Could you give us a brief background to your education?

I studied law in Cardiff largely because I knew Cardiff relatively well as my family had spent some time living there. I took the standard LLB law course and after graduating I went to the College of Law in Guildford, Surrey to do what was the equivalent of the LPC back in 1983-84.

Did you always aspire to be a lawyer, and if so, why did you choose to be a solicitor?

I had always aspired to become a solicitor since I was at school aged 14. I started my career in a small firm in Oxford called Marshall and Galpin. I then applied for a transfer to Herbert Smith who agreed to receive my transferred Articles.

What aspect of your education has been most relevant to your career?

When I started it helped that I had done a law degree, it was a tough degree which required a lot of hard work in understanding the law and cases. As a trainee and article clerk I developed strong work ethics as it can be a tough job requiring long hours and real dedication to one’s work, especially to the clients.

Could you tell us about what your role as Corporate Partner and Graduate Recruitment Partner?

I have been a Corporate Partner for over 15 years and have been at Herbert Smith for over 25 years. I worked in Hong Kong for a year from 1986-87 and I also headed up an Italian Practice, doing a lot of Italian-related work. For a time I was also in Singapore where I worked as a managing partner for South East Asia from 2001-04. I am the Graduate Recruitment Partner so each day something comes up like interviewing someone for a vacation scheme.

At the moment, my big geographic focus is India; I chair our India group and spend a week each month working there. This involves conducting lectures at some law schools in India and meeting clients and contacts in the evenings.

What qualities prepared you for such a varied career?

A lot of the general qualities needed as a lawyer include the ability to assimilate and process large amounts of information and to make sense of it. Being organised and prepared is also very important as you will need to plan ahead and structure everything efficiently. I find that these skills are interchangeable across any field of law. The ability to work hard and be creative has also been relevant to whatever broad range of responsibilities I’ve taken up over the years.

What is the most fulfilling/challenging aspect of being a Corporate Lawyer?

The most fulfilling aspect is helping the firm develop and grow in India, which is a relatively green site. This is coupled with my graduate recruitment role, I enjoy interrelating and interfacing with students. I enjoy talking to them about what they need to look out for in terms of a career post university.
It is a demanding job and no one should take up law lightly both in terms of the nature of the job and its intellectual challenge. It can be a stressful and challenging existence and people should understand that coming into law.

How do you believe corporate lawyers and corporate firms are performing in regards to social causes and social justice?

They’ve transformed themselves in the last ten years in terms of a genuine desire to want to help in the communities in which they operate. I don’t know what the number is but in London alone over half of staff will be involved in a range of corporate social activities.

Do you think it is practical for young lawyers/graduates to commit to social causes?

I think it is. I think that it is an important aspect of this job that they have an opportunity to go and work in a free legal advice clinic or citizens advice bureau. The skills needed to help somebody with a relatively straightforward legal question are just the sort of skills you need to help somebody with a complicated legal question.

Do you think the present economic climate should be a disincentive for anyone intending to join the profession?In the 25 years that I’ve been in practice there haven’t been issues with talented people getting jobs within the law. My sense is that overall there are still great opportunities for law students coming out university to go into law. I think that law is something that people should consider studying at university with a view to getting a job in the profession.

What qualities do you look for in the graduates you recruit?

We want people who are academically gifted because this is an intellectually challenging job. Consistent academic achievement is important. Social skills are also important as you’re going to be spending time with a lot of clients and it is important that they are able to get along well with you. To be able to communicate very complicated issues and facts in a coherent and clear manner is important. Lastly, you have to be very adept at working hard and working under stress.

What is the most important piece of advice you’d give to any law students aspiring to enter the legal profession?

Before applying, you need to have thought through what the job entails and whether you have the skills I have mentioned above. When recruiting, I look at GCSE grades and A-level grades because I want to see that people have been consistent. You will need to demonstrate an all round commitment and willingness to just get on and do things because that’s what this job requires. This is not just a reactive job, it’s a very proactive one and therefore we’re looking for people who can prove they have this skill.

Walker Syachalinga is in the third year of a Law LLB