Tell us about your career journey to date
I began a career as an actor in film, television and theatre aged 11, appearing as a lead alongside Idris Elba in his breakthrough television appearance as well as being one of the original cast and creative forces behind the theatrical productions of (inter alia) Life of Pi and Charlie and Lola.
After more than two decades, my interest in both a new challenge and law outweighed the comfort of remaining still, so I took the leap, because life's too short.
Which transferable skills have you gained that will enhance your ability to thrive in your legal career?
You will discover that so many of your skills are transferable, far more than you may have thought. For me, I found that my ability to communicate, to take bold proactive steps in the workplace, and to be interested in and understand the law firm as a business far surpassed that of my younger peers. Perhaps sometimes I found that clients and partners expected more of me due to my experience, but if anything, that provided something to step up to.
What advice would you give to someone looking to switch careers?
During the interview process, it is your responsibility to highlight the additional skills, experience, and value that you will bring to the team that you are proposing to join; don't assume they are aware of any of it. Be specific with your examples. Remember to provide your interviewers with the comfort they need to be able to hire you by demonstrating that you remain flexible, eager, and able to learn, and have no issues taking instructions from those younger than yourself. And finally, always be your (professional) self.
