What's your current role and what do you do in it?

I joined Isadore Goldman in September 2023 as a director in the London office.  As well as qualifying as a Solicitor in 1992, I am also a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and advise insolvency practitioners, accountants, banks, asset-based lenders, and other commercial organisations. I have particular expertise in advising troubled professional practices and distressed charities, not for profit organisations and corporate simplification.  I also act for clients in a wide variety of disputes including corporate, shareholder and partnership litigation, complex contractual disputes and professional negligence. I have acted for various administrators in over 60 administrations, including many pre-packaged administration sales. 

How did you get to where you are today?

Passing my JIEB in 2003 was a turning point in my career. I will not deny that it was always my aspiration to become the R3 President, but I had to get over my fear of public speaking. Raquel Agnello (now KC ) secretly volunteered me for a speaking slot at the R3 annual conference. She boosted my confidence and said "do it for the ladies!" and "if I can, you can!" and with plenty of practice, it became something that I was comfortable doing. The R3 media training was also invaluable as has been the constant support from my husband.

What made you decide to pursue a career in insolvency and restructuring?

I was a commercial litigator at Pinsent Curtis in 1994. On behalf of R3, John Pennie was running an introduction to insolvency law workshop which I signed up for and have never looked back since. It's a great profession and the social aspects were very enticing as a junior. The partners I worked with were always very supportive of R3 and gave me good budgets to join events and network. My roles and ambitions for R3 were always an integral part of my business plan.

Why did you become a D&I Champion?

This was a large part of my manifesto during my year as President of R3 and I wanted an opportunity to continue the journey. Working with a group of other people passionate about this topic means that we can share ideas and best practice and help feed this back to the R3 membership, particularly the SPG community who may not always have the resources to deal with these issues internally.  I have also taken on a mentoring role with an aspiring female IP and I hope that when I retire I can look back and see that I have made a difference.

Which aspect of the role is most important to you and why?

We have to lead by example. I am at a firm with many ambitious females where the ratio of female/male is 2:1. I strive to be a good role model and provide whatever support  I can.

What are the best examples of EDI initiatives you have seen in the profession?

E&Y have been a trail blazer in terms of setting standards and driving the conversation. They are fully supportive of this initiative and have made important resources available to us. I also consider that a calendar of religious event is very useful particularly if you have colleagues who are fasting or have other needs that should be considered.

What EDI initiatives have you benefitted from in your firm?

I have had unconscious bias training which really helped in the interview process. We also completely overhauled that questions we could ask at interview. I was also told never to recruit in your own image. ( I am not sure if that is just a reflection of me!)  I am always pleased to support the charities that ask you to donate an unwanted suit, handbag or a pair of shoes for a deserving candidate going for interview.

What's the one thing you would like to see the profession do differently when it comes to EDI?

I would like our profession to attract new talent from a wider pool but starting the recruitment process at A level stage as well as graduates. Obviously, I would like to see a more balanced refection at senior level.  Think outside the box when organising networking events and wellness should now play a major role in our approach.