Firm News | 8.03.22
Women in Law – International Women’s Day 2022
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 we asked some of our inspirational women at Wansbroughs about their roles, achievements to date and any advice they would offer to other women looking to commence a career in law.
Anna Wensley Stock – Partner
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a solicitor in the Private Client area – this covers Wills, trusts, estates and tax planning. I act as a trustee of a number of trusts for various families and I help people prepare Wills and advise them on estate planning. I like my job as I like people – talking to them, helping them solve and address issues and getting to know them over a longer period of time.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always have a think first about what the answer might be.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Surviving with the everyday juggle of work and family life.
Our Experts – Anna Wensley Stock
Jenna Humphries – Solicitor
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a Personal Injury Solicitor within the Dispute Resolution team. Using my experience of both Claimant and Defendant work I am able to bring a tailored approach to my client’s claims. I have experience in a variety of different areas including Road Traffic Accidents, Fatal Accident Claims, Employment Liability and Public Liability matters.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
Never give up. It was not an easy road but with hard work, determination and dedication I got to where I am today. I would also say be open minded. Throughout my training contract I very much thought I knew the area of law I wanted to qualify into but after experiencing other areas of the law I changed my mind and qualified into an area I had not previously considered.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
My biggest achievement, aside from my two children, is qualifying as a Solicitor and being able to do the job I always wanted to do and love doing.
Kathryn Smith Cowap – Partner
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I’m a private client solicitor who specialises in helping individuals and trustees. Amongst other things, I deal with the administration of trusts and estates as well as tax and succession planning.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession? Unsurprisingly, law can be a very competitive profession so be prepared for that and the challenges it can bring. It really isn’t a 9-5 job so consider whether that is the type of lifestyle you’re after.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Progressing from paralegal to partner in just over a decade.
Our Experts – Kathryn Smith Cowap
Hannah Francis – Trainee Solicitor
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a Trainee Solicitor in the Family team. Trainee Solicitors have the opportunity to really get stuck in with client work. Although the specific tasks vary between departments, I am involved in a wide variety of work ranging from drafting documents, meeting with clients, research tasks and even attending court hearings. It is great to work in medium-sized firm where I have the opportunity to get involved in so much!
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
To get all of the experience that you can, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to take opportunities that are available to you as you never know which one could be “the one”.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Obtaining my TC in the pandemic was a huge achievement for me – the market for TCs is hugely competitive and it was reassuring to hear that the firm believed in me.
Sara Webb – Solicitor
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a Solicitor working in Residential Property. I qualified two years ago.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
Find a Firm that is a good match for you. I have worked in the past for large companies but I targeted my training contract applications to mid-sized firms that I knew would see me as an individual. It’s tempting to apply to any firm, but recognise where you will be a good fit or you’ll risk wasting your time and theirs.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Completing my undergraduate degree, Diploma in Law and LPC whilst working and bringing up my family. It’s been a long but rewarding road!
Jessica Davey – Solicitor
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a solicitor in the Wills, Tax, Trusts and Probate department. I advise clients on Wills, LPA’s and tax planning mechanisms as well as assisting executors and families in administering estates.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
Don’t be afraid to invest in you and stand up for yourself. Make sure you follow the path you feel is right, whether that means working in a regional firm or an international firm, consider the advice of your peers but have the confidence to follow your own path.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Qualifying as a Solicitor is definitely up there, but I am also proud of having been able to maintain a full time job whilst studying for my LPC part time and establishing a healthy work-life balance.
Emily Anderson – Partner
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I help clients with their estate planning, Wills and estate and trust administration.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
Being female is no barrier to anything you want to do in law – and never accept that it is!
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Working whilst having two children – it’s a challenge but I feel lucky to be able to do it.
Emma Jewell – Associate Solicitor
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a Corporate and Commercial Associate Solicitor at Wansbroughs. On a day to day basis I assist with mergers and acquisitions and commercial contracts. I have specialised in Data Protection requirements for Companies and employment aspects which are linked to corporate transactions.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
The only thing that is in your way is your own mind-set. If someone is not willing to listen to what you have to say, you may have to change how you deliver the message, not what the message is.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
My biggest achievement educationally is completing my training contract and my masters (achieving a distinction) at the same time. In my career assisting with a £50 million sale of a business to a PLC. In my personal life relocating to a completely new area of the country on my own, embedding into the local community and building my own network.
Sarah Alexander – Partner
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I work as a Partner in the Residential Property Team at Wansbroughs dealing with all aspects of residential property including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, shared ownership and help to buy schemes and auction sales and purchases. I manage a small team of solicitors and trainees.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
That everything is achievable if you are prepared to work hard and to always believe in your ability.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
A huge cliché but it has to be my family and I am proud of managing a good work life balance with a demanding career.
Sophie Carrol – Trainee Solicitor
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I am a trainee solicitor and I am currently in the Corporate and Commercial Team.
With more women today studying law, what advice would you offer females looking to enter the profession?
Go for it, do what you enjoy and don’t be scared to stick up for yourself – always back yourself.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement/s?
Starting my training contract!
As a firm, Wansbroughs is committed to promoting equal opportunities within the workplace and has signed up to the Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter.
Wansbroughs is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of society and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Wansbroughs Solicitors on 01380 733300 or email mail@wansbroughs.com
