Name: Justine Campbell
Organisation: Centrica
Position: Deputy Group General Counsel
Trained at: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
In Hot 100 for: Transforming Centrica’s legal function. Read her full Hot 100 entry.
What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?
Almost losing a EU Merger notification document – Form CO – in Heathrow airport. In 1993 we had to deliver the final docs to Brussels and I became engrossed in duty free perfumes and lost my document case. Running back from the gate when I realised my mistake was the longest 5 minutes of my life! I have been more careful since then!
Who has been the most influential person in your career? Why, and how have they helped you?
Philip Bramwell, who was O2 General Counsel, now at BAE Systems. Because he had confidence in my abilities and gave me the wonderful opportunity to work part time in a senior role so I could balance having young children while maintaining a challenging career. Without his encouragement I would probably have stoped working. He remains a mentor and friend.
What was the best career decision you ever made, and why?
Moving in house. I enjoy the ability to practice law while in a commercial environment and to take broader responsibilities for areas such as compliance, risk and public affairs and be part of a wider executive team – it makes things interesting.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?
Own your own career and find opportunities for development – don’t wait to be promoted! And look after people in your team or your network – you never know when you might need their support.
What work or career-related project or activity would you really like to do, but don’t have time for?
Renovating a derelict cottage next to my house – it will happen but more slowly than I would like!
