The Inside Track With: Jillian Josephson | Partner | AST Hampsons LLP
- January 27, 2023
Every month we speak to prominent professionals working in, around, and for the legal sector in the UK, uncovering their greatest inspiration, what makes them tick in a work capacity and out, and their own career paths and journey to the top of their game.
Interview with: Jillian Josephson | Partner & Head of Commercial Property | AST Hampsons LLP
WHAT HAS YOUR MORNING LOOKED LIKE?
Every day is different and exciting in its own way! This morning started with a check in with the team- as Head of Department I operate an open door policy for any questions or queries – then a catch up with my clients and getting stuck into the interesting and varied workload currently on my desk.
HOW IS BUSINESS AT THE MOMENT?
I am privileged to have an array of different clients operating in the commercial property market. I’ve got a fantastic portfolio acquisition on my desk at the moment working with a team of several solicitors, agents, clients and lenders with a March deadline so it’s all hands to the pump! The wider team are busy and buoyant although the pressure cooker of the last 2 years seems to have eased slightly for the start of 2023.
HAS IT ALWAYS BEEN ‘LAW’ AS A CHOSEN CAREER?
I come largely from a family of medics but had a leaning towards the arts subjects in school. This pushed me away from a medical career and as both my uncles were solicitors, it ranked high on the career agenda! It was a great decision – I met some incredible people on my degree when I studied at Manchester University and feel blessed to have had 2 excellent mentors, Catherine Haslam (DWF) & Peter Taylor (Senior Partner at AST) who have guided me through my career to date. I absolutely love being a solicitor and am grateful for my amazing team and loyal clients! Every day is different but there’s always a buzz!
WHAT IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Building up and looking after a client base who could go anywhere for legal advice but choose to work with me. I have worked hard to develop a new following for the firm (which is very established with its own loyal base) and am grateful and proud of the quality of instructions and clients that I get to be involved and work with, on a daily basis. I had my best billing year on record last year and thrived on the extent of work I was involved with for so many different clients.
WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Personally – my mum and dad who got me to where I am today! Professionally – my clients many of whom have built their businesses from scratch through hard work, grit and determination. Their enthusiasm for the work is infectious!
I can’t overlook my 2 amazing mentors, Catherine Haslam (DWF) & Peter Taylor (Senior Partner at AST) who have taught me that enjoying the job is critical – fully embracing the opportunities that the job presents to support clients with their diverse needs whilst having fun along the way!
WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?
I love to read but because I do so much during the day it has be light and ideally uplifting out of hours! Anything by Marian Keyes is always a winner!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE START OF YOUR CAREER IN THE LEGAL SECTOR?
Work hard and exceed expectations! Go on site as often as possible to get stuck into a deal and meet clients to help develop relationships. Embrace more complex transactions and rise to the challenge of finding solutions to legal problems which can be unique! Expect the unexpected and enjoy it!
HOW HAS THE LEGAL SECTOR CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS?
The profession has changed so much since I started in the early 2000’s. I have worked as a property solicitor through the recession of 2008 onwards and I endeavoured to make myself indispensable to clients who were experiencing challenging times in an ever changing market. In a way it made me – I realised I could drum up clients from scratch and professionally stand on my own two feet even when the world around me was crumbling! Certain areas are becoming more process driven and the advent of technology has encouraged an “on demand” service. The landscape has changed significantly since I qualified 18 years ago and there is undoubtedly more change to come!
OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
I am married to an amazingly supportive husband and have a mischievous 11 year old boy! I love nothing more than spending my weekends on the beach with family and friends and getting plenty of fresh air and quality relaxation! During the week I love going to the gym after work and am a member of a fitness hub dedicated to helping busy professionals get fit and have a happy life! It is the best stress reliever!
AND FINALLY, YOUR GO-TO PODCAST?
Anything by Gary Rothwell at the Transform Hub!
AST Hampsons is a long established firm with offices in and around the North West of England. Founded some 150 years ago, the firm offers a number of services spanning conveyancing and commercial property, wills and probate, family, personal injury and clinical negligence.
