The Hot 100 career quiz: Pinsent Masons partner Joanne Gillies

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

We had a huge amount of fun with our trainee intake group – there was always someone to help if you were in a blind panic and ALWAYS someone to go to the pub with. I have very fond memories of moving to the firm’s trainee flat in St John’s Wood in spring of 2000. We lived across from what was then the Salt House, and spent a fair bit of time in there… I thought I had properly arrived, it was LUSH.

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

As a trainee and junior, almost everything was outside my comfort zone – that’s how you learn. It doesn’t stop there either – there’s always something new to do, whether it’s running a big settlement meeting, speaking at a conference, appearing in front of the higher courts. That’s what keeps it interesting.

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

Don’t be afraid to sleep on something – a mark-up, an email, an advice note. I have never regretted doing that, and I always changed it in the morning. Sometimes a lot, sometimes a little – but I always improved it.

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

Have confidence in your own opinion; focus on doing the best job that you can in the way that best suits how you work; find someone who supports you; work hard.

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

Different things! She’s been in private practice, put together debt funding on the commercial side, been a GC of a tech company and is now doing M&A for an infrastructure fund. There are lots of different paths in law, don’t be too narrow-minded.