Fieldfisher
(Senior Legal Professional, Cross Area Specialist Team*)

*CAST = legal professionals with broad expertise who assist on the full breadth of work Fieldisher takes on internationally.

 Why did you choose to study law?

At school I was interested in debating and persuasive essay writing, so was interested in studying law as it equips you well to make a point and stand over it. Admittedly going into my degree, my plan was to work as a barrister then from my time at university and work since my interests changed.

How did you end up in Fieldfisher?

I was drawn to CAST (Cross Area Specialist Team) as in my job at the time I was losing interest in the area of law I was working in and liked the idea of the variety CAST was offering. I also liked that Fieldfisher was helping people pursue alternative legal careers.

What does your current role involve?

I work predominantly within eDiscovery, using data analytics platforms to assist clients in data subject access requests and litigation disclosures. I also at times manage small teams of paralegals when they are reviewing on my projects, giving me good experience in managing people and quality checking work.

What interesting changes have happened, or are happening in your field?

My field is ever-changing due to the growth in eDiscovery technology and courts starting to accept the use of analytics tools within disclosure. Legal technology as an industry is experiencing serious growth in recent years so there are great opportunities within it.

Advice and tips for current students?

Be open to trying new things and pursue what interests you as it's always possible that you could find a career you enjoy in an area you haven't heard of yet.

What’s important during selection/recruitment, or to demonstrate at a job interview?

Your attitude and commitment. Some of the required skills or experience you'll either learn on the job or the employer knows from your CV, so you need to show that you'll act with initiative, be open to challenges and not resent work if it's boring or difficult.

Do extracurriculars matter? (in bolstering a student’s CV);

They can help to speak to your character and give an employer an insight into who you are. It can also back-up how hardworking you are, as often if someone has the dedication to learn and/or work at something outside work they will work with a similar level of dedication.

 
What did you love about studying at QUB?

It was a great place to nourish people's interests in law through open discussion and debate.