This month we talk to... AMY SERGISON Specialist in employment and business immigration law, Muckle LLP
Did you always envisage a career in the industry? #
No. When I was younger, I was dead set on being an archaeologist. I had a notion that I’d unearth secret treasures and ancient artefacts on a daily basis but then my parents took me to an archaeological dig, and I remember being horrified by the mud and dirt I’d have to sift through, and so I gave up on that idea!
What has been your career path so far?
I did a history degree at the University of Sheffield and then returned to the North East to undertake my CPE and LPC at the University of Northumbria. I joined Muckle as a trainee in 2007, and I’ve been here ever since! As a trainee, I spent time in our banking, dispute resolution, real estate and employment teams, and I qualified into the employment team in 2009. I absolutely love the variety of my role as an employment and business immigration lawyer.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
As with many of us, my biggest challenge in recent years was juggling lockdown, work and homeschooling my little ones. During the first lockdown, my children were six, four and two. Thankfully, they had a brilliant time at home and we don’t appear to have done any lasting damage to them! On a positive note, the whole experience has made our family appreciate what matters most to us. My whole family are teachers and it made me realise that I made the right choice not going into the ‘family business’! Instead, I get to flex my teaching muscles working with lots of organisations within the education sector, delivering training on employment and business immigration law.
Who do you most respect in your industry?
Lady Hale of Richmond. I had the pleasure of attending an event about inspirational women in law a number of years ago and Lady Hale was one of the speakers. I was so inspired by her humility, determination, commitment to equality and diversity and ultimately, what she achieved as the first female Justice of the Supreme Court, among her many other achievements.
Which fictional lawyer would you most like to meet?
Ally McBeal or Elle Woods.
What is your greatest strength?
I am an eternal optimist and very sociable, so I love working with people. I hope this makes me a nice colleague and a good business adviser/ lawyer for our clients. I also really enjoy juggling lots of different projects and activities. The flexibility of working at Muckle has enabled me to do this, as we are strongly encouraged to use our skills in our community. As well as my principal roles of being a lawyer and Mammy, I am also a trustee at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, and a school governor at a local primary school.
What is your biggest weakness? Shoes!
I love shoes.I have over 100 pairs and an uncontrollable urge to buy more My daughter can’t wait until her feet are the same size as mine so she can share them with me. I’m not sure she realises that this will work both ways!
What are your future career aspirations?
I was promoted Partner in early April and I’m so excited at the prospect of being part of, and shaping the firm’s development in the future. I have a particular interest in working with and supporting the development of our people, so I can see my role developing to take on more responsibility for people management, mentoring and coaching our team, as well as supporting the business’ growth.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
Lots of organisations are really starting to see the “bite” of staffing shortages following the end of the free movement of workers. We’re already seeing that demand to become a licensed sponsor of skilled workers has increased hugely over the past 18 months. I believe this will continue as organisations continue to emerge from the pandemic and look to their future recruitment need. Business immigration law is likely to be pushed up the agenda for many employers. I predict that there will be a push from sectors that employ those roles not considered “suitably skilled” enough to attract sponsorship. Many organisations in the hospitality and warehouse/operations sectors, for example, are struggling to fill vacancies they have. The Government’s “brightest and best” policy means the situation appears to be escalating to the extent that it is becoming difficult for some sectors to continue to operate in the way they have/would like to. I also think that hybrid working is here to stay. Employees will continue to be more demanding of what their employer can offer them in terms of flexibility, remuneration and benefits. How do you like to unwind?
I love spending time with my family and going on adventures with them. We love any kind of trip which involves a stay in a Premier Inn! I also really enjoy running, exploring the outdoors, keeping fit and catching up with friends and family.
