and having a supportive, inclusive work culture feels like a natural part of the ethos at Linklaters and something that everybody strives towards.

Work wise, what is a highlight from your time at Linklaters so far?

It's definitely been a recent big offshore wind project which was the first of its kind in Poland. This wasn't just because of the awards we won for it. I also got to work with a good friend who I met through the Stepping Forward sponsorship programme a few years ago. She was leading her side of the deal and I led on the environmental and social aspects. It was a full circle moment for us both.