The non-linear mindset: Rebecca McNulty, Ben Fraser, Danielle Newton

When it comes to careers, one size does not fit all. And the path to qualifying as a lawyer or securing a senior role is no different.

From Ogier's focus on flexibility and personal development to its embrace of innovation and technology, the firm is committed to giving its people the individual support and opportunities they need to #BeExtraordinary.

Whether it's training programmes or pathways to partnership, Ogier's development platforms allow its lawyers to track their own progress so they can take control and have a career as unique as they are.

Hear from partner Rebecca McNulty, in-house counsel Ben Fraser and associate Danielle Newton, all based in the Jersey office, about their non-linear routes to their current roles at Ogier, and the value of that non-linear mindset.

Rebecca McNulty – Partner, Dispute Resolution

I was promoted to partner in Ogier's Dispute Resolution team in December 2022.

I studied law at university, undertook the Legal Practice Course and immediately embarked on my training contract with a UK firm. In that sense, my journey to partnership may appear linear, but the reality is that the path has not been an entirely straight one. As a student, I was told to reconsider my chosen profession, as my teachers thought law was not the right choice for me. I was once "written off" for working on a big case in a previous firm because I was a working mum. If I'm honest, I wasn't always sure I would 'make it'. I allowed doubt to creep in, and juggling the demands of work and three little ones sometimes felt almost impossible. There were moments when I stepped away from a career in law altogether and vowed never to return, because at times the juggle felt too much.

Taking that step away and allowing myself to pause and reflect was the best decision I made. It made me realise my passion is a career in law and helping to support and develop others. One of my reasons for deciding to return to practice and pursue the path to partnership was the hope of inspiring at least one other woman to do the same.

As an advocate for the importance of being your authentic self and inspiring the next generation to strive for their goals, I'm so grateful to be at a firm like Ogier. I'm actively involved in our flexible working and open culture and focus on bringing people together through my involvement in Ogier's DEI Committee, Senior Women Round Table, Ogier Women's Circles, the Mental Health First Aiders and the Mentoring Hub.

I'm also very proud to have recently won Champion of the Year at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards, in recognition of my contribution to supporting and championing others and adding to the positive narrative that junior women should not let the fact that they have family and / or other commitments deter them from pursuing their goals and aspirations.

Ben Fraser – In-House Counsel

I came to my current role in Ogier's in-house legal team, and to a career in law, via a circuitous route.

At university I followed my passion and studied Chinese. Shortly after graduating, I joined a mining company with a presence in Australia and Ghana, but headquartered in Jersey. In that role, I worked in a small team responsible for the commercial side of the business. This included market analysis and business development as well as other tangible aspects such as the organisation of shipping. After several years, I was lucky enough to move to China to work in the Shanghai office, putting my degree to good use.

This experience of forging close relationships and gaining insight into the market convinced me to change tack slightly, and I decided to qualify as a lawyer. I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course and then started my training contract at Ogier. I eventually qualified into the Banking and Finance team, where I worked on a variety of transactions. Experiences of working under pressure and applying organisational skills from my previous careers proved invaluable in this role.

An opening in Ogier's in-house legal team presented an interesting opportunity: it would allow me to build on the legal skills I had been developing in private practice while making more use of the problem-solving skills and commercial awareness which were fundamental to my previous career. This blend has proved very rewarding.

A non-linear career allows me to offer different perspectives to legal or other issues as they arise – not to mention the many skills I have developed along the way, such as dealing with high value clients. With this mindset, I can be more effective in my everyday role.

Danielle Newton – Associate, Corporate

I have been an associate in Ogier's Corporate team since March, after graduating from the firm's two-year trainee scheme.

I first joined Ogier Global, Ogier's corporate administration team, as a senior administrator in 2019, working on a variety of real estate and investment funds. Although I loved the team I was in, working so closely with colleagues on the legal side of the business sparked my interest in pursuing a career in law.

While still in my role as senior administrator, I therefore pursued and completed the Graduate Diploma in Law. With encouragement from legal colleagues and the full support of my director, I then applied for a paralegal role within the Funds legal team and was able to transition seamlessly to the legal side of the business in 2021.

In 2023, having completed the Legal Practice Course, I secured a place on Ogier's tailored trainee solicitor programme, which allowed me to experience three different seats across the firm. After graduating from that course, I was delighted to accept a permanent position in the Corporate team this March.

Despite the initial apprehension of changing careers after six years in an industry where I felt comfortable, I am absolutely sure I made the right decision to take the plunge. Rather than seeing my initial career as a detour, I am certain this non-linear path provided me with a strong base on which to build my career from now on. I am not only able to transfer skills attained in my previous role, but this experience also offers a unique perspective that helps me "walk in the shoes" of the admin teams we collaborate with on transactions.

I would encourage anyone who wonders if the grass is greener to chat to colleagues and consider a career change – I received nothing but support from Ogier when changing my career trajectory and I am excited to see what the next chapter holds.

What Ogier believes

At Ogier, we believe in putting people first: for who they are and everything they bring. Supporting them with all they need for equal opportunity. Our clients and our people demand it. It delivers a better working environment, relationships and outcomes. For us, embracing difference should simply be fundamental to business and society as a whole.

If these stories resonated with you, or this is the kind of ethos you're looking for in an employer, then visit our careers page to find out about the roles we're hiring for all across the business. See more on our careers pages.

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

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