Career spotlight: banking solicitor

In this blog, we ask Stephanie Lynch in our banking team a number of questions to learn more about what it is like to work in the banking team at Burges Salmon and what attracted her to the firm.

1. Why did you join Burges Salmon at this stage in your career?

After my initial interview, I knew pretty much right away that Burges Salmon was going to be a good fit for me. I had the opportunity to join a newly opened Scottish office, which was only going to continue to grow – an opportunity that doesn’t come around often!

The Edinburgh office is made up of lawyers and partners who have all joined from a variety of different firms – each bringing with them new ideas and perspectives on things. Although I am based in Edinburgh, I feel very well integrated with the Bristol banking team – the partners and lawyers put a lot of effort into making this happen.

Apart from the people, I was very interested in doing a range of different types of banking work for a variety of different partners. Since joining, I have worked on a good mix of both Scots and English law transactions.

2. What is your career background?

I completed my undergraduate law degree and diploma at Glasgow University, before joining international law firm CMS for my training contract. I completed seats in their Glasgow and Edinburgh offices and upon qualification joined their banking team in Edinburgh. I moved to Burges Salmon about 18 months after qualifying and I’ve been here for just over a year!

3. What attracted you to Burges Salmon?

Before I joined, various people had told me how friendly everyone was and that you really feel part of a team. I’m pleased to say they were right! At my previous firm I felt like a tiny cog in a huge machine, whereas at Burges Salmon I feel much more integrated within my team. I know the faces and names of all of my banking colleagues both north and south of the border. The same also applies for my Edinburgh office colleagues. Due to the size and setup of the Edinburgh office, there is usually always a good atmosphere and by the end of the day you’ll probably have spoken to everyone in the office (pre-COVID).

4. What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy the varied workload, which has included – project finance, real estate finance, restructuring and insolvency – to name but a few.

Before joining Burges Salmon, I was worried about being pigeonholed too soon in my career and before I’d had the chance to work out which area of banking really interested me. Since joining Burges Salmon, I have been able to work on a diverse range of matters with most of the senior solicitors and partners in the team – working alongside a great mix of very experienced people has meant I have been able to learn and develop quickly. In my opinion, I am a better lawyer because of it.