Angela F

Profile:

I am a partner at Bristows in our Commercial Disputes team. I help clients when their business relationships hit a stumbling block – it might be a disagreement over money or a failure by one party to deliver what was promised. Where matters cannot be resolved amicably, I will represent them in litigation in the High Court in London or in arbitration proceedings although that tends to be a last resort.

As a teenager I was already set on a career in law and so when I finished my law degree and then the LPC in 2001 I didn’t take any time out – I just wanted to get started! I trained at a large national commercial law firm in London and qualified in 2003 into one of their litigation teams. I decided to make a move in 2007 and found my (work) home at Bristows.

I was state school educated and was the first generation of my family to attend university. At any one time while in education, I would have two or three part-time jobs to earn money including as a potwash, cleaner, waitress and envelope-stuffer, all of which have shaped my strong work ethic. I didn’t have any contacts in the profession.

As head of the firm’s Trainee Committee, I understand how difficult it can be to secure a training contract and would be happy to talk to anyone who wants to but is struggling to access the profession.