Name: Kath Russ
Firm: Travers Smith
Role: Senior partner
Trained at: Travers Smith
Year qualified: 1993
What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?
The reaction I got when I first wore a pair of trousers. It wasn’t positive!
What is the wisest thing anyone ever said to you (and who said it)?
“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else”
This is a quote from Judy Garland but I was first made aware of it by Sian Keall who is one of our employment law partners, a member of our partnership board and a very wise colleague and friend.
Who (for better or worse) has been the most influential person in your career? Why?
Lots of people have inspired and influenced me along the way but, if I had to pick out only one, it would be my tax colleague, Rick Stratton. Rick is the cleverest person that I have ever met, and, more importantly, he is also one of the kindest. He is a constant reminder that sound business is entirely compatible with treating everyone with decency and respect.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?
Always surround yourself with excellent people at all levels. Be inspired but not intimated by those that you admire and, in return, do not forget your responsibility to inspire and encourage those who look up to you.
What’s your best friend from law school doing now?
He is now my husband and father of my two grown up sons!
