Tell us about a typical day in your current role?
As in-house legal counsel at a European renewable energy company, I work closely with various teams, including project development, construction, operations, finance and compliance, to ensure our renewable energy projects run smoothly from a legal and regulatory perspective.
A typical day includes contract reviews, advising on compliance with UK, EU and US regulations, and serving as a sounding board and trusted business partner for colleagues across various departments. I also spend my time collaborating with external legal advisors to manage specialised legal issues, and monitor evolving legislation that affects the renewable energy sector, ensuring our company remains proactive about regulatory changes and stays aligned with local and international standards.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
One of my proudest moments was hiring our first in-house legal trainee. Supporting the professional growth and development of a junior member of our profession has been even more rewarding and inspiring than I expected and has reinforced my passion for both the law and renewable energy.
If you could offer one piece of advice to your 21-year-old self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to embrace flexibility. Legal careers can lead you in unexpected directions, and being open to new opportunities will enrich both your professional journey and personal growth. Transitioning from private practice to an in-house role was not something I had originally planned, but it has broadened my understanding of the renewables industry and enhanced my legal expertise in ways I could not have anticipated.
In what ways did your time at Burges Salmon influence your career?
My time at Burges Salmon had a big impact on my career. It gave me an invaluable UK-wide perspective, as I had previously only worked on Scottish projects. The firm’s open and collaborative culture reinforced the importance of teamwork, which has been essential in my current role where cross-department collaboration is key. I also had a lot of fun and made many happy memories!
Who has particularly inspired you or helped you get to where you are today?
I owe a great deal to several mentors at Burges Salmon who supported me during my time at the firm and who continue to support me in my role at ERG. Their invaluable guidance helped me build the skills and confidence needed to transition into the renewable energy sector. Additionally, the team at ERG has been a tremendous source of inspiration; their commitment to renewable energy and sustainability strengthens my own passion for making an impact.
If you had not followed a career in law, what would you like to have done instead?
I would likely have pursued a career in sustainability. I’ve always had a deep interest in the topic and that passion is still a huge driver for me today. I feel very fortunate to be contributing to reducing carbon emissions and reaching our renewable energy targets from a legal perspective.