In this “Getting to Know” we’re talking to Marie Walsh who is one of the Directors here at Consilia Legal and heads up our Employment Law team.
Marie has acted on behalf of a wide range of clients throughout her years of practice and acts predominantly on behalf of businesses and senior executives in all areas of employment law. Marie is also a visiting lecturer on a number of post graduate courses.
Q: How many years of experience do you have in the legal sector?
I have been practicing now for 24 years.
Q: What has your career journey looked like so far?
I started out at Blacks Solicitors for training, qualified and retained. I then did 2 years teaching at the College of Law and now visit for BPP University and University of Law. Finally, I qualified as a workplace then civil mediator.
Q: Describe your day-to-day role
My role varies so much day to day. I am involved in the running of the practice, management of my team and I also fee earn as an employment lawyer dealing with individuals and employers on a daily basis. I also run Consilia Mediation alongside Laura Clapton and some days I work as a workplace mediator.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love the variety of the role – no one day is the same.
Q: What do you find most challenging about your role?
I find time management very challenging but after 20 years I think I have nearly mastered it.
Q: What piece of advice would you give someone looking for an employment lawyer?
Choose a person you are comfortable with and who has a good reputation. Ask for recommendations from others who you know well and who have used the lawyer personally.
Q: What makes Consilia Legal different to other law firms?
Consilia is a niche firm with only 2 practice areas. That makes us specialists in our subject matter. We work collaboratively with other lawyers and our 4-day week was introduced before many others trialled it and remains to date.
Q: Who inspires you?
People who stand up for their rights or the rights of others inspire me. Integrity is everything.
Q: What do you like doing in your spare time?
Cycling into work, watching my boys play sport and walking my dogs Colin and Buddy!
Thanks Marie!
If you need any advice around employment law or mediation you can contact Marie directly by emailing marie@consilialegal.co.uk or call 0113 322 9222.