Freya Pepworth, Graduate Account Executive
In this instalment of ‘Five minutes with’, we catch up with Freya Pepworth, Graduate Account Executive where she shares her transition into legal PR, the presentation she’s most proud of, and what she’s focused on next.
Before joining Byfield, what were you doing?
Before joining Byfield, I was a paralegal at a national law firm. This role gave me hands-on experience in the legal world and valuable insight into the day-to-day work of lawyers, as well as the commercial issues affecting different practice areas.
The experience has been extremely useful in helping me deeply understand how law firms operate and how strategic communications can support them.
What aspects of the role have drawn most on your previous experience?
Communication was a significant part of my previous role, but in PR it is absolutely critical. Every day revolves around it in various forms, whether it’s pitching to the media, speaking with clients or meeting journalists.
It all involves different types and styles of communication, and being able to understand and master the nuances between them is key to a role in PR.
How did you find the transition into agency life, or into legal PR specifically?
It’s been challenging, as it has required me to use a new set of skills and step outside my comfort zone at times, but that has also made it extremely rewarding.
To name just a couple of examples, I’ve pitched for new business at a major law firm and independently met with journalists who are experts in fields I’m still discovering, both of which have been new challenges for me.
However, the opportunity to learn quickly is part of what makes the role so interesting and fulfilling.
Is there a particular piece of work or milestone so far that you’re especially proud of?
I had the privilege of joining my senior colleagues to present at a large international law firm.
I feel proud of this because previously, I would have considered it quite outside of my comfort zone, especially as I hadn’t done many presentations for a while. It felt daunting beforehand but with lots of preparation and support from the team, we delivered a great presentation, and I felt I was able to speak confidently.
Looking ahead, what skills are you most keen to build as you continue developing at Byfield?
I would like to strengthen my ability to build relationships with journalists.
It’s a skill I’ve started to develop, but it’s completely different from anything I did in my previous role, so I’m still getting used to it. The more I’ve done it, the more enjoyable I find it. It also makes the role easier too as you start to understand the beat of different journalists which allows you to fine-tune what you pitch to them.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I play netball. I used to play in school and university and have recently picked it back up again which I’m really enjoying.