How did you end up in PR and specialize in disputes and investigations communications?
When I graduated, I was considering two career paths: either the legal route via Training Contracts or communications. I was interviewing with agencies when lockdown occurred, and graduate schemes were pulled. So, I was looking for jobs, and Byfield was advertising for an experienced Account Executive. I had no experience, fresh out of university, but Byfield asked if I would like to do an internship. I did that and, through the course of it, learned that Legal and Litigation communications was a thing. That married the two career paths, and the rest is history.
You recently rejoined Byfield – what have you been doing and what brought you back?
When I left, it was to specialise in litigation communications at Portland, which I did for the past two years. I worked across many types of disputes, including class actions, judicial reviews, enforcement proceedings, commercial litigation, and disputes-related reputational matters. It was great exposure to big corporate clients and high-stakes disputes in the UK and overseas, like the EU General Court and the CJEU.
Byfield was on real growth journey in the time I was away – I came back because I think there’s a big opportunity for us as the leading legal sector specialists to develop and enhance our Disputes & Investigations practice. I was excited by the proposition of being part of that journey and playing a more instrumental role than I was able to do in a big agency. Plus, I always loved the team here so the opportunity to work with lots of those people again was hugely exciting!
You’ve been back nine months. How is it going?
Really well. I’ve been really busy since day one—straight into court managing the media relations around an 8-week trial in the commercial court, networking, and getting Byfield’s name out there by attending conferences such as the IBA in Paris, Dubai Arbitration Week, LIDW and TL4 Class Action Forum in Amsterdam. We have won and had the opportunity to work on some really interesting briefs from clients including across group actions, international arbitration, and workplace investigations.
How are you finding the business development aspects of the role?
I personally really enjoy networking, meeting new people, and explaining how we, as communications professionals, are an integral part of any litigation strategy. It’s rewarding when you speak to disputes lawyers that come to understand the value and importance for a client. It is so interesting to have these conversations and ensure they understand our role.
Another crucial aspect of business development is understanding the market and which areas are most active, so staying up to date and knowing which cases are being filed is always fascinating and important. I’m constantly thinking strategically about where to position us in the market and working closely with the Byfield founder director Gus Sellitto and co-managing director Michael Evans to ensure we meet our goals in 2024 and beyond.
What is a typical day for you?
There isn’t one! I’m definitely busier with client work more quickly than I expected (definitely not complaining about that!) —that involves strategic planning and reputation management, thinking about how we leverage media to achieve litigation and commercial objectives and also accompanying clients in court. The rest of my time is filled with getting processes in place and executing our business development strategy.
How do you manage the demands of the job and juggling lots of priorities?
I draw on resources across the talented team and work collaboratively while also appreciating that sometimes you just have to work a bit harder or a bit longer to ensure clients are getting the quality of service they expect. I will always do what it takes to give them that.
What do you want to achieve in 2024?
I want to personally win a significant litigation brief for Byfield and then fulfill the brief well for the client. I also want to teach other team members how to develop their skills and help boost Byfield’s Chambers rankings. Another priority is to develop a joined-up multijurisdictional offering through our relationships with Mirovia, our network of partner agencies around the world.
What do you like best about the job?
Building relationships with clients where they trust you to guide them through their most critical and complex situations or support them in their cause.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Spinning, seeing as much of the world as I can, and listening to electronic music.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am half Greek – don’t ask me to spell my Mum’s maiden name after a glass of wine!
