The Pemberton Greenish senior partner looks forward to the challenge of her new role
Property specialist Kerry Glanville has recently been elected as senior partner of Pemberton Greenish.
What was your route into the profession?
None of my family or friends went from school into further education. I would not have done so but for an inspirational English teacher who encouraged me to take “A” Levels and apply for a place at university. In fact, it was a comprehension test about the practice of law from a solicitor’s perspective that made me think it might be an interesting career choice.
What has been your biggest career challenge?
I am about to embark on it! The firm was first established in 1775 so I will be the latest in a long list of senior partners but the first female in the role. This reflects well on the gender balance in the firm at all levels. I look forward to the challenge of meeting the needs of our clients and investing in our people whilst maintaining our culture in a turbulent and uncertain business environment.
Which person in the legal profession inspires you most?
Baroness Hale of Richmond. She has a career which has taken her to the very top, littered with “firsts” for women in the English legal profession.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I would probably have tried to pursue a career in journalism; I have always been interested in politics and current affairs, a scene which has been far from dull or predictable over the last year or so. I will be following closely negotiations on the terms on which we exit the EU.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Rumpole of the Bailey. There are plenty of flamboyant fictional US lawyers but Rumpole stands out for me. Scruffy, careworn, occasionally cantankerous and not in the least interested in promotion to the bench, he is an appealing character. His strict code of ethics is apparent in every episode where he defends (but never prosecutes) sometimes questionable characters without prejudging their innocence or guilt.
What change would you make to the practice of law?
As a litigator I would abolish costs shifting. If the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary are serious about reducing/controlling costs incurred in connection with proceedings in the civil courts they could achieve this at a stoke by doing away with costs budgets, costs summaries and detailed assessments of costs. There are other jurisdictions which do not operate costs shifting; we should follow their example.
How do you relax?
Gardening, bee-keeping, fly fishing when I get the chance and spending time in Pembrokeshire with my highland cows.
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