Name: Samantha Holland Firm: Gowling WLG (UK) LLP Location: Birmingham University: University of Bristol Degree: Law
root of most people’s career aspirations and law firms must take more action to improve diversity within the profession so candidates from all backgrounds have this opportunity: “While there’s work going into improving diversity in law firms, as a profession we aren’t doing enough quickly enough. Ultimately, firms must represent society around them to improve their decision making and make law a better profession. Law firms must look beyond the traditional recruitment pool.” Choose the road that’s right for you Sharing a significant learning point from her journey, Samantha highlights that the traditional route to qualification isn’t the only way to become a solicitor: “You don’t have to study law at university and then go to law school – it can be helpful for candidates to have another string to their bow. “We want people with a range of experience, so do what you love and then what you need to do to become a lawyer.” She outlines a few essential skills for candidates interested in a career as a commercial litigator: “You must be a good communicator and listener as you’ll be engaging with different types of people, including clients, opposing parties, experts and witnesses. Be forensic – you’ll be pulling together factual information and applying the law to work out the legal principles and the answer. Finally, be strategic – consider how to progress your case to achieve the best outcome.” Candidates can develop these skills by “volunteering at the local Citizens Advice Bureau and getting involved at the local law clinic or law society. If you’re at university, take part in mock trials and mooting to give you a taste of what a career in commercial litigation might be like.”
just want lawyers to pick up a dispute and deal with it; they want them to think about what’s coming up and how the business can be managed to mitigate risks, how things can be conducted more efficiently, and how to innovate and use technology to better manage disputes and legal costs.” More recently, the global pandemic’s impact on Samantha’s practice resulted in an increased workload: “I’m a litigator specialising in insurance, so we’re busy with covid-19 insurance claims. Despite the Financial Conduct Authority launching its test case, I still think business will face issues and that disputes with insurers over losses incurred during lockdown will run for several years.” Making partner In her career so far, Samantha has been involved in several high-profile cases; two of which she considers to be career highlights because they were “large, complex and went to final hearing”. She adds: “One was a dispute between racing driver, Paul di Resta and his former manager, Anthony Hamilton. I also acted for CPC Group in its high-profile dispute with Mark Holyoake.” A more personal highlight for Samantha was when she made partner in 2017: “To be made partner at Gowling was a source of pride because I believe we do great work. It also validated everything I’d worked for.” Getting to this point involved “a lot of hard work and juggling” but she urges law candidates to believe in themselves: “Women must feel they can progress – you don’t have to pick between children and a career. I made a rule that I’d never miss a Nativity play or parents’ evening; however, if I have a hearing then that takes priority. A set of priorities makes things easier.” The long hours, stress and responsibility that come with making decisions in a large dispute are partly what makes her job exciting. “I don’t think there’s anything I don’t like about my job,” she laughs. Finding a job that suits is at the
Put yourself out there and just “go for it”, Samantha says.
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