The successful digital media lawyer calls for a greater understanding and appreciation of flexible working
Ex-BBC Worldwide Digital Media specialist Lucy Blick-Jones has recently joined the commercial team of Keystone Law.
What was your route into the profession?
I chose a law degree for a good mental workout and career options, studying English and German Law and German Language at The University of Liverpool and Humboldt University in Berlin. On graduation, I worked as a translator (not for me), then had a stint at Garden Court Chambers as a clerk’s assistant, which I really enjoyed. My heart lay in business and commerce rather than litigation, so after completing the LPC at Nottingham Law School, I undertook my training contract at Rowe and Maw (now Mayer Brown). One of my seats was in-house for a major client, so I saw how the role of an in-house lawyer mixes deal making, creating opportunities and business support. At about one year PQE, I joined EMI Music’s in–house team and really hit the ground running in a varied role: one day negotiating Robbie Williams’s contract, the next checking the office lease in light of car parking issues!
Next came an entrepreneurial stint with an ex-colleague setting up a music education business, a deal-making role which cemented my belief of a lawyer as facilitator rather than blocker.
In 2011, I joined the commercial subsidiary of the BBC, BBC Worldwide, in their Digital and Technology Team. Digital is the future of media, and it was exciting to be at the forefront, working for arguably the most recognisable broadcaster in the world.
Now I’m at Keystone Law, which itself caused a revolution in legal working and I haven’t looked back.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Trying to balance the roles of lawyer and mother. I worked full-time after my first daughter was born and when no 2 came along, we’d moved to the country. When a long commute was added to the mix, I knew it was time to go back to the drawing-board. Working for Keystone Law allows me to get the best of both worlds.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
I can’t decide between two awesome females! During my second training seat, I sat with Fiona Adams, now a co-manager at the London office of Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP. Fiona’s energy, attention to detail and organisation of huge corporate transactions was a master class for me during my training. Fiona gave me some fantastic opportunities at the start of my career for which I will always be grateful. More recently, I’ve been inspired by Sarah Sparkes, the director of legal in the UK for BBC Worldwide. She has a calm, can-do attitude and the kind of intelligent perception that can quickly find a solution to any problem. She’s a working mother who’s honest about the balancing required whilst climbing the corporate ladder.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
If I was 18 again and choosing a different route, I might become a psychiatrist as I am fascinated by people and what makes them tick.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Easy, Martha Costello from Silk.
What change would you make to the profession?
Get rid of the misconception that part-time working means a lack of ambition and commitment leading to a lack of opportunity. Men and women should be able to fulfill their potential without needing to be present in an office every week day into the evening.
How do you relax?
With Monty Don and a glass of wine on a Friday night. In my garden at the weekend. Cycling and running first thing.
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