Claire Cutmore - Partner, Muckle LLP
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what path did you take to become a solicitor?
Helping other people made me feel good when I was young and I had my heart set on a career in medicine until I came to realise I generally pass out at the sight of blood!
Using my skills to help people during difficult times was my main motivation for becoming a solicitor. I also grew up in the 80s when shows like LA Law made a career in law look glamorous while fighting for justice. I studied Law at Northumbria University and enjoyed nearly all the modules. When I graduated it was difficult to get a training contract and I ended up moving to the Midlands to work as a paralegal to learn on the job. Eventually I did get a training contract at a specialist debt recovery firm and qualified as a solicitor in 2001.
What are the most common legal issues people seek advice on, and how do you help them?
As a newly qualified solicitor I accepted a job with a North East firm and specialised in construction law which simply means dealing with all legal issues relating to construction and engineering projects. My specialism is in disputes, in case issues arise on a construction project. These can be varied, but common themes include a delay to the project or if it runs over budget. The business needs to understand why and who should be responsible for the extra cost. I explain the legal rights and liabilities of the business and help to resolve the dispute using the best method of dispute resolution. For construction disputes this could be mediation, adjudication, litigation, or arbitration.
How has the legal profession changed in recent years, and what trends do you see emerging?
There are now more routes into law which I’m pleased to see, as securing a training contract is even more difficult than when I was young. There are lots of talented people with a passion for a career in law and hopefully the different career paths will help them achieve their ambition and we’ll continue to see more diversity in the legal profession.
What advice would you give to someone facing a legal dispute for the first time?
Depending on the nature of the dispute I would recommend getting professional legal advice. Legal disputes can be stressful and sometimes all-consuming. With the right legal advice and support, disputes can be resolved quickly and cost effectively, allowing people to move on. You can look at law firms and individual solicitors by consulting Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. They are the two leading independent legal directories that research, rank, and assess law firms and individual lawyers worldwide.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about solicitors and the legal system?
People often joke about solicitors being “sharks” because our services are only required when people need help. From my experience it’s quite the opposite. Solicitors want to ensure people’s legal rights are protected.
How do you handle the emotional and ethical challenges of your job?
Construction disputes involve people and livelihoods and therefore evoke emotions such as anger, frustration, worry etc. Witnesses and even technical experts feel immense pressure when involved in disputes. It’s sometimes difficult not to feel a person’s frustration or anger but when emotions are high, a calm presence is needed to defuse the situation. Empathy for a client is a great motivation for doing your absolute best but it’s important not to take on those emotions.
What impact has technology had on the legal industry, and how do you see it evolving?
The change to electronic communication and documents makes things quicker and easier but has led to huge challenges around how we manage and disclose electronic documents in court proceedings. The number of electronic documents has led to major changes to the disclosure process with the introduction of specific rules relating to electronic disclosure. AI is also driving the automation of certain tasks. but it is no substitute for understanding and applying the law to the facts of a case which comes from experience.
What are the key qualities that make a great solicitor?
You cannot be a great solicitor unless you are good with people. This job is all about relationships with clients, colleagues, experts, and opposing solicitors.
What is the most rewarding part of being a solicitor, and what keeps you motivated?
Helping a client resolve a dispute so they move on to more productive and enjoyable things. My motivation to help people during difficult times hasn’t changed and it’s still the reason I do this job.
www.muckle-llp.com