Staff Experience – Ann-Marie Bowman

What do you enjoy about your role at Rothera Bray?

I like the variety of the work I deal with. The combination of fee earning (in which no two days are the same), and being Chair is hard to balance but I enjoy the diversity. It can be challenging but there’s also a lot of satisfaction in being able to tick things off the list.  Also as Chair I have an overview of everything we are doing and an understanding of where the firm is going; there’s an element of planning for the future and making decisions on the back of changes.

What would you describe as the key benefits of working here?

I have a strong work ethic but the firm follows the ethos that it is important to have a good work-life balance. In today’s fast paced world of constant emails, it’s even more important that people do not work overly long hours. Another benefit is that despite the firm becoming a lot larger in recent years due to our merger in 2016, it still has the feel of a small firm in terms of relationships with colleagues and how friendly everyone is.

How does working here differ to other environments you have worked in?

You feel like an individual who is valued; although a key part of a solicitor’s role is to earn fees for the firm, that is not the only thing that you’re judged on at Rothera Bray, and I think that’s an aspect that distinguishes us from other firms. Staff are rewarded when they perform well as we have a bonus scheme in place.  We want to look after our people and some of the ways we do this are through staff benefits and organising social events.

I joined the firm when I was three years’ qualified and I have been able to progress to associate, partner, Managing Partner and Chair.  I was also supported with my aim to complete my Children’s Law Accreditation.  Staff are valued and we want to assist them in their progression by giving them opportunities for their personal development and completing qualifications.

How would you describe the culture here?

It’s like a family, it’s friendly and the partners are approachable. I think the firm takes on board observations and tries to put better procedures and approaches in place. Since the merger the firm has become more forward-thinking in terms of IT, green initiatives, and recruitment and growth.

Despite our legacy we can’t stand still and are keeping abreast of changes around us and in doing so are becoming more innovative and strategic in our planning. The merger was a big event for us, but I think with the recent rebrand to Rothera Bray as well we’ve now found our identity as a firm.

If you could pick a highlight of your career here so far, what would it be?

When I was admitted on to the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation.  I think I would have had the same opportunity at my previous firm but it might have taken longer as there were other things they considered more important and wanted me to focus on. Being able to complete this accreditation was recognition of the experience I gained, and it opened doors to me being able to represent children. Being involved in the management of the firm has also been huge for me and offered many opportunities.

Any other thoughts to share on what it’s like to work at Rothera Bray?

I think that as a firm we offer a diverse range of services yet we still have very close-knit teams. Our staff in our branches feel included as part of a bigger network.

Having solid foundations and good teams that support people means that you’re able to bounce ideas off each other, and no matter how qualified you are sometimes it can really help to get another person’s advice or opinion.