A career in corporate law fulfils a desire to be constantly learning and growing, says Ellie Shanahan, corporate associate at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon.
Why did you go for a law degree?
My dad is a criminal defence lawyer so I was exposed to the profession from a young age, as well as the skills needed for a career in law. I have always had strong communication and interpersonal skills – I played a lot of team sports as a child – so I wanted a career that was client-facing, where I could use those skills. Being a good lawyer is more than excellent technical knowledge – it’s also about interpersonal skills and that was a real motivator. I studied law at Swansea University and became interested in the different career paths law would allow me to explore.
Where did you do your training?
I joined Capital Law in Cardiff in 2017 and was fortunate enough to qualify into a fast-growing and experienced corporate team, who supported me greatly in the formative stages of my career. I was exposed to clients from the outset of my training contract, worked on a range of private equity transactions and gained insight into the full lifecycle of a transaction and the part each person on the team plays in driving deals forward. I had two secondments while there – to Admiral Financial services and Hodge, a Cardiff-based bank. Those experiences gave me insight into other in-house opportunities that could follow my legal training.
Why the move to Burges Salmon?
Around 18 months after qualifying, I moved to Burges Salmon’s corporate finance team in Cardiff. I wanted to experience a wider range of work in a larger team environment, working on higher-value transactions for large corporate clients as well as working with start-ups and scale-ups to support them through their growth trajectory.
It was apparent at the interview stage that the whole firm had developed a highly supportive and empowering environment for junior lawyers.
And why corporate law?
As I worked in different departments during my training contract, it became clear that I wanted to be a transactional lawyer. I liked the structured, logical thinking and developing relationships where you become that business’s trusted adviser. Having to understand client strategies and the bigger picture is a part of my job that I really enjoy – you are constantly learning and developing. Another key part of being a corporate lawyer is the ability to work as a team, internally or with in-house counsel to get a transaction over the line. As someone who can be a bit of a perfectionist, having colleagues who support you, offer advice and sometimes tell you when you are worrying for no reason is essential.
What is your current role?
I am currently a second-year associate in the corporate finance team, and have been qualified for five years. My responsibilities vary, but typically include preparing drafts of key documentation and deal management. I usually work very closely with a small team on every transaction and so benefit from partner-level input and experience. I can also develop my own delegation and leadership skills by supervising solicitors and trainee solicitors. I am constantly learning and am at a stage where every transaction pushes me.
Which deals stand out so far?
A particular highlight last year was working with The Safeguarding Company, an organisation that works to protect the well-being, health and human rights of children and adults all over the world. In March 2023, I was part of the team advising the business on its acquisition by Tes – that deal brought a digital solution offering to bolster safeguarding measures in schools.
I also recently advised Bluefield Solar, a London-listed income fund that invests and manages UK solar energy assets, on its new long-term strategic partnership with GLIL Infrastructure. That joint venture will support the country’s energy transition and move towards a sustainable net-zero economy.
And future ambitions?
I want to continue to grow technically and build long-standing relationships with clients who trust me and the team around me. As a junior lawyer, business development is a key skill and this is something that is greatly encouraged at Burges Salmon. I will spend more time developing relationships and building my network over the next few years.