What was your route into the profession?
No female in my family’s history before me had ever had qualifications or a profession as such, albeit hard work was a key feature of them all. I started a business degree with a law option and soon found a love for the law and litigation in particular. So, I completed the law degree elements and solicitors’ finals. I do have a marketing degree and have actually found that of real benefit in my career as a lawyer.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
I qualified in the early 1990s. I was female and gay. I don’t think there could have been a greater challenge for me, looking back. Both weren’t really a great opportunity career-wise! It was hard to be yourself. But it has made me the person I am today, with an empathy for others who felt different to the traditional stereotypes... and difference is what makes us all successful!
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
It may sound cheesy but it’s my colleagues. They inspire me every day to go out and do my best for our firm. It’s fundamental to our core values and our DNA here at Kennedys. We are proud of that.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a stand-up comedienne. It was my dream. You should always try and find a job that you love, and I loved comedy. I did achieve it for a brief period, but it certainly didn’t pay the bills! So I became a lawyer—and I am still laughing about that now!
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I love theatre and drama. My all-time favourite actress is Maxine Peak. I also love to switch off and watch TV dramas on the box. So, to that extent, it would have to be her character in Silk!
What change would you make to the profession?
The law is too traditional, and so I am so proud to see so many female partners now at the table and in senior leadership positions. However, I would still like to see more emphasis on intersectionality within the industry and greater leadership representation within that. Aligned to that is access to our profession. We are very proud of our apprentice scheme in Kennedys, which has opened opportunities to a wider group. As a profession we need to do more to encourage all into the law, not the few.
How do you relax?
I have always been a keen runner and still run most days. I find it incredibly relaxing and its where I do my thinking. I travel a lot and so it’s also a quick way to visit cities when you only have an hour spare!
Suzanne Liversidge was recently appointed as the first global managing partner of Kennedys
