In the next instalment of our blog, ‘Five Minutes With,’ we spoke to Jane Southworth, Environmental Law Partner at Eversheds Sutherland. Here’s what she had to say…
What ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A LAWYER STARTING OUT TODAY?
Law and the legal profession is changing very rapidly. The work I am doing now is dramatically different to that I was doing even 5 years ago. Whatever area of work you are involved with it will change over time as we see increased use of technology. Certain areas of work will decline and others will develop. Expect your work to change over time, be prepared for it and seize the opportunities to grow and develop that come your way.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL WORK THAT YOU FIND SO INTERESTING AND CAN YOU GIVE US A FEEL FOR THE RANGE OF THE MATTERS YOU DEAL WITH AS A TEAM?
As an environmental lawyer I am never ever bored. I love the feeling of not knowing exactly what I will be doing on a particular day and knowing that I will learn something new most days. At the moment I am working on a range of areas for example, we are advising on the F Gas Regulation, the proposed ECHA PFASs restriction proposal and environmental permitting. In addition, we have a spread of corporate and real estate support work.
WHAT KINDS OF SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES DO YOU THINK A GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER IS LIKELY TO HAVE?
A sense of curiosity and a desire to learn. Environmental law is always changing and it’s helpful if you have that kind of mindset that wants to pick up new things. Strong academics and research skills as the work can be technically challenging and you will need to enjoy looking at legislation and trying to work things out. Above all good written and oral communication skills as you need to be able to package extremely complex areas into user friendly advice.
what ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A LAWYER CONSIDERING A MOVE INTO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW?
Try it. Give it 12 months – if it isn’t for you you will still have learnt a lot and any exposure to this topical area is bound to stand you in good stead even if you decide to move into something else.
FINALLY, IF YOU WEREN’T A lawyer AND YOU COULD DO ANYTHING AT ALL, what WOULD IT BE?
After spending many years in an office I would run my own garden nursery – gardening teaches you patience, preparation and planning is key but there is also a chance to get outside and show your artistic flare.
If you have been inspired by Jane and would like to consider a role as an Environmental lawyer, please contact Haggerty Jaques – Katie Haggerty and Amy Jaques – on a confidential basis on 07740 662995 or 07974 131939