Tabitha Berry, trainee, talks about her experience of going on a client secondment and what made her choose CMS Cameron McKenna.
What’s your background?
At school I enjoyed English, economics and debating, so with these skills (and possibly influenced by too many episodes of Ally McBeal) a career as a commercial lawyer was an obvious choice. I had heard that it was unusual for lawyers to be mathematically inclined so I undertook a combined Accounting and Law degree at Manchester University with the intention that the financial background would give my legal skills an edge. After browsing the top law firms, it became clear that CMS Cameron McKenna was a perfect fit for me, and I was fortunate to secure a training contract with the firm starting in August 2009.
How are you enjoying your time at CMS Cameron McKenna?
The past 12 months have absolutely flown by and this is testament to how much I have enjoyed myself. In my first seat I was privileged to sit with a senior partner in the Corporate department. One of my key roles was project managing the drafting and execution of over 200 director indemnity contracts for a large retail plc group. In Corporate I was also responsible for setting up an online and hardcopy dataroom in the run up to a major transaction for a key client. However, life here is not all about the big deals and key clients. In my spare time I play for the firm’s sports teams, get involved in charity events and take time out to help a primary school pupil improve her reading skills. This is not to mention the various trainee events and socials!
You’re on secondment now - how does this differ from your first seat?
I am having a great time on my client secondment and have found the experience valuable in broadening my legal knowledge and boosting the quality of my legal advice. The key difference from my first seat is greater responsibility. The bar has been raised and I am expected to advise clients directly without always seeking approval. Although naturally the rest of the team is on hand to discuss complex issues, I can no longer rely on somebody more senior to spot a potential mistake.
How were you chosen for your secondment?
Throughout my first seat I was actively involved in a variety of work for the client. My supervisor was the client partner and suggested that I might find the secondment a valuable learning experience. After speaking to previous secondees, meeting the team and carrying out some research I applied for the position and was selected by graduate recruitment.
Why are client secondments so important?
In particular, the experience has impressed on me just how much the client values its customers and culture. Through knowledge such as this, the firm can tailor their advice to ensure that it fits with the client's culture and belief system. Secondments are also invaluable when it comes to building relationships with the client. As being an ambassador for the firm, you are able to view CMS Cameron McKenna from the client’s perspective. I have had first hand experience of what the firm does right, and more importantly where it has made inadvertent errors! As a secondee you are in a prime position to act as an intermediary and help to iron out any issues (and to try to ensure they do not happen again!).
Where do you see your career going at CMS Cameron McKenna?
I am looking forward to my third seat in banking as part of the Corporate and Leveraged Finance team and hope to continue the relationship I have built with the client over the next six months. My skill set is very transactional orientated and I hope on qualification to continue in a corporate or banking role at the firm. My long term goal is to make it to partner but for now I will take it one step at a time!