The Hot 100 career quiz: DLA Piper partner Amrit Mclean

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

I vividly remember my corporate governance seat and learning so much from my lovely supervisor at the time – Rachel Lyne.  It was great to see someone loving their job and their clients!  Rachel’s personality was the same whether she was speaking to her clients, colleagues, friends or family.  That authenticity really struck a note with me.  I could see how her genuine nature and true love for her job shone through and was the key to her success.

What is the thing in your professional career that has terrified you or taken you out of your comfort zone the most?

While I was on maternity leave nearly a decade ago now, it became clear that the flexibility I needed as a mummy wasn’t available in private practice. I therefore moved into the insurance industry (and more specifically a business team).  I remember the interview clearly – being told that although I could keep my legal qualification going, I would be a real part of the business, not group legal.  I wasn’t being hired as a lawyer!

Having wanted to be a lawyer from a young age, completed a law degree, straight onto the LCP and then a training contract/qualification – it did come as quite a shock.  A lot of my identity was tied up in my profession.

The first few years within the industry, I spent most of my time with actuaries and investment professionals.  Looking back now, it was the best thing that could have happened to me!  Although it would have been easy to stick within my comfort zone and gravitate towards everything with a legal angle, I realised I just needed to go for it!   It took about a year but I managed to get to grips with the jargon and terminology and truly understand how bulk annuity insurers operated and priced.  I also realised that actuaries are fantastic and always happy to grab a coffee and explain areas in more depth.  The seven and a half years I spent within the industry was the best experience I could have asked for.  Now back in private practice, the insurers are my clients.  Knowing what they face on a day to day basis and how they approach governance and pricing is key to our teams success.

Sometimes life kicks you onto a path you hadn’t planned for – trust it.

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

“Dude!  I’m an architect!”

A strange phrase but one that has stuck with me ever since.  When I was working within an insurer, I was concerned that my legal training (in a team made up of nearly all actuaries) meant that I wouldn’t be able to progress.  I remember speaking to the MD at the time, concerned that “as a lawyer” I couldn’t see the path ahead for me.

He didn’t have the same concerns! And said the phrase – “Dude! I’m an architect!”

I would never have guessed given his knowledge and approach to leading the team that he wasn’t also an actuary!  It became clear to me that sometimes the labels we give ourselves can end up limiting you rather than helping.  That skills are transferrable and what’s really needed to succeed is the right attitude and work ethic.

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

I would say – find a way to be your true self as much as possible.  People think there is a way in which lawyers should interact or behave.  Having been a client and used law firms for a number of years, people respond to lawyers who are themselves, who genuinely care about their clients and the matters they are working on.

When people aren’t authentic or their heart isn’t really in it, this shines through.

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

My best friend from law school is now… my husband!!  We met at university and went to the same law college. He took a step back from law to look after our son, Ethan and support me when I became an equity partner allowing me to set up the de-risking team at DLA Piper (it’s been a busy few years!)