Profile:

My parents came to live in England from Belfast in the 1970s due to the violence and the general lack of opportunities for people of certain religions groups occurring there at that time. From an early age my parents drilled in to me the fact that hard work and a good education can lead to all manner of opportunities and rewards, irrespective of your background.

Due to my father’s job, I moved around the country quite frequently as a child and attended several state schools (some better than others).  After my ‘A’ Levels, I was accepted to study Law at Bristol University. Sadly whilst I was at university my mother died and I had to take on some caring responsibilities in respect of my younger siblings whilst carrying on with my studies. My tutors at University were extremely supportive at this time and helped me to secure a training contract with Simmons & Simmons despite me having to take a period of compassionate leave and missing the training contract application window.

I qualified in to the Capital Markets Department at Simmons & Simmons in 2003 where I remain to this day. I now have two children and so have a flexible working arrangement which has enabled me to be a hands-on parent whilst continuing to enjoy the challenges of working in a City law firm. w Working for Simmons & Simmons has given me all manner of opportunities which I never could have imagined whilst I was at school. I would encourage anyone considering a career in law not to be put off if they do not feel they are from a “traditional” background. Since I began my Law degree, I believe attitudes to diversity are improving, however I think it is important that support and advice is available to anyone considering a career in the law irrespective of their circumstances.

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