“We are very excited to announce, that our firm’s Nathalie Speakman, has qualified as a Solicitor!
Nathalie has been with us for almost three years, and we have seen her go from strength to strength in her work.
Nathalie is a Solicitor within our Family Law department and works closely with Jennifer Worcester, Head of the Family Department and Partner.
In recognition of Nathalie’s accomplishment, we thought it would be a great time to share with you some info on our bright enthusiastic member of our team.
Spotlight on Nathalie Speakman
What is the most memorable moment of your life so far? Buying my first house.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?It would be pretty cool speaking to Martin Luther King, or Rosa Parks and hearing about their fight for the civil rights of black people.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? From my Law Tutor at college, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.
What is the best piece of advice you can give that you have learned whilst working in the legal profession? Persevere, even through difficult times. I started my first job in a Law Firm at the age of 19, and worked in the administration department. There have been many challenges along the way, and a lot of having to prove myself – but I managed to get there in the end!
How do you feel now you have qualified as a Solicitor? That (more-or-less) anything is possible.
How do you unwind and relax after a long day? Snuggles with my dog, Reuben, and going to the gym.
What is one skill or hobby you've always wanted to learn but haven't had the chance to yet? When I was really young I used to go horse riding, so I would like to get back into that one day… and to learn Greek!
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why? Growing up, I would go to Sanibel, Florida with my parents, every-other-year. I would love to be back on Sanibel beach, with an iced coffee, reading a book and watching my Dad fishing.
What is one thing you're grateful for today? The support that I have from my family and friends.
Who has been the biggest influence on your work life and why? That would be my boss, Jennifer Worcester – she’s supportive, understanding and encouraging! Plus a fab lawyer! She’s my mentor at work (and sometimes my personal life). Also, my parents. They have an incredible work ethic.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and how would you use it? I have no idea. I don’t have the imagination to come with an answer for that. Perhaps the gift of time travel so I could go back and experience my favourite memories, again.
What is the most challenging thing you've ever done, and what did you learn from it? Going to Law School. Perseverance. Also, being super intelligent does not necessarily mean you will be a strong lawyer. Being passionate counts for a lot.
What is your favourite quote and why does it resonate with you? “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” – because it applies to anything and everything. Whether it is preparing for a court hearing, or preparing a meal.
How do you define success in your own life? Having a career that enables me to support myself financially and also being surrounded by loved ones.
What is one thing you would change about the world if you had the power to do so? I wish I could say something deep and meaningful here – but I’m going to go with – improve the cost of living situation!
What is your go-to way to overcome obstacles or setbacks? Reminding myself that challenges and obstacles are part of life. Some things are not meant to be, and that is okay. Although, being a control freak it can be frustrating at times.
What is the most interesting thing you've learned recently? I am forever learning new things about people and my work. My clients are very diverse in many different ways. It is interesting to experience how others deal with going through such awful and difficult times. I often find it encouraging and inspiring how strong people can be.
If you could have a conversation with your future self, what advice would you give yourself? Live in the moment, and enjoy being young(er).
What is a goal or dream you have for the next five years? To make partner and to have a Jaguar F-Pace.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting their career? If you are not 100% sure about having a career in law, it is not for you. It is not something you can do half-heartedly.
Thanks, Nathalie!
Nathalie and Jennifer are very experienced Matrimonial Lawyers, and together they make a wonderful team.
Our Family Law Solicitors deal with a wide variety of family issues, from divorce and matrimonial finances to child arrangements and cohabitation disputes; to name a few.
If you are going through a difficult time at the moment concerning a family law matter, please contact our Family Law department and ask for Nathalie or Jennifer for a free 30 minute telephone consultation. Please contact 0161 763 1000 or [email protected] to arrange your free appointment today.