Team Story – Jade Kay
The Firm’s appreciation gestures, like payday lunches, are great for bringing everyone together and showing that we’re valued too.
Q: Can you tell us who you are and a bit about what you do and what a typical day looks like for you?
A: I’m Jade Kay, a Family and Private Client Solicitor. I specialise in Wills, trusts, estates, tax planning, lasting powers of attorney, and private Family Law, including divorce, finances, and children’s cases. My day is incredibly varied. I might spend one day taking instructions from a client and drafting documents, and the next, I could be in court shadowing one of our Partners in a family case or attending a conference at a Barrister’s chambers. It’s never the same day twice, which keeps things interesting. I also supervise Sophie, a newly qualified Solicitor in the Wills, trusts and estates Team.
Q: Do you enjoy the variety in your role?
A: Absolutely, that’s why I wanted to take on some Family Law work in addition to my Wills, trusts and estates work. One minute I’m drafting a Will, and the next, I’m in court. The variety keeps me well-rounded and better positioned to give detailed advice in specific situations. The two areas of law I practice often interlink, such as advising someone on updating their Will post-divorce.
Q: You’ve mentioned mentoring newly qualified Solicitors. Is that something you enjoy?
A: Yes, I really enjoy it. I get a lot of job satisfaction from helping others develop, and I think it helps with my own development too. Having trained here myself, I know what it’s like to be a Junior Lawyer and what support is needed. Training others also helps me identify areas I can improve on, and there’s always someone more experienced to ask if needed. It’s a nice chain and a really supportive environment.
Q: Is there a lot of collaboration between teams at Butcher & Barlow?
A: Absolutely, collaboration is key here. We have a great departmental structure with people at all levels, always just a phone call or email away. If I need support outside my specialism, there’s always someone within the Firm who can help. Internal referrals are common, and it’s a very thorough system, which benefits both the clients and us.
Q: Trainees are given quite a lot of responsibility early on here. How does that compare to other firms?
A: I trained here and have also worked at a couple of other law firms. The responsibility given early on at Butcher & Barlow is significant compared to other places. Here, you’re allowed to try being a Solicitor from day one with support around you. You’re not micromanaged and are encouraged to have responsibility from day one, but with the reassurance that there is always support around you if needed. The exposure you’re given here boosts your confidence and competence early in your career.
Q: Did you always want to be a Lawyer?
A: I actually wanted to be an actress on Emmerdale and there is possible still time for a career switch….! But seriously, I think I always wanted to be a Lawyer. There is a picture of me when I was little that my mum has, and I’ve got a Barristers wig on, so I think the idea was always there. I suppose really why I wanted to do it is I just wanted to be able to help people out and interpret legal matters and assist them during times of need. The law and legalities of transactions can be quite complex if you don’t have the experience or knowledge, particularly for lay people. I really wanted to use my skillset so that the complex matters that people sometimes have to deal with can become more understandable. Divorce, family difficulties, bereavement etc are some of the most difficult things people have to go through even before you add in the complexities of the law. I wanted to try and take away some of this burden for people so they can focus on the emotional elements, and I can deal with the legal formalities. I gain a lot from knowing I have made a difference to people’s lives.
Q: How do you achieve a work-life balance?
A: I really enjoy my free time and the Firm supports that balance. You’re not expected to burn the midnight oil. We have great support and administrative staff and a supportive team if you feel overwhelmed. The Firm’s appreciation gestures, like payday lunches, are great for bringing everyone together and showing that we’re valued too.
Q: What are your career ambitions?
A: I aim to progress to Associate and eventually Partner at Butcher & Barlow. I want to be successful in my job, make a difference in my local community, and enjoy my family time at home.
Q: Do you have any advice for those considering a career in law?
A: Don’t underestimate the power of networking and getting yourself out there early. I got my Training contract by doing unpaid work experience during university. Hard work and determination will get you there, and as long as you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards will follow. Also, don’t drop your drama A-level – you might be quite good at it and end up on Emmerdale!
My three words to describe Butcher & Barlow are: personable, supportive and collaborative.