Nadine Walton - Partner, Brodies LLP.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what path did you take to become a Solicitor?
I’m lucky that law ended up being for me. I think I made some bold claims aged around 12 about becoming a human rights barrister (to many an eye-roll). Truth be told, though, in the end I thought a law degree was a solid and rational option, whatever happened to follow.
Once I started studying law at Newcastle University I realised I really enjoyed the intellectual challenge, and the content. I relished the knotty, taxing stuff, and still do today.
What are the most common legal issues people seek advice on, and how do you help them?
I am a private client solicitor, or, more grandly, a ‘trust and estate practitioner’. This means that, broadly:-
1. I advise clients on how best to achieve their succession objectives. I might then help them implement lifetime planning strategies (eg. trusts), prepare their wills and powers of attorney, and other legal documents.
2. I assist trustees, and representatives of deceased individuals, in administering trusts and estates.
I act for range of individuals and families, including high net worth parties, entrepreneurs, and those with international connections.
How has the legal profession changed in recent years, and what trends do you see emerging?
Technological advancements and ‘AI’ are obviously huge topics. They produce many advantages, for legal research, note taking and document management.
We’ll certainly seek to hone those positives for clients further, in coming years. However, I think in the estate planning field particularly, clients need human beings who understand them, and their family dynamics. You can’t get that from a robot…yet.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about solicitors and the legal system?
That we’re stuck up, aloof, greedy? That success in the system derives from being ruthless, and thinking only of profit.
I take real pride in rebutting those stereotypes. They’re completely at odds with my approach, and that of the Brodies’ colleagues I’m lucky enough to work with. I was born and raised quite humbly here in County Durham, and succeeding in a profession that does still suffer such stereotypes has taken character and a fierce work ethic. I have always cared (sometimes, too deeply for my own good) about the quality of service I offer. I want clients to feel it’s worth every penny that they pay for it.
How do you handle the emotional challenges of your job?
It can be difficult. Sometimes, I work with clients who face the unthinkable – crushing bereavement, or terminal illness, for example. I try to focus on what I can control. I can’t change a client’s awful personal situation. But I can give them the reassurance that comes with knowing I’ll do the best possible job in their succession planning.
What are the key qualities that make a great solicitor?
Listening skills are number one – it’s so important to become skilled at distilling client objectives. This often involves ‘active’ listening, to draw out their biggest concerns.
You need to be patient, diligent, and relatable. As well as the ‘soft skills’, though, technical excellence is a must in terms of separating yourself from the competition. You need real tenacity to grapple with difficult concepts, and keep going.
There are so many lawyers at Brodies who do it (all…!) so well, and who I continue to learn from every day.
How do you balance client advocacy with legal ethics and professional responsibility?
In principle it’s quite simple. Your professional obligations exist for a reason, and you’re not doing your best for your client if you allow them to cross a line that they shouldn’t.
A huge advantage of working at such a strong, fullservice firm is that it’s filled with experienced lawyers, who can help guide you when tough issues arise. Brodies is a firm in which we are all committed to doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy.
What is the most rewarding part of being a solicitor, and what keeps you motivated?
Helping people is at the heart of it. It’s a huge privilege to act for clients in an hour of need. I also still love solving the hard problems.
We are building the team here in the North East and it’s something I never thought I’d take so much from. I am so lucky to be surrounded by excellence, every day, and it pushes me to stay on top of my game.
brodies.com