Career catch up with Emily Scaife

In this career spotlight, Emily Scaife, a Partner in the Banking and Finance team, shines some light on her experience of working for the firm

Can you tell us a bit about how your career has developed over time and how you got to where you are today?

I studied law at the University of Bristol and went straight through to my training contract with an 8 month break for travelling in between. I trained at TLT in Bristol, moved to Eversheds in Birmingham on qualification (to pursue my ambition to do Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency (CRI)) and then moved to Burges Salmon two years later. Since qualification I have focussed on CRI work, which has led to a fulfilling and fun career so far. I was delighted to be made up to Partner in May 2021 alongside a brilliant group of colleagues and am excited for the next chapter of my career.

What does success mean to you?

It is hard to articulate but I certainly feel successful when I am doing a great job for clients and colleagues whilst also feeling happy within myself. I always feel pretty successful when I read about deals that I have been involved with in the press, particularly when a CRI transaction has led to jobs and iconic brands being saved. 

Has this always been your view of success, or has it changed?

I probably used to think of success as a more binary concept (for example, passing my music exams at school or securing my training contract) but I now appreciate that success feels much better and bigger when it is a shared success amongst a team.

What would you class as the biggest achievement in your career so far?

Standout moments for me include acting on the sale of Agent Provocateur, the purchase of Patisserie Valerie and the High Court and Court of Appeal case involving MF Global UK.

How about a time when you felt less than confident?

I went on secondment for six months to the Bank of England’s legal directorate in 2017. I was thrown in at the deep end advising the Bank’s supervision and policy teams on critical PRA regulatory issues impacting the stability of the UK financial system. It was definitely one of those moments when I needed to take a deep breath, step outside my comfort zone and really challenge myself in order to enhance my skills and boost my career. 

What is your top tip for success?

When you have the opportunity to do something in your career that makes you feel nervous then my top tip is to take a deep breath, say yes and then speak to colleagues/clients/friends/family to work out what support you need!

And finally….what career advice would you give your 21 year old self?

Stop comparing yourself to other people and assuming they have everything figured out because they probably don’t!