What was your route into the profession?
I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer from age 15, which is when I first started to work at school! I read law at Exeter University and I was articled at Wansbroughs in Bristol which is now part of Beachcrofts. I joined Browne Jacobson’s Nottingham office on qualification for what was meant to be a two-year period, but I enjoyed my time there so much that I have never left. I have spent 34 years at Browne Jacobson, although I now work in London where I am co-head of the office.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
I have had numerous challenges over my career; I think that’s what makes the legal profession so interesting. My most recent challenge was working with DPD, the parcel carrier, on their ground-breaking Driver Code. I turned up for a meeting with the CEO and was told: ‘You’re not leaving until you’ve written this Code!’
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Over the course of my career I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing people. Two people have had a profound influence on my career: my father, John Eden, senior partner at Bevan Ashford who taught me about fairness and integrity; and my friend and partner, the late David Hibbert who gave me my first job at Browne Jacobson and was instrumental in my development as a lawyer.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I love swimming and I am a non-executive director of SwimEngland, the national governing body. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching children to swim and of course it is an essential life skill. It really hit home when I visited Sri Lanka last year and learned that in the 2004 tsunami, 80% of those who drowned were women and children. Sadly, one million people drown worldwide each year. If we can teach our children to swim, we can start to see this number fall.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I don’t read books or watch TV programmes about lawyers. I recently went to speak to a class of 13-year-olds about becoming a lawyer and they wanted to know whether my job was just like the lawyers on Suits. Maybe I need to get up to speed.
What change would you make to the profession?
There is still much to be done on diversity and inclusion. With more women coming into the profession than men, we need to ensure that the profession offers women the careers they want.
How do you relax?
Apart from swimming, I am lucky enough to own a house in the Languedoc and whenever I can, I go out there and get cycling.
Caroline Green is the co-head of the retail and logistics group at national firm Browne Jacobson, and co-heads its London office. She has been elected as its next senior partner, and will serve a three-year term from 1 May 2019.
