This is Allens

I went to school in the country and am from a family of teachers, so I didn’t know much about corporate law firms growing up. I certainly hadn't heard of Allens. But careers unfold in unexpected ways, and I'm extremely grateful for where I am today.

One of the things I enjoy most about working in M&A is the close connection you're able to build with clients through the process – you really feel like an extension of their team, and are able to share in all the challenges and triumphs along the way.

For me, successfully completing a deal is always a thrill. I am a big believer in taking a moment after you've reached a significant milestone to celebrate that achievement with the team. Reflecting on what we've accomplished before moving on to the next transaction is so important to learning, growth and our team culture.

I've been working part-time for the past five years, as I balance work with raising a young family. I think there's this idea that working part time, especially in a deal team, isn't achievable. For me, having amazing support at home and a great team and mentors around me at Allens has been the key to making things work. I find clients are also very respectful and accommodating of different working arrangements – they are often juggling similar arrangements themselves or with their teams. And in many ways, I think (well, I like to hope!) the junior lawyers that I work with often have more opportunities to grow and develop because I'm able to step out of the frame and give them space to stretch themselves.