Spotlight: RedLaw interviews...Helen Griffiths, Fountain Court Chambers

How is the transition from law firm into chambers? We talk to Helen Griffiths, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Fountain Court about her new move, what's been the trickiest part of life in lockdown, as well as how the chambers is adapting its offerings to meet the changing needs of clients as a result of the pandemic.

You have been working at Fountain Court for nearly six months in the role of Head of Business Development – how have you found the transition from a law firm into chambers? What is the best part of your job? And if you weren’t working in law firm, what would you be doing?

The transition has been really interesting – you see things from a different perspective at chambers and that has been good to learn about. The business model is probably the biggest change; the subtle differences that brings to my role has been a learning curve for me. And obviously lockdown has been a big part of my first few months which isn’t ideal, but things have actually been a lot easier than I’d imagined. The people are so welcoming and accommodating and the technology has been fantastic.

The best part of my job is getting to work with the different teams and different individuals – the admin team, the clerks, the barristers. I’ve got to know some great people who have worked, and continue to work, on some really interesting cases.

If I wasn’t working in law, I would like to think I’d be doing something in psychology but who knows?!

Describe Fountain Court’s culture in 3 words.

Supportive, ambitious and creative.

What sets your firm apart from its competitors? What does it do differently and what added value does it give to its clients?

Everyone is amazing at what they do – the clerks are fantastic, and the barristers are incredible and have such impressive experience. But they are all human beings too. Everyone is warm, supportive and have been so welcoming to me as a new face.

In terms of added value, we’ve been doing a lot of virtual training for law firms and in-house counsel in the last few months and that has gone down really well. We’ve also been able to provide practical tips to clients around working remotely, particularly when it comes to cons and hearings.

The current climate is very uncertain at the moment across the world. What has surprised you the most about the way in which Fountain Court has dealt with the situation? Or what makes you most proud of how the firm has dealt with the situation?

Everyone has come together and supported one another. We have regular virtual team meetings and socials, to make sure no one is too isolated. Selfishly, having only joined in February, that’s also been really useful for me in terms of getting to know people better!

More generally, I’m also really impressed at how quickly Fountain Court has adapted to the new situation in terms of technology and supporting its people. I have a fantastic set up at home now and have all the technology and equipment I need to be able to do my job properly. There has been a lot of importance placed on the ability of staff to continue to provide an excellent service to clients.

How is Fountain Court adapting their offerings to meet clients’ needs in these challenging times?

Many of our barristers have been involved in remote hearings and arbitrations, including some of the first to take place in certain courts, meaning they have a lot of practical experience they can share. We have also been successful in transitioning fairly seamlessly into virtual meetings and training sessions and working in a more paperless environment.

From a technical perspective, a number of our barristers are advising on issues specific to COVID-19, so are at the forefront of developing law in that area which will no doubt be invaluable to clients.

Work is looking very different for us all right now. What does your ‘new’ typical day on lockdown look like?

I try and do some exercise first thing, usually yoga or a run. I then head up to my home office where my morning is a mixture of Zoom calls, responding to emails and working on projects. I then have a break at lunch when I walk my terrier and get out into nature, and then head back to it in the afternoon. I cook for me and my husband every evening which I really enjoy and then spend time reading or catching up on a boxset. I don’t have children so fortunately my time is my own when I’m not working.

Our new ways of working looks very different for everyone. What has been the biggest challenge for you personally adapting to the changes of remote working?

In previous roles, I worked from home once a week or so, but I’ve always enjoyed being in the office as I like being face to face with people. I think that absence of human interaction with my colleagues and clients has been the trickiest part for me – the technology is brilliant, but it can’t ever properly replace the real thing.

What will be your biggest take away/lessons learned, personal or professional, from this very different world we find ourselves in now?

Probably not to take the small things for granted. I also think I’ll try and carve out some more time for myself in the future, if and when things return to ‘normal’. I’ll try and avoid going a million miles a minute like I used to!

Name 3 positives to have come out of lockdown.

1. Cooking more
2. Spending more time with my husband (and dog!)
3. No trains!

What’s your top tip in keeping connected with colleagues, family and friends during this time?

Use the technology with those who can, but don’t forget those who can’t – especially vulnerable or elderly people. Make sure you check in with them if you can. And if you can, speak on the phone or VC, rather than emailing or texting.

The book or Netflix series you can’t put down is….

I’m currently reading The Couple Next Door which is pretty good. TV wise, I enjoyed Unorthodox although there are only four episodes, so I finished it quickly! The Last Dance was also pretty addictive – I know nothing about basketball but it was still a great series.

The takeaway meal or restaurant you really miss is….

Our local Thai restaurant. It will be one of the first places we go when we’re allowed to!

The RedLaw team is sharing a motivational track at 2pm each day to keep connected and boost morale. What uplifting, feel good song could you suggest we add to our playlist?

“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen