Team Story – Emily Cliffe
The culture here is very inclusive and supportive. Everyone is approachable, from Partners to colleagues in other offices.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself start and what department you work in?
A. I’m Emily Cliffe, and I am a Trainee Solicitor in the Wills, Trusts and Estates Team at Butcher & Barlow.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. Every day is different, which I love. It can involve drafting Wills, meeting with clients to discuss estate planning, or helping someone navigate the loss of a loved one. I also visit people who might be in hospital or care homes to ensure their financial and legal matters are in order. It’s a mix of technical work and being there for people during difficult times.
Q. What drew you to private client work? Did you always know this was what you wanted to do?
A. Honestly, I didn’t set out to work in this area of law – it was personal experience that drew me in. A family member had dementia, and our family went through some tough challenges when it came to their care and finances. They didn’t have a lasting power of attorney in place, and my mum had to go through the difficult and stressful process of obtaining a deputyship order. That experience showed me how important proper planning can be, and it inspired me to help other families avoid similar difficulties.
Q. Do you think it takes a certain type of person to do this work?
A. Definitely. You have to be empathetic and patient, especially because you’re often working with people who are grieving or facing difficult situations. It’s about understanding what they’re going through and being there to guide them.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your background?
A. I’m from Stoke-on-Trent – my accent probably gives that away! I went to Aston University, where I completed my law degree in 2018. After that, I worked as a legal secretary for six months before starting my LPC, which I did part-time while working full-time. It was tough balancing night school and work, but it was the best route for me.
Q. That sounds like a challenging path. Did you find it difficult balancing work and study?
A. It was tricky at times, but I’ve been working since I was 14, so I was used to juggling responsibilities. But it taught me resilience and how to manage my time.
Q. Have you always wanted to be a Lawyer?
A. Yes, I’ve always been drawn to subjects like History and English, which tied in well with studying law. I’ve also always enjoyed helping people and problem-solving, which fits perfectly with Private Client work. I even worked as a care worker at one point, so I think that caring side of me naturally aligns with this area of law.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your role?
A. I love the variety. Even though it’s all under the umbrella of Private Client work, every case and every client is unique. I also really enjoy building relationships with clients and being able to make a positive difference during challenging times.
Q. What’s it like working at Butcher & Barlow?
A. It’s great. The Firm provides fantastic support for graduates. For example, we have monthly meetings with the Training Partner, Anthony Higham, where we get constructive feedback and discuss our progress, which is so useful and makes you feel valued. There’s also a real focus on giving us responsibility early on, so we get hands-on experience and can see cases through from start to finish.
Q. How would you describe the workplace culture?
A. The culture here is very inclusive and supportive. Everyone is approachable, from Partners to colleagues in other offices. There’s a real sense of teamwork, and even though we work across multiple offices, there’s a lot of collaboration. The Firm also organises social events like Young Lawyer outings, summer parties, and payday lunches. They really help you get to know everyone and feel part a bigger team.
Q. What are your future goals?
A. I’d love to progress within the Firm. Butcher & Barlow has a great track record of promoting from within, and many of the current Partners started here. It’s inspiring to see that kind of career progression, and I hope to follow a similar path.
Q. How do you find the work-life balance?
A. It’s really good. The Firm doesn’t expect you to work late into the night, and there’s a genuine focus on maintaining a healthy balance. Of course, I sometimes put in extra hours because I’m conscientious, but that’s more about my personal work style than any pressure from the Firm.
Q. Finally, what makes Butcher & Barlow stand out as a place to work?
A. I think it’s the supportive environment and the opportunities for growth. The Firm values its staff and provides great perks, like health insurance and a day off for your birthday. The fact that so many people stay here long-term says a lot about the culture and the opportunities available. It’s a great place to learn, grow, and build a career while working in an environment that genuinely cares about its people.
Q. Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in law or joining Butcher & Barlow?
A. My advice would be not to overlook regional firms like Butcher & Barlow. You’ll often get much more hands-on experience and responsibility than you might at a big city firm. Also, try to get as much practical experience whilst you are studying as possible, even if it’s just a week or two here and there – it all adds up and shows your commitment to the profession.
My three words to describe Butcher & Barlow are: refreshing, down-to-earth and approachable.