Legal challenges

Why did you choose law for your degree?

I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do when it came to applying to university, but I thought a law degree would be a sensible option as it would be a recognisable qualification for any future employer. My brother was also a solicitor and it seemed a sensible choice. I studied at the University of Leeds.

I always thought I would qualify in employment law, but I spent my second seat in corporate and really enjoyed the fast-paced nature of corporate life and the buzz of completing a deal.

Why did you choose Halliwells for your training?

I knew I definitely wanted to work in Manchester and, when I joined in 2008, Halliwells was an ambitious and reputable firm with a strong brand and a Manchester focus. It offered a bespoke course at the University of Law in Chester, with partners from the firm attending classes to bridge the gap between the theoretical position and the practical perspective. The set-up was extremely professional and very well organised. 

What stood out during your training?

Learning the art of resilience! From the financial crash in 2008 and aborted PE investments to my training firm being placed into administration – I saw it all and at such an early stage in my career. It was an incredibly tumultuous time, but looking back, there are definitely positives from having gone through such a challenging time and coming out OK at the other end.

What did you decide to do after your training?

I qualified in 2010, around the time that Halliwells went into administration. I was offered a position at Gateley, which had acquired Halliwells’ Manchester commercial practice, but after significant partner departures, I decided I needed a change. I reached out to a couple of former corporate partners from Halliwells: James Sheridan, who was then at DWF, and Mark Dawson, at Shoosmiths. Mark was only just setting up a Manchester corporate offering for Shoosmiths, so I joined DWF, knowing there might be an option to join Shoosmiths once its team was up and running.

I spent a year at DWF then joined Shoosmiths in 2011. DWF was firmly established in the North West, but Shoosmiths offered a great chance to be part of a small team, with big ambitions to expand its presence in Manchester. 

Any notable deals?

During my time at Shoosmiths, notable deals included the successful exit of Palatine Private Equity and Bridgepoint Development Capital from Hallmark Hotels Group; advising Palatine on its investment in the Gusto restaurant chain and advising Chase Templeton Group on acquisitions following its investment from Palatine Private Equity. 

Why the move to TLT?

I was contacted by TLT in 2015 and, after meeting the corporate partners, I thought it was an exciting opportunity. It was a new entrant to the Manchester market and I’d be joining at the beginning of an interesting journey. 

TLT has gone from strength to strength since I have been here. The firm has changed significantly in terms of size and depth of sector experience, but it remains at its core a group of people who are ambitious for their clients and colleagues. We have had an exceptional couple of years and it is an exciting place to be. We were named UK law firm of the year at The British Legal Awards last year and, locally, law firm of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards 2022.

What is your current role and what are your ambitions?

I am a legal director in the corporate team, specialising in private equity and M&A work. Current transactions involve acting on a £100m-plus share disposal, acting for a new private equity house on its first investment and acting buy-side of a £17m acquisition. 

Having had my second child, who turns two this summer, I can find it pretty difficult to plan for the week ahead, let alone any further than that! But my long-term goals involve growing with TLT – I want to be taking on additional responsibilities, winning more work and contributing as much value as I can to the firm and its clients.