The Post: Partner, McKees
The Post Holder: Jill Annett
Good communication skills are crucial in Jill Annett’s role as a solicitor.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I completed my training contract with McKees and once I qualified as a solicitor in September 2009, I joined the litigation team. I have progressed through the firm over the last 14 years and was delighted to recently be appointed Partner.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Maths as I enjoyed the problem solving, logic and method involved.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I undertook a degree in Law with Law Studies in Europe (French) at Lincoln College, Oxford. As part of my degree, I spent a year studying French law in Paris at Université de Paris II. I then completed my professional exams at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. I have also completed a Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency and I am a trained Mediator.
How did you get into your area of work?
As a trainee I was able to gain extensive litigation experience and really enjoyed it. I qualified and continued to work in the litigation team in September 2009 when the market had just crashed and McKees’ main banking clients started to call in debts. Quickly, I became very busy issuing legal proceedings, bankruptcy/winding up petitions and proceedings to realise security against defaulting borrowers. This experience gave me a really good foundation to build on over the last 14 years and I now regularly help businesses resolve disputes and recover debts. I also act on behalf of insolvency practitioners and businesses/individuals in insolvency matters and on behalf of property agents, businesses and individuals in property litigation. I also continue to act on behalf of lenders in recoveries litigation.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
No, growing up I wanted to be a teacher.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Yes. You need a Law degree and then you have to go on to study at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) for two years alongside a training contract in a law firm.
In McKees we have a multi-jurisdictional team of lawyers which means we are able to operate in ROI and England as well as Northern Ireland. To be able to practise in these jurisdictions you need to have the relevant qualifications and experience, so it’s important to be aware of this when deciding where you want to practise.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Not with regards to the education required. But you can do a part-time law degree whilst working as a Paralegal. Indeed, one of our paralegals has just completed a five year part-time degree and starts her training contract with McKees in September.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Good communication skills are a must. You need to be organised and able to prioritise, especially as you could be working on a number of cases at any one time. You need to be able to work well as part of a team but also have the ability to work independently.
What does a typical day entail?
I start the day by checking emails and catching up with members of my litigation team.
There is never a typical day when you are a solicitor and I could be attending court hearings, client meetings, drafting court proceedings, issuing proceedings, instructing Counsel, reviewing case law or preparing for trials.
I am also responsible for ensuring the firm is up to date and compliant with all regulations governing the profession including anti-money laundering and GDPR. As part of this role, I co-ordinate the training for staff members in this area.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best aspect is the variety of work. No case is ever the same and there is no better feeling than getting a good result for a client.
The most challenging part of the job is often the balance – we’re a busy firm and we have our client work alongside other various requirements including professional development, training, and networking.
Why is what you do important?
Our job is to help our clients achieve the best outcome in respect of their issue or situation. It is vital for people to receive professional and knowledgeable advice to help them make the right decisions – professionally and personally. Clients want more than just legal advice and as their trusted advisors, we ensure we have an in-depth knowledge of their business so we can offer commercial and creative solutions to the issues and challenges our clients face.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
As a litigator, I regularly attend court on behalf of our clients. The Northern Ireland Court Service has adapted because of Covid with lots of reviews and hearings now online, which definitely has made things run more efficiently – something that would’ve taken me out of the office for a morning can now be dealt with online in five minutes.
What adjustments have you had to make?
Thankfully, due to the systems we had in place pre-Covid-19, the process of moving to remote working was seamless. At McKees our teams are now mainly back to working in the office which is great. I enjoy the social interaction and creativity which results from active team working in the office. I missed this during the various lockdowns throughout the pandemic. There is however flexibility to work at home for a day or two a week if your role permits it. For me, this hybrid approach works well.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Take every opportunity. McKees is committed to investing in the ongoing training and development of its employees to help them progress their careers. I took every opportunity available to me and after starting my career at the firm 14 years ago as a trainee solicitor, I’m now a Partner.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I love travelling and outdoor life. A job in this area would be great – perhaps a travel blogger! More realistically, I enjoy working with young people and used to want to be a teacher. I am a Guide Leader and currently tutor at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies so I feel like I have the best of both worlds by being able to do this whilst practising law at the same time.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Don’t be nervous and again, take every opportunity, as I am a firm believer that this will always stand by you.
Describe your ideal day off.
There is nothing I enjoy more than a sunny summer’s day at the beach with our two young children, followed by a walk along the coast and an ice cream. We also love to go hiking in the mountains and exploring outdoors.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Research. If you are interested in law, find out more about the firms you would like to work for. Find out their specialisms and consider if this area is of interest to you. Also ask how they invest in their employees’ development and what career progression they offer. Culture is also hugely important to me so I would look for a firm with clear values and a strong cultural dynamic.
Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market and more by following the nijobfinder blog.
Follow nijobfinder on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see the latest jobs and to ensure your dream job won’t pass you by.