This is Allens
Simon Sherwood
Simon is a partner in our disputes and investigations practice group who specialises in complex commercial disputes and regulatory investigations and enforcement action.
I don't think there was ever one moment when I decided to pursue a career in the law. At university, the early law subjects like contracts and torts grabbed my attention in a way no other areas of study had up until that point. I really enjoyed the problem-solving aspects, and the logical and lateral thinking that was required to work through an issue. Even after I finished university and started working as a lawyer, my path to being a disputes lawyer was an organic one. Having started my legal career in transactional roles, it took me a few years (and an extended study break) to find myself working as a disputes lawyer. I realised almost immediately that it was a natural fit for me.
Working with clients to navigate particularly complex issues in high-pressure situations is something I genuinely enjoy. I find everything gets tested when the pressure is on – your legal skills, your people management skills, and your ability to understand your clients' needs. Being able to deliver results working under that pressure is really satisfying.
I have worked on a number of challenging matters over the course of my career, but I can count on one hand (or maybe two, if I am being honest) the number of days I haven't looked forward to coming into work.
I returned to Allens in 2019, having spent the first few years of my legal career here, before working for the best part of a decade as a government lawyer. While a lot of things about private practice have changed in the intervening period, I was happy to see that the best things I remembered about Allens hadn't changed at all. Allens is full of talented and supportive people, who truly enjoy their jobs. As someone who also genuinely enjoys their work, I feel at home here.
While our work can be demanding, being able to help our clients in their most challenging times is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. For me, being curious about my clients – who they are, what's driving them and what they’re trying to achieve – and engaging my colleagues around that common purpose, are the essential ingredients for a really meaningful and fulfilling career.
