In the first of our new series of blogs, we were delighted to have five minutes with Sarah Atherton, General Counsel and Company Secretary at CPP Group plc. Here’s what she had to say..
How has the legal world changed since you first starting training as a lawyer?
I think the legal world has changed a huge amount since I first started working as a lawyer, for a variety of reasons. More recently the pandemic has changed things – hopefully for the better. I think more people are embracing hybrid working which is great and really supports a better work/life balance than there has been previously.
What do you wish you’d known as a trainee?
That it’s okay not to know what you’re doing, and to make the most of your time as a trainee – it only gets harder from there.
What advice would you give to people embarking on an in-house legal career?
For anyone thinking about moving in-house, my advice would be to go for it. It was absolutely the best decision for me. Getting under the skin of the business you are in and really understanding it means you’re so much better placed to add value. For me it’s so much more rewarding than dealing with multiple clients from a distance.
What three things do you always look for in a new recruit when interviewing them?
Pragmatism, resilience and whether they are someone I would go for a drink with!
How do you balance the competing demands on your time during the working day?
It’s a constant challenge, everyone wants everything yesterday. For me, it’s about understanding the business drivers for deadlines, prioritising accordingly and managing people’s expectations.
How do you unwind outside work?
Usually by drinking wine!