I joined LK Shields as a Trainee Solicitor in 1999. It is fair to say that I chose LK Shields Solicitors in the hope that I would receive excellent training and exposure to varied and interesting work, and I have not been disappointed. Upon joining the firm I immediately realised that I would need to demonstrate a real business awareness if I was to succeed as a solicitor. Clients do not simply want a solicitor to advise them on legal matters - they want a solicitor who is also commercially focused. I encountered many practical examples of why this is so important and how everything we do needs to be based on a clear understanding of our client’s business objectives.

I have been qualified since 2003 and I became a Partner in May 2009. I have worked in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department since qualifying. Examples of the type of work that I am involved in includes representing parties before the Tribunals of Inquiry, building arbitrations, insolvency and corporate recovery.

Over the years, I have been involved in a number of high profile cases – I acted for the Fitzwilton group of companies in their successful Supreme Court action against the Mahon Tribunal. In addition, I have acted for a number of witnesses before the Tribunals of Inquiry. I have also acted for a number of liquidators in high profile liquidations, one such being the liquidator of the Valley Ice Cream Companies.

Despite the value and complexity of cases which I work on, I have consistently found that solicitors in the firm are given a high level of responsibility at an early stage in their career.

In the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department, as in the entire firm, the Partners, Solicitors and Trainees all work as a team and everyone is encouraged to come up with their own ideas. The open door policy that many other organisations claim to have is a reality at LK Shields Solicitors. Partners are always accessible and willing to share their expertise.

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job in LK Shields has been the quality, diversity and friendliness of the people with whom I work.