Kathleen Garrett, Arthur Cox

Getting started

I began my career as a trainee solicitor. Initially I specialised in insolvency, and acted in many of the early examinations, which was an excellent and often contentious experience.

A turning point

I see my career to date as a series of phases, each with its own highlights (and I hope there are many more to come!). I was very involved in an internet finance company in the dotcom era and experienced the rapid growth and demand for wide-ranging legal services to dotcom companies.

Career highlight

Heading up our London office is the most rewarding experience I’ve had to date. It adds the challenge of management and devising and implementing strategy to the core job of advising clients.

Advice for graduates

Try to put yourself in your client’s shoes – understand exactly what it is they want and aim to provide advice in a manner that meets their requirements. Work hard and be flexible.

Skills for future leaders

There is no one skill that marks out a good leader, but rather a combination of them – the demands of business are not one-dimensional. A sound knowledge of your area and good analytical skills, the ability to communicate succinctly and to manage and delegate effectively will put you in good stead as a leader of the future.

Kathleen Garrett has a BCL from University College Dublin.