Kate is an experienced, versatile and practical commercial lawyer. She trained, qualified and practised for over 10 years at Norton Rose Fulbright, where she specialised in asset finance and commercial transactions. Kate now practices on a freelance basis, undertaking a wide variety of commercial law in-house placements at both blue-chip corporates and smaller entities, predominantly in the IT, retail, social media and telecoms sectors. Kate advises clients with a particular emphasis on the practical business application of legal principles. Here, she shares her insights on recent experiences as an Obelisk consultant.
Can you describe your work experiences through Obelisk?
It has been wonderfully varied mix of long and short term commercial in-house assignments, including everything from ad-hoc work to full time placements, stretching across the IT, retail, telecoms, pharmaceutical and financial sectors, and many more.
What makes your expertise unique?
I’d like to think I am a particularly practical commercial lawyer, with a broad range of experience and an ability to get going on tasks without much hand-holding required. Having had an “insider’s view” of so many business and sectors, finding creative solutions, problem solving and helping clients to simplify and streamline is what I like to do best. Efficiency is always my goal.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of flexible working as a lawyer?
For me it is all about feeling in control and independent; I find it hard to imagine life as an employee now and I would miss the freedom and variety too much.
What are your proudest professional and personal achievements so far?
Professionally it would be the amazing feedback from my Obelisk clients, both in terms of their wonderful comments and how often I have unexpectedly returned to/retained clients over the long term. Personally, it has to be the kids – I am ridiculously proud of them both.
How do you find the right work/life balance?
I don’t always get it right, but being a home-based consultant is a pretty good start! I also try and roll with things as much as possible; nothing is forever so I enjoy downtime while I have it and I know a break will come soon when work is intense.
What are your words of advice to other legal consultants?
Believe in yourself – you are better than you think. Don’t think for a minute that what you want will fall in your lap – grab every opportunity that comes your way, and if none come to you, go out and find some.
How do you start and end your day?
My day starts with a coffee and a walk around the garden for a moment of peace. The end of the day is always reading a good book.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Given the timing, it would have to be a virus-destruction superpower.
