Meet Wick-based Jennifer Simpson director of BBM Solicitors
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Q: What inspired you to become a solicitor?
The TV series Ally McBeal!? Joking aside I loved English and history at school and a law degree was the direction the careers advisor pointed me in. I wasn’t sure while at uni if I would practice or use the degree go straight into industry but love where I have landed and life as a Highland lawyer is certainly never dull.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m a drafting geek. I enjoy legal drafting and am happiest with my head in a contract, particularly working on bespoke sets of terms and conditions or contract bundles for new and emerging industries. I like the challenge of thinking out new scenarios.
Q: You are director of BBM. What advice would you give to someone in a management position?
Look after your team. We live in challenging times and focusing on staff wellbeing and keeping your staff mentally resilient couldn’t be more important.
Q: What are the biggest rewards in your line of work?
Happy clients . I’m 15 or so years into my career and still love the feeling of getting a deal over the line and seeing clients get the outcome they were looking for.
Q: What are the biggest challenges?
At the moment it’s probably the economy. I’ve worked through one financial crash and it was certainly an uncomfortable time for the legal profession. There are difficult times ahead for all businesses but hopefully with BBM’s insolvency and restructuring specialism we are well placed to weather the storm.
Q: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
When you hear hoofbeats think horses not zebras. I think this advice was originally aimed at doctors diagnosing medical conditions but to me it means having a calm head and not jumping to the worst case outcome in every situation.
Q: How do you relax away from work?
I have two young kids with a lot of hobbies, so these days I often relax (if that’s the right word for it) with my mum friends at dance or gymnastics competitions. We also have three lovely gun dogs and a family pony (Peaches) and I really enjoy getting outside for a quiet hack with Peaches or a long walk with the dogs when I get the chance. Caithness is such a beautiful place and it’s great to get out and explore it.
Q: If you were planning a great escape where would you go?
I did a lot of travelling when I was younger but I never made it to Japan. I’m hoping to get a trip booked there in the next couple of years (if I can persuade my husband to join me).
Coffee Break is sponsored by Inverness Roasting Co.
