Hot 100 career quiz: Hyve GC Helen Milburn

What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?

I worked on a deal as a second seat trainee with a senior corporate partner, Mr Peter Allan. I have never seen anyone take such an interest in every person he came into contact with, his manner and personal style (in every sense) was extraordinary.

We were advising on the sale of a family business to a large international company, represented by a US firm. A particularly aggressive associate at the US firm began to insist on a raft of unnecessary, last-minute changes. With politeness and considerable time spent in the face of great disrespect, Mr Allan calmly explained by reference to case law and precedent, why each was not required. The associate conceded every point. It was a masterclass in good grace and legal skill.

What is the wisest thing anyone ever said to you (and who said it)?

“It might be dark now, but the sun will rise tomorrow” as said to me by Jasan Fitzpatrick, current MD of Principal Investing at Legal and General Capital and former General Counsel of Northern Rock. He still has to remind me occasionally!

Sometimes the jobs we do as lawyers are deeply challenging but we persevere, and we find a way. Being seconded to Northern Rock after the bank collapse was the most pivotal moment in my career and one of the most cherished. Being part of a team that produced extraordinary legal support at a time of extreme crisis taught me more than any other experience in my career to date.  Being able to observe Jasan’s leadership in an environment of intense pressure and complexity was formative in developing my own management style.

Who (for better or worse) has been the most influential person in your career? Why?

For the better, Ashely Wilton, who was the head of Newcastle University Law School during my time there. He created a law department that made you want to achieve, and he believed that each one of us would. He took time to know every student and his faith in our potential was unwavering. Without that start in law I would never have made it to where I am today and would not have the love and respect for the profession that I do.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?

Be respectful, be kind and remember to have fun along the way. The legal skills are expected, but people will remember you for the interest you took in their lives, their careers, their good days and their bad days. The deals you do will be forgotten – no matter how extraordinary or complex they were at the time – and all that is left is the impression you made. The job title is just that, it’s not who you are.

What’s your best friend from law school doing now?

A much braver lawyer than I, Jo Tullock runs her own successful firm (Silverback Law) with her husband Jon. Two people I respect and admire hugely.