2 July is a milestone for me in more ways than one. I qualified as a solicitor on this day in 2001, in 2018 I joined southgate solicitors and in 2019 I became an accredited mediator.

With over 20 years of legal experience, I can safely say that southgate solicitors is the best place I have ever worked at, for a great number of reasons. Coming from traditional paper-based firms it was initially very different for me to encounter a paperless environment. However, I’m glad that Hasan has taken this forward-thinking approach and I am thankful for his patience in training me, helping me to become much more efficient and in line with, if not ahead of the times. The firm’s approach to using new technology has also assisted me with being able to work remotely and this became and overnight saving grace in March 2020 where we, along with the rest of the country migrated to working from home overnight. This together with the firm’s extremely flexible working approach has allowed me to not worry about where and how I work, helping me with a much-needed work/life balance within our demanding profession and being a parent. I have so much to be grateful for southgate solicitors, including supporting me financially and practically with my mediation accreditation. I have now been an accredited mediator for two years and helping clients amicably reach agreements in relation to their children and finance matters is a nice change from contested work. The team also regularly enjoys social gatherings either between us or with other peers and professionals, not to mention an annual fun-packed team trip helping us to get away, relax and enjoy each other’s company, away from our (much supportive and enjoyable) working environment.

You couldn’t ask for a friendlier environment or a better team to work with. In December 20219 we moved into new premises which have been designed with employee’s wellbeing in mind including a fully kitted kitchen, car parking and breakout room to name just a few of the perks – which unfortunately we have made little use of over the past year, but it is something to look forward to after over 18 months of working from home. The contents of this article are general information only. The information in this article is not legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should obtain independent expert advice from qualified solicitors such as those within our firm.