Head of Legal with Azon
Why Law
Honestly, at 18 I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. Shock horror!
However, Corporate Law in NUIG seemed like a sound option which offered a taste of a number of disciplines (law, business, language) plus the legendary Galway college life experience. Best four years of my life!
“Big 5” training
I must have been doing something right as during my LLB year A&L Goodbody offered me a training contract. I still remember the call from A&L, I was in bed, 12.30pm on a Thursday and more than a little delicate following a very “sociable” evening. Well I haven’t jumped out of bed as fast since that day!
A&L Goodbody is a superb place to train and practice. Tough? Yes. Long hours? At times, for sure. Worthwhile? Absolutely. The skills I learned and relationships I made during my eight plus years in A&L Goodbody and Maples and Calder (another excellent firm) continue to stand to me to today.
Why Leave Law?
My move was predominantly driven by personal circumstances (husband re-training, new job, relocation) and an absence of Funds Lawyer roles outside Dublin. Although I think I always knew that a life-time as a lawyer was not for me.
Recruitment
About five years ago recruitment came into my mind and never left! So having carried out my research, I decided to trust my gut, back myself and go for it.
Nearly three years later, including a recent career move within recruitment, I am now Head of Legal at Azon leading its national legal recruitment desk splitting my time between Dublin and Limerick.
Advice
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: If there is something in your gut telling you to explore new opportunities or make changes, listen to it.
- Back Yourself: Consider the quality and transferability of the experience and skills you have gained and don’t underestimate them. My professional qualification gave me a fantastic skill-set, one that maybe I didn’t fully appreciate until I started considering a career outside of law.
- Talk: Whether you are considering whether to become a solicitor, a move within law or a complete career change, leverage from the experience of your peers and friends. That twenty minute cup of coffee could prove invaluable.
- What is for you won’t pass you: Cheesy but I believe this. Open yourself up to new opportunities and if one presents itself, don’t be afraid to explore it.