We sat down with the newest member of the Byfield team, Senior Account Executive, Olivia Adam.
What inspired you to move from journalism to communications?
I have always enjoyed the social aspect of journalism, but I found it could be quite siloed at times. Building relationships with comms professionals (especially from Byfield!) made me realise how important the people element is, working with dynamic teams as well as different types of clients. As someone who just loves to meet with and collaborate with others, it just felt right for me to make the jump.
How do you find the roles differ?
I enjoy the fast pace. I like to tick things off my list throughout the day and there’s always more you can do for your clients.
The pace within journalism can be a little less predictable. The main requirement is to hand in your quota of stories every week; how you do that is up to you.
Are there any areas of law you have a particular interest in?
I have a law degree so have gotten a taste for nearly every area of the law (albeit Scots law, which differs to England and Wales – often more than people think!)
At university I found delict or in English law, tort – so interesting. The classic case Donoghue v Stevenson involving a snail in a bottle of ginger beer, definitely peaked my interest.
I also enjoy the history of law, and wrote my dissertation on how lawyers used the medium of print to develop the law in the 17th and 18th centuries.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role at Byfield?
I am looking forward to honing my strategic thinking skills. Being a part of the high-profile, high value and complex litigation is a novel and exciting experience. I am learning a lot about how to use the media strategically to benefit the aims of your client.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or passions?
I love to go to car boot sales and antique fairs, as I have such a passion for trinkets and old clothes that usually smell a bit funny.
What challenges are you excited to tackle in your career at Byfield?
Building relationships with journalists (and keeping their attention!) is something I am learning on the job – how the tables have turned.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
This is a hard one! I am an only-child and I can play the clarinet.
How are you finding the experience of working with such a diverse range of law firms from across the legal industry?
Having been a legal reporter, this has been the easiest part. I have worked with most firms and their in-house PRs during my previous role, so stepping into a new space but with familiar faces has made the transition so comfortable.
What aspect of your role or the projects ahead are you most excited about?
Some of the partners I work with practice niche areas of the law which keeps my mind sharp. I scan parts of the news I would normally never look at for pitching ideas. I was so excited to land my first piece of coverage with the national press, it’s very rewarding when an idea comes to fruition and adds value to both the journalist and the client.
