Claire Naughten - Partner, Muckle LLP
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what path did you take to become a solicitor?
At school I wasn’t entirely sure of my career intentions, but after graduating university with a history degree, I quickly decided to convert my studies to law after speaking with other students taking that path. I was the first person in my family to attend any form of Further Education, and my parents and teachers were hugely supportive of my ambitions.
I took the graduate diploma in law, then legal practice course at Northumbria University, before completing my training contract at a large North East firm. I moved to the real estate team at Muckle LLP in January 2015 and have never looked back!
What are the most common legal issues people seek advice on, and how do you help them?
I primarily work in real estate finance, acting for lenders in all sorts of transactions including secured property, development funding and refinancing. My role is to act for the lender overseeing due diligence and reporting, managing condition precedents and working with clients, brokers, valuers and the borrower’s solicitor to ensure loans are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The work can be fast-paced and demanding, particularly in times of economic uncertainty and with increasingly strict regulatory requirements. We can help by building close relationships with clients, maintaining service levels and making sure we are a trusted pair of hands to get the transaction done.
How has the legal profession changed in recent years, and what trends do you see emerging?
Technology is having a massive impact throughout our sector. AI tools can now summarise documents, help with legal research and draft correspondence far more quickly than traditional methods. I think it’s important to remember that these technologies do not replace professional judgement, ethical responsibilities and client-focused advice. Instead, they should be viewed as tools to enhance legal practice rather than substitute it. How the impact of technology will continue to evolve is still somewhat unknown and I think clients, above everything else, still hugely appreciate the “human touch”.
Equally, for anyone working in the legal sector, particularly on property transactions, the demands on solicitors to satisfy compliance and regulatory requirements is a challenging part of the job, especially over the last few years. On the whole, clients accept the need for this, but for me, it’s still one of the more frustrating aspects of the job!
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about solicitors and the legal system?
That lawyers are unapproachable and the legal system is there to work against them!
What are the key qualities that make a great solicitor?
It’s not just technical ability and professionalism, but the ability to build relationships and understand your client’s business and the market in which they operate. A human touch and genuinely enjoying the work we’re involved with really makes the difference.
What is the most rewarding part of being a solicitor, and what keeps you motivated?
I am lucky in that I genuinely love my job and the people I work with! The work is interesting and varied and I’ve built up some really strong relationships over the years with clients and colleagues. I especially enjoy being part of the graduate recruitment process and being able to meet brilliant candidates who want to be part of the firm’s future. As one of our trainee supervisors, I also work closely with trainees in the real estate department. As someone who has gone from assistant solicitor to partner at Muckle, it’s hugely rewarding to see people who are just entering the industry grow and succeed.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
That clients will value honesty over everything else. While we always aim to deliver first class service, sometimes we ultimately have to tell clients what they don’t want to hear. That is part of our role as a solicitor – to manage expectations, deliver the uncomfortable truth and seek the best outcome we can for our clients.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
I’m not sure about heroes but I’m lucky to work with some inspiring and all-round brilliant colleagues who have helped me grow both personally and professionally over the last 10 plus years.
How do you like to unwind?
I have two young children who like to keep me busy! I do enjoy a Friday family movie night (with a glass of wine for the grown-ups), an early morning walk before the daily madness starts and spending time with friends when we can fit it in.
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