Zoe McLean-Wells
Zoe's interview
You can find out more about Zoe by watching her interview, or by reading the transcript below, in which she discusses her career journey so far, her area of expertise, and advice she has for individuals coming through the ranks at the moment who want to make Partner.
Take us through your career journey so far.
l started my career at a regional firm called Walker Morris in Leeds. I trained there as a Trainee Solicitor. There was a six seat rotation, so I did six seats there. I qualified into their real estate litigation department. I was there for about ten years. I then went on maternity with my second child, and I moved to Devonshires thereafter. I started at Devonshires in February 2021 during a COVID lockdown, which was interesting. So I've been at Devonshires for just over three years now.
Please could you outline your area of expertise and what attracted you to it?
I am a Partner in the Housing Management & Property Litigation department. I have a particular interest in leasehold work and I very much enjoy fire and building safety work. What initially attracted me to real estate litigation, when I did my legal practice course, I actually didn't like litigation and thought I would be more of a transactional lawyer. I assumed I'd be a real estate lawyer but during my training contract, when I started litigation seats, I realised that I really liked the litigation side of it. So the pressure, the deadlines, the variety that litigation brings.
What advice do you have for those individuals who are coming through the ranks at the moment and want to make Partner?
My advice for individuals that are coming through the ranks and who are considering partnership is that hard work pays off.
What would you say to yourself as an NQ now that you’ve made Partner?
I would say to to take opportunities that come to me, use my initiative, and enjoy myself.
What networking advice do you have for people?
Networking for some people comes very naturally, and for others, it doesn't come so naturally. But I think if you have a genuine interest in the people that you're meeting and listen to what they have to say, you'll be absolutely fine.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
There's very little that's interesting about me. I have two young children and a very demanding job, so I would say I spend a lot of time dealing with that. I paddleboard, that's probably about the best you're going to get from me. I started paddle boarding because it's a sport where you are using your body enough to be physically challenged but mentally I find it very calming.
What do you wish everyone knew about Devonshires that they don’t currently know?
The thing that I wish people knew about Devonshires is that we have a northern presence that is growing.
Who at the firm do you most regularly refer work to?
Geri Batchelor, Ellie Fletcher, and Yaasica Hamilton-Haye, who are all amazing construction lawyers. They are three amazing women who, when I work with them, I know I can trust and rely on their advice.
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